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Remove OneDrive user data and synced folders

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Works with Windows 10 and 11Works with Windows Vista, XP, 7, 8, 10, 11, and Windows Server 2008 or newer.
  • Windows onlyThis script improves your privacy on Windows
  • Single actionThis page belongs to a script, containing basic changes to achieve a task.
  • Impact: Medium

    System Functionality / Data Loss Risk: Moderate

    This action improves privacy with minimal impact when you run the recommended script.

    This action improves privacy with some impact when you run the recommended script.
  • Batch (batchfile)These changes use Windows system commands to update your settings.
  • Administrator rights requiredThis script requires privilege access to do the system changes
  • Fully reversible

    You can fully restore this action (revert back to the original behavior) using this website.

    The restore/revert methods provided here can help you fix issues.

Overview​

This script deletes the OneDrive directory and all stored data from your profile.

OneDrive usually saves your data in the %USERPROFILE%\OneDrive directory 1 2, also known as the OneDrive folder or OneDrive root directory 2. By default, OneDrive stores user data in folder called OneDrive 1. For multiple accounts, files may be in OneDrive - Personal or OneDrive - CompanyName folders 1 3.

OneDrive can synchronize default Windows folders like Documents, Pictures, Music, and Desktop 4 5 6 7. These folders are known as user shell folders 6 or Windows system folders 7. Upon synchronization, these folders are moved within the OneDrive user data directory 5 8.

Users may enable this synchronization unknowingly during Windows setup by choosing Save files to OneDrive option 9 10. Alternatively, synchronization can be enabled later through OneDrive settings 4. OneDrive may also prompt users to set up protection of important folders 11, a feature also referred to as protect your folders or Known Folder Move (KFM) 11. Additionally, an organization may move files of their managed computers to OneDrive using methods such as the Windows Folder Redirection Group Policy 8.

This script contains safeguards to protect against unintended consequences:

  1. System Integrity Protection:

    The script verifies if any user shell folders are linked to the OneDrive directory. This is crucial as redirecting these folders to OneDrive can cause system integrity issues. For instance, if the Desktop folder is redirected to OneDrive, deleting the OneDrive folder could make the Desktop inaccessible. The script stops and warns if any user shell folders are found within OneDrive.

    💡 Move these folders back to their original locations using the HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders registry key 6 before proceeding.

  2. Data Loss Prevention:

    The script avoids deleting files or non-empty directories to prevent accidental data loss.

    💡 Manually empty these directories before running the script or opt to delete them afterward if needed.

The OneDrive folder has been confirmed to exist in modern versions of Windows, tested since Windows 11 (since 22H2) and Windows 10 (since 22H2).

Use with Caution

This script is only recommended if you understand its implications.

Some non-critical or features may no longer function correctly after running this script.

This script can be fully reversed to restore changes if something goes wrong.

Sources
PrivacyLearn.com maintains strict sourcing standards for accuracy, integrity and up-to-date content. Our content relies on authoritative sources including vendor documentation, industry standards, and verified research. Learn more about our verification process and quality standards in our editorial standards page.

Apply Now​

Choose one of three ways to apply:

Download script​

Download and run the script directly
  • No app needed
  • Offline usage
  • Easy-to-apply
  • Free
  • Open-source
Help

How to apply or restore "Remove OneDrive user data and synced folders" using script​

  • ≈ 2 min to complete
  • Tools: Web Browser
  • Difficulty: Simple
  • ≈ 5 instructions
  1. 1

    Download

    Download the script file by clicking on the   Apply protection  button above.
    Use   Undo protection button above to restore changes.
  2. 2

    Keep the file

    If warned by your browser, keep the file.
  3. 3

    Open

    Open the downloaded file.
  4. 4

    Exit

    Once it's done, press any key to exit the window.
  5. 5

    Restart

    Restart your computer for all changes to take effect.

Apply with privacy.sexy​

Guided, automated application with safety checks
  • Recommended for most users
  • Includes safety checks
  • Free
  • Open-source
  • Popular
  • Offline/Online usage
Open privacy.sexy
Help

How to apply or restore "Remove OneDrive user data and synced folders" using privacy.sexy​

  • ≈ 3 min to complete
  • Tools: privacy.sexy
  • Difficulty: Simple
  • ≈ 4 instructions
privacy.sexy is free and open-source application that lets securely apply this action easily with more advanced options.
  1. 1

    Open or download

    Open or download the desktop application
  2. 2

    Choose script

    1. Search for the script name: Remove OneDrive user data and synced folders
    2. Check the script by clicking on the checkbox.
  3. 3

    Run

    Click on ▶️ Run button at the bottom of the page.

    This button only appears on desktop version (recommended). On browser, use 💾 Save button.

Run commands​

Copy and run commands manually Requires technical knowledge
Apply changes
:: Delete directory  : "%USERPROFILE%\OneDrive*"
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$pathGlobPattern = "^""$($directoryGlob = '%USERPROFILE%\OneDrive*'; if (-Not $directoryGlob.EndsWith('\')) { $directoryGlob += '\' }; $directoryGlob )"^""; $expandedPath = [System.Environment]::ExpandEnvironmentVariables($pathGlobPattern); Write-Host "^""Searching for items matching pattern: `"^""$($expandedPath)`"^""."^""; $deletedCount = 0; $failedCount = 0; $oneDriveUserFolderPattern = [System.Environment]::ExpandEnvironmentVariables('%USERPROFILE%\OneDrive') + '*'; while ($true) { <# Loop to control the execution of the subsequent code #>; try { $userShellFoldersRegistryPath = 'HKCU:\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders'; if (-not (Test-Path $userShellFoldersRegistryPath)) { Write-Output "^""Skipping verification: The registry path for user shell folders is missing: `"^""$userShellFoldersRegistryPath`"^"""^""; break; }; $userShellFoldersRegistryKeys = Get-ItemProperty -Path $userShellFoldersRegistryPath; $userShellFoldersEntries = @($userShellFoldersRegistryKeys.PSObject.Properties); if ($userShellFoldersEntries.Count -eq 0) { Write-Warning "^""Skipping verification: No entries found for user shell folders in the registry: `"^""$userShellFoldersRegistryPath`"^"""^""; break; }; Write-Output "^""Initiating verification: Checking if any of the ${userShellFoldersEntries.Count} user shell folders point to the OneDrive user folder pattern ($oneDriveUserFolderPattern)."^""; $userShellFoldersInOneDrive = @(); foreach ($registryEntry in $userShellFoldersEntries) { $userShellFolderName = $registryEntry.Name; $userShellFolderPath = $registryEntry.Value; if (!$userShellFolderPath) { Write-Output "^""Skipping: The user shell folder `"^""$userShellFolderName`"^"" does not have a defined path."^""; continue; }; $expandedUserShellFolderPath = [System.Environment]::ExpandEnvironmentVariables($userShellFolderPath); if(-not ($expandedUserShellFolderPath -like $oneDriveUserFolderPattern)) { continue; }; $userShellFoldersInOneDrive += [PSCustomObject]@{ Name = $userShellFolderName;  Path = $expandedUserShellFolderPath }; }; if ($userShellFoldersInOneDrive.Count -gt 0) { $warningMessage = 'To keep your computer running smoothly, OneDrive user folder will not be deleted.'; $warningMessage += "^""`nIt's being used by the OS as a user shell directory for the following folders:"^""; $userShellFoldersInOneDrive.ForEach( { $warningMessage += "^""`n- $($_.Name): $($_.Path)"^""; }); Write-Warning $warningMessage; exit 0; }; Write-Output "^""Successfully verified that none of the $($userShellFoldersEntries.Count) user shell folders point to the OneDrive user folder pattern."^""; break; } catch { Write-Warning "^""An error occurred during verification of user shell folders. Skipping prevent potential issues. Error: $($_.Exception.Message)"^""; exit 0; }; }; $foundAbsolutePaths = @(); Write-Host 'Iterating files and directories recursively.'; try { $foundAbsolutePaths += @(; Get-ChildItem -Path $expandedPath -Force -Recurse -ErrorAction Stop | Select-Object -ExpandProperty FullName; ); } catch [System.Management.Automation.ItemNotFoundException] { <# Swallow, do not run `Test-Path` before, it's unreliable for globs requiring extra permissions #>; }; try { $foundAbsolutePaths += @(; Get-Item -Path $expandedPath -ErrorAction Stop | Select-Object -ExpandProperty FullName; ); } catch [System.Management.Automation.ItemNotFoundException] { <# Swallow, do not run `Test-Path` before, it's unreliable for globs requiring extra permissions #>; }; $foundAbsolutePaths = $foundAbsolutePaths | Select-Object -Unique | Sort-Object -Property { $_.Length } -Descending; if (!$foundAbsolutePaths) { Write-Host 'Skipping, no items available.'; exit 0; }; Write-Host "^""Initiating processing of $($foundAbsolutePaths.Count) items from `"^""$expandedPath`"^""."^""; foreach ($path in $foundAbsolutePaths) { try { if (Test-Path -Path $path -PathType Leaf) { Write-Warning "^""Retaining file `"^""$path`"^"" to safeguard your data."^""; continue; } elseif (Test-Path -Path $path -PathType Container) { if ((Get-ChildItem "^""$path"^"" -Recurse | Measure-Object).Count -gt 0) { Write-Warning "^""Preserving non-empty folder `"^""$path`"^"" to protect your files."^""; continue; }; }; } catch { Write-Warning "^""An error occurred while processing `"^""$path`"^"". Skipping to protect your data. Error: $($_.Exception.Message)"^""; continue; }; if (-not (Test-Path $path)) { <# Re-check existence as prior deletions might remove subsequent items (e.g., subdirectories). #>; Write-Host "^""Successfully deleted: $($path) (already deleted)."^""; $deletedCount++; continue; }; try { Remove-Item -Path $path -Force -Recurse -ErrorAction Stop; $deletedCount++; Write-Host "^""Successfully deleted: $($path)"^""; } catch { $failedCount++; Write-Warning "^""Unable to delete $($path): $_"^""; }; }; Write-Host "^""Successfully deleted $($deletedCount) items."^""; if ($failedCount -gt 0) { Write-Warning "^""Failed to delete $($failedCount) items."^""; }"
Help

How to apply or restore "Remove OneDrive user data and synced folders" using commands​

  • ≈ 2 min to complete
  • Tools: Command Prompt
  • Difficulty: Medium
  • ≈ 3 instructions
 View step-by-step guide with screenshots
  1. 1

    Open Command Prompt

    Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
  2. 2

    Copy code

    Copy the code:
    Copy Apply Code Copy Revert Code
  3. 3

    Paste & run

    Paste the commands into Command Prompt and press Enter to run.

    Some changes require a system restart to take effect

Similar Guides​

Wider Goal​

Guides below includes this guide to achieve a wider goal.

See other more general settings that includes this one as one of its actions.

These plans combine multiple privacy settings, including this one, for stronger protection.

Microsoft OneDrive (formerly SkyDrive) is a file hosting service operated by Microsoft. First launched in August 2007, it enables registered users to share and syn...
Visit category page

Same Goal​

Other guides in Remove OneDrive 

See settings that are in the same category as this guide.

Using other actions in the same category may help you achieve your goal better.

See all 10 guides

About the Creators​

These people have authored this documentation and written its scripts:

  • Avatar of undergroundwires. The creator of PrivacyLearn and privacy.sexy. Black and white portrait showing a person wearing a polka dot tie and suit jacket, reflecting the professional expertise behind the privacy protection tools.
    • Certified security professional
    • 7+ years experience securing banks
    • Open-source developer since 2005
    • EU advisor, Public Speaker, Moderator
    • Hundreds across the globe
    • Testers, reviewers, developers
    • Companies, military agencies
    • Community since 2017
About Us

Reviewed By​

This guide has undergone comprehensive auditing and peer review:

  • Expert review by undergroundwires​

    • Verified technical accuracy and editorial standards
    • Assessed system impact and user privacy risks

  • Public review by large community​

    • Privacy enthusiasts and professionals peer-reviewed
    • Millions of end-users tested across different environments

History​

We continually monitor our guides, their impact and all other privacy options. We update our guides when new information becomes available. On every update, we publicly store who made the change, what has been changed, why the change was made and when the change was made.

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