How to Stop OneDrive from Opening on Startup

Stopping OneDrive from opening on startup on Windows is a relatively simple process. You just have to follow any of these methods mentioned in this article, and you will be able to do it in no time.

As a tech enthusiast and an avid Windows user, I can confidently say that having a lot of items on the startup hinders performance. That’s why it’s essential to learn how to turn off some applications, such as OneDrive. 

In this article, you will find different ways to stop OneDrive from opening on startup, along with a step-by-step guide. 

If you are new to computers, try Method 1, 2, or 3;  If you are an advanced user, try Method 4 or 5.

Method 1: Disable OneDrive at Startup from Task Manager

Step 1: Open Task Manager. You can search ‘Task Manager’ on the search bar or right-click on the Toolbar and select ‘Task Manager.’

Step 2: Navigate to the Startup tab from the Task Manager window.

Step 3: Find Microsoft OneDrive and right-click it from the startup application list. Then hit the Disable option.

That’s it. Now you’ve learned the easiest and quickest method to disable Microsoft OneDrive at startup.

Method 2: Disable OneDrive at Startup from Windows Settings

Step 1: Open Settings. You can do that from the Start Menu, click the Settings icon.

Step 2: Click on the Apps option.

Step 3: Select Startup.

Step 4: Find Microsoft OneDrive and turn off the toggle.

There are no more steps, and now you’ve learned how to Disable Microsoft OneDrive at Startup from Windows Settings.

Method 3: Stop It from OneDrive App Settings

Step 1: Click the OneDrive icon at the Taskbar. Click the Gear Icon and then press Settings from the dropdown menu.

Step 2: Navigate to the Settings tab.

Step 3: Under the General section, uncheck the ‘Start OneDrive automatically when I sign in to Windows option. Then press the OK button, and the changes will take effect immediately.

Method 4: Using Command Prompt (CMD)

Step 1: Open the Command Prompt or CMD as an Administrator. Search CMD in the file explorer, then on the right side, select the Run as Administrator option.

Step 2: It will ask for permission if you want the CMD to perform changes to your device. Click Yes.

Copy the command below and paste it in the command line, and press Enter to run it. If the command is completed, you will see a message in the following line saying that the operation was completed successfully.

The Command you need to enter is this:

reg delete “HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run” /f /v “OneDrive”

That’s it. Now you’ve learned how to disable Microsoft OneDrive at startup from Command Prompt CMD. 

Method 5: From Group Policy Editor

Step 1: Open the RUN dialog box. You can do that by searching RUN on the file explorer or by pressing the shortcut WIN & R.

Step 2: Type gpedit.msc and press the OK button. That command will open the Group Policy Editor.

Step 3: Navigate from Computer Configuration to Administrative Templates and then to Windows Components.

Step 4: Search for a folder named OneDrive and select it. 

Step 5: Double-click on the Prevent the usage of OneDrive for file storage option. 

Step 6: In that new window, you will find three options on the left side: ‘ Not Configured,’ ‘Enabled,’ and ‘Disabled.’ Select the radio button ‘Enabled’ and click the OK button at the bottom to save the settings.

This method it’s going to disable OneDrive from your PC completely. If you want to re-enable it, follow the steps again, and in the last one, select ‘Not Configured.’

Additional Tip: How to Remove OneDrive from Navigation Panel

Once you remove OneDrive from startup, you’re still going to see its icons and folder in the navigation panel of your File Explorer. Removing it from the navigation panel is straightforward, simply follow the guide below.

Step 1: Open the RUN dialog box. Type ‘regedit’ and press the OK button to run the command.

Step 2: When the Registry Editor opens, navigate to the following key:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{018D5C66-4533-4307-9B53-224DE2ED1FE6}

(Use the Find feature CTRL & F to locate it quickly.)

Step 3: Double-click the System.IsPinnedToNameSpaceTree option.

Step 4: Change the value to 0 and press the OK button.

That’s it. Now the OneDrive folder will no longer show up on your Navigation Panel.

Closing Thoughts

I hope this article has helped you disable Microsoft OneDrive at startup, and as you saw, it’s not complicated. However, you must know which method suits your needs best.