OneDrive - stop using but retain all files on PC

[curious]

I want to get rid of OneDrive but keep all the files on my PC. I have read that choosing Unlink in settings will NOT delete the files on the PC. Is this correct and does this apply to all dates or from the date of Unlinking?
Or, do you recommend another method for doing this?
Thank you

[HansV]

To be on the safe side, I'd move all documents to folders that aren't synced with OneDrive.

[curious]

Thank you, Hans. Unless there is some kind of macro to do this, I am afraid it would be very time consuming as there are many files involved.

[HansV]

You can move an entire folder structure by dragging the top folder.

[curious]

One more question on this: if I turn off Microsoft OneDrive in Startup apps, will this accomplish the same thing, keep files on PC only. Seems the most direct way to do this.
Thank you.

[RonH]

I deleted the One Drive App and all my records are kept on pc which I copy to external HD every month.
Read this:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/off ... fb09f944b0

[curious]

Thank you. Am getting up the nerve to do it....

[RonH]

Best to also take Hans advice above.

[curious]

Thank you Ron and Hans. Showing my ignorance, from where on OneDrive would I move Folders (Account/Choose Folder or Sync & Backup, Backup Folders on this PC) and to where on PC?
And, I don't understand what a 'top folder' is ('You can move an entire folder structure by dragging the top folder.')
As always, my thanks

[HansV]

Do you see OneDrive in File Explorer? It has a blue cloud icon:

S2497.png

In the screenshot below, my OneDrive folder "Hans - Personal" has several subfolders, such as in my case Afbeeldingen and Apps.

S2498.png

Each subfolder may have its own subfolders.
If I move (drag) Apps out of my OneDrive folder to another location, its subfolder(s) will automatically be moved too.
It is also possible to select multiple folders at the same level and move them in one go.

[curious]

Another question about unlinking, please:

Opened Word on iPhone from App Library and to my great surprise, when I clicked on it files from OneDrive were listed and I could open them, even tho I have “Ulinked this PC.”
Should I delete the Word App? And if I were to open the Word app again, would I still see those files?
(To make sure I did not download OneDrive to the iPhone, I went to App Store and it gave me option to download, thus I hadn't downloaded it.)
Thank you.

[HansV]

Did you move the documents out of OneDrive on your PC before or after unlinking the PC?

[curious]

Before unlinking, Hans

[HansV]

Oh. I'd have expected the documents to be gone from your iPhone too.
Weird...

[ChrisGreaves]

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/off ... fb09f944b0

Thank you Ron!

Code: Select all

Select the OneDrive cloud in your notification area to show the OneDrive pop-up. Blue and white OneDrive icons
Select the OneDrive Help and Settings icon  then select Settings.
Go to the Account tab.
Select Unlink this PC.

Cheers, Chris

[DRUIDINN]

You're correct that choosing "Unlink" in OneDrive settings won't delete your files from your PC. It basically stops syncing new changes to OneDrive but keeps your files where they are on your computer. This applies regardless of when you unlink, so your files stay safe.