One Drive won't let me have my files back

To get local copies of files back on the PC and then stop using OneDrive, do this in two phases: restore/sync files locally, then unlink/remove OneDrive.

1. Restore/sync files back to the PC

• Make sure the PC stays connected to the internet until everything is finished syncing.
• Select the OneDrive cloud icon in the notification area (system tray).
• Check that the status shows files are “Up to date.” If there are errors, select the cloud icon to see what went wrong and fix it.
• If some folders are not syncing to the PC, adjust which folders sync:
  • Right‑click the OneDrive icon in the notification area.
  • Open Settings.
  • Use Choose folders to sync (wording may vary) to ensure the folders that are needed are selected so their contents download to the PC.
• Wait until all needed files are fully available locally (no cloud‑only icons) and OneDrive shows “Up to date.”

2. Stop using OneDrive and keep files on the PC

• Once all files are safely on the PC, unlink OneDrive so deleting files on the PC does not delete them from the cloud:
  • Select the OneDrive cloud icon on the taskbar.
  • Select the gear icon > Settings.
  • Go to the Account tab.
  • Select Unlink this PC.
• After unlinking, the local OneDrive folder and its files remain on the PC as normal files and can be moved or cleaned up like any other folder.

3. Optionally uninstall OneDrive If OneDrive should be completely removed from Windows 10/11:

• Open Settings > Apps.
• Find Microsoft OneDrive in the list of installed apps.
• Select it and choose Uninstall.

Uninstalling or unlinking OneDrive does not delete files already stored on the PC. Files in the cloud remain accessible by signing in to OneDrive.com.

If files were deleted during cleanup and need to be recovered, check the OneDrive Recycle Bin online and restore them from there.

References:

• Move files off a Windows 7 PC with OneDrive
• OneDrive desktop app for earlier versions of Windows
• How to cancel or stop sync in OneDrive