Disable OneDrive Integration in Windows 8.1

Disabling SkyDrive Integration in Windows 8.1

Competition among cloud storage providers is fierce, and Microsoft’s integration of SkyDrive within Windows 8.1 demonstrates the company’s commitment to this technology.

However, not all users appreciate this deep integration and may prefer to disable the service. Fortunately, it is possible to do so using either the Group Policy Editor or the Registry Editor.

The Challenge of SkyDrive Removal

The absence of a straightforward, integrated option for disabling SkyDrive is somewhat perplexing and can be frustrating for users.

Upon initial setup, a SkyDrive folder is automatically present within File Explorer, and a clear method for its removal isn't immediately apparent.

Methods for Disabling SkyDrive

Users seeking to remove SkyDrive integration can employ one of two primary methods:

• Group Policy Editor: This method offers a user-friendly interface for managing system settings.
• Registry Editor: A more advanced approach, requiring careful modification of system registry values.

Both techniques effectively prevent SkyDrive from automatically launching and displaying its folder within File Explorer.

It’s important to note that disabling SkyDrive does not delete any existing files stored within the cloud service; it simply removes the integration with the operating system.

This allows users to retain access to their data through the SkyDrive website or other compatible applications.

Deactivating SkyDrive Everywhere (Windows Home Versions)

Windows Home editions lack the convenience of Group Policy. Utilizing the registry editor is therefore necessary for disabling SkyDrive integration. Users of Windows Pro can find alternative instructions further down this guide.

Initiate the Registry Editor by simultaneously pressing the Windows key and the 'R' key. Type 'regedit.exe' into the Run dialog box and press Enter.

Within the Registry Editor, navigate to the following path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows.

It may be required to manually create the Skydrive key within the left-hand pane. This is achieved by right-clicking on 'Windows' and selecting 'New' then 'Key'.

After creating the Skydrive key, establish a new key named 'DisableFileSync' within the right-hand pane. Assign a value of '1' to this new key.

Following this modification, a system restart is necessary. Upon rebooting, SkyDrive should no longer be accessible.

If the goal is solely to remove SkyDrive from the Windows Explorer interface, continue reading for further instructions.

Deactivate SkyDrive Completely (Windows Professional)

For users seeking complete removal of SkyDrive, utilizing Group Policy offers an effective solution. This method will disable the service system-wide, impacting both desktop applications and Metro-style apps.

Initiate the Group Policy Editor by simultaneously pressing the Windows key and the 'R' key. Then, type 'gpedit.msc' and press Enter to launch the editor.

Within the Local Computer Policy section, navigate through the following path: Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\SkyDrive. Subsequently, double-click the setting titled "Prevent the usage of SkyDrive for file storage."