Does Unlinking OneDrive Delete Files? Find Out How It Affects Your Data

Does Unlinking OneDrive Delete Files?

The answer depends on where your files are stored and how you have set up OneDrive. If you have some files that are set to be on the cloud only (marked with a blue cloud icon), they will be deleted from your computer after unlinking the computer with OneDrive. However, if you make your files Always Keep on this device (marked with a solid green circle with a white check), they will not be deleted even if you unlink OneDrive.

Recognize the Consequences of Unlinking OneDrive

Your OneDrive devices and services are disconnected when you unlink OneDrive. As a result, your files will not be synced to the cloud or your devices. However, there are a few variables that determine whether your files are deleted or saved without effect.

Local files and cloud files (not deleted):

• Local files: These files are what you have downloaded and saved to your device.
• Cloud files: These files are stored in the OneDrive.

Customizing file sync:

• When you delete a OneDrive link, it will not delete the local copy of the file if you have set it to sync all files to your device.
• If you have files set to "Online Only", they may disappear from your device when you unlink OneDrive, but they will remain in the cloud.

Detailed Guide: How to Unlink OneDrive Without Losing Your Files

Make sure your files are safe by following these simple instructions when you unlink OneDrive.

Method 1: Make Sure All Your Files are Downloaded

1. Open OneDrive Settings: Select the OneDrive icon > the gear icon > "Settings".

2. Choose your sync folders: Go to the "Accounts" tab and select "Choose folders". Make sure all your desired folders and files are checked to sync your device. All files will be downloaded to your local storage.

3. Verify the downloaded files: Go to your device's OneDrive folder. Make sure there is a green circle with a white check mark indicating that all files are downloaded and accessible offline.

4. Reset OneDrive settings. In the "Account" tab in OneDrive settings, click on "Unlink this PC" and confirm.

Method 2: Save the Backup Files to Another Location

1. Create a backup folder: To save OneDrive files, create a new folder on your device or external drive.

2. Transfer files: Select the OneDrive folder and copy each file and folder into the created backup box.

3. Verify the backup: Make sure all files are successfully transferred to the new location.

4. OneDrive Disconnect: From OneDrive settings, go to the "Account" tab, and then select "Unlink this PC".

Method 3: Access Online via the OneDrive Web Interface

1. Visit the OneDrive website and sign in with your account.

2. Download files: Select the folders and files you want to keep and click the "Download" option to save it on your device.

3. OneDrive disconnects: Go to your device's OneDrive settings, select the "Account" tab, and click "Unlink this PC".

Bonus Tip: Backup or Sync Files between OneDrive and Other Cloud Services

This article addresses the question "Does unlinking OneDrive delete files?" If you're considering backing up OneDrive to another cloud, or vice versa, MultCloud can be extremely useful. Trusted by over 3 million users, MultCloud is a multi-cloud management tool that facilitates the transfer or synchronization of files between various cloud services.

For instance, it allows for seamless file transfers from cloud drives like OneDrive to pCloud without the need to download and then re-upload files. MultCloud also enables you to access and manage all your cloud accounts via a single application. Currently, it supports more than 30 different cloud services, including Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, Box, Google Photos, iCloud Photos, FTP, WebDAV, and more.

FAQs

What happens to files when OneDrive is disabled?

A: Your cloud files are safe even after OneDrive is enabled. On the other hand, files that are only accessible online and not downloaded to your device will no longer work on your local device. Make sure you download all necessary files to your local storage before disconnecting.

How do I link OneDrive to ensure my files are not corrupted?

A: Make sure all files are downloaded to your local device so they are not deleted. With OneDrive settings, you can sync all your files or download them directly from the OneDrive web interface. You can also back up your files to an external drive to protect your data.

Will unlinking OneDrive affect my cloud files?

A: No, files stored in the cloud won't be deleted when you unlink OneDrive from your device. It's just a way to stop syncing with your device, so you can relink later or access the files on another device.

Some of my files will disappear when I unlink OneDrive. Why?

A: If your files disappear after you unlink OneDrive, it may be because they're set to "Online Only". If you don't link your OneDrive to online files, they'll disappear from your File Explorer. They won't be downloaded to your local device. Make sure all your files are downloaded and accessed offline. Prevent this before you unlink.

How to stop OneDrive from deleting files in the future?

A: To avoid deleting files from OneDrive, you should periodically back up important data to an external hard drive or another cloud service. You should also modify the settings of OneDrive to ensure that important files are regularly downloaded to your local device so that they can be accessed even if the connection is lost or problems occur.

Conclusion

By recognizing the feedback of removing OneDrive links, you can take the necessary steps to keep your files safe and your data secure. Following these guidelines will not allow you to manage your OneDrive files effectively. Whether you remove the link temporarily or permanently.