OneDrive is a popular cloud storage client that comes pre-installed on Windows computers. By default, OneDrive runs automatically every time you boot up your computer. However, if you feel that OneDrive’s auto-start feature serves no useful purpose to you, it’s possible to disable it.

In this post, we will discuss 5 easy ways to stop Microsoft OneDrive from opening at startup on Windows.

1. Configure OneDrive's Startup Settings

If the OneDrive app is already open on your computer, you can configure its settings to prevent it from launching at startup. To do that, follow these steps:

  1. Click the OneDrive icon on the taskbar. If it is missing, expand the Show hidden icons menu and then click the OneDrive icon.
  2. Click the gear-shaped icon and select Settings from the menu that appears.
  3. In the Sync and backup tab, toggle off the switch next to Start OneDrive when I sign in to Windows.
    OneDrive Settings on Windows

2. Disable OneDrive's Startup Using Task Manager

Task Manager is a useful utility for managing startup apps on Windows. Here's how you can use Task Manager to prevent OneDrive from opening at startup.

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc together on your keyboard to quickly open the Task Manager app.
  2. Switch to the Startup apps tab.
  3. Locate OneDrive.exe on the list. Right-click on it and select Disable from the context menu.
    Disable OneDrive Startup Using Task Manager

3. Disable OneDrive as a Startup App Using Windows Settings

Another way to enable or disable startup apps on Windows is through the Settings app. Here is how you can stop OneDrive from opening at startup from Settings:

  1. Right-click the Start icon and select Settings from the list.
  2. Navigate to Apps > Startup.
  3. Scroll through the list to locate Microsoft OneDrive and then disable the toggle next to it.
    Disable OneDrive Startup Using Settings App

4. Stop OneDrive' Startup Using the Registry Editor

You can also use the Registry Editor to disable OneDrive's automatic startup on Windows. Since editing registry files is somewhat risky, you should only use this method if the other ones don’t work. Also, you should consider backing up all the registry files or creating a restore point before proceeding. If you need help with that, check our guides on how to back up the Windows registry and how to create a restore point on Windows.

  1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type regedit in the box and press Enter.
  3. Select Yes when the User Account Control (UAC) prompt appears.
  4. In the Registry Editor window, use the left pane to navigate to Computer > HKEY_CURRENT_USER > Software > Microsoft > Windows > CurrentVersion > Run.
  5. On the right pane, right-click the OneDrive startup file and select Delete.
  6. Select Yes to confirm.
    Delete OneDrive Startup File From Registry Editor

5. Stop OneDrive Startup With the Command Prompt

If you're not comfortable with the Registry Editor, you can also use Command Prompt to delete the OneDrive startup file and prevent the app from launching at startup. Here’s how:

  1. Click the magnifying icon on the taskbar or use the Win + S shortcut to open the search menu.
  2. Type Command Prompt in the search box and select Run as administrator.
  3. When the User Account Control (UAC) prompt appears, select Yes to continue.
  4. Paste the following command in the console and press Enter.
            reg delete "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run" /f /v "OneDrive"
        

Once you run the above command, OneDrive’s startup file will be removed from your system and the app will no longer run at startup.

Prevent OneDrive From Opening at Startup on Windows

Now you know several ways to stop OneDrive from opening at startup on Windows. This will not only free up valuable system resources but also reduce Windows boot time.

If OneDrive isn’t your preferred cloud storage service, you can also disable or remove it entirely from your Windows computer.