Although SkyDrive in Windows 8.1 offer many advantages, there still a lot of work to be done. For example, there aren’t many configuration options that users can set, currently there is no way to relocate the root folder to another drive (this update is coming), and because SkyDrive now is almost part of the operating system there isn’t a way to uninstall. On a new entry at the Microsoft’s community, the company explained that while users cannot uninstall SkyDrive from Windows 8.1, there is a workaround to disable the integration, just follow the instructions below:

Instructions

  1. Use the  +R keyboard shortcut to open the Run command, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
  2. From the Local Group Policy Editor navigate through the following path: Local Computer Policy\Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\SkyDrive Finally, open and enable the Prevent the usage of SkyDrive for file storage policy setting (don’t forget to click Apply and OK). Keep in mind that by enabling this policy setting will completely disable the SkyDrive integration on Windows 8.1. This setting will prevent apps and features from interacting with the Microsoft’s cloud storage service including:

Users can’t access SkyDrive from the SkyDrive app and file picker. Windows Store apps can’t access SkyDrive using the WinRT API. SkyDrive folder will be removed from the navigation pane in File Explorer. SkyDrive files aren’t kept in sync with the cloud. Users can’t automatically upload photos and videos from the camera roll folder.

To reverse the process simply disable or do not configure this policy setting, apps and features will start working again and the SkyDrive folder will appear once again in File Explorer. Source Microsoft Answers All content on this site is provided with no warranties, express or implied. Use any information at your own risk. Always backup of your device and files before making any changes. Privacy policy info.