How to Disconnect or Uninstall Google Drive from Your PC: Windows & Mac Guide

As a cloud storage expert with years of hands-on experience managing services like Dropbox and Google Drive, I've found Dropbox's hands-off syncing to be superior. If you're ready to part ways with Google Drive on your PC, you have two clear options: disconnect for no more syncing while keeping files, or fully uninstall to reclaim space.

Disconnect Google Drive

To stop syncing between your local files and the cloud while retaining both, simply sign out:

1. Click the Google Drive icon in the system tray.
2. Click the More button, then select Preferences.
3. Navigate to Account > Disconnect account.
4. Click Disconnect.

Once disconnected, your local files and cloud files will no longer sync and may diverge as you edit them separately.

Uninstall Google Drive

For complete removal—including deleting local files to free up space—uninstall the app. Your cloud files remain safe in your Google account.

On Windows

1. Open the Start menu, search for Programs and Features, and launch it.
2. Find Google Drive.
3. Right-click and select Uninstall.

On macOS

1. Open Finder and navigate to the Applications folder.
2. Select Google Drive.app and drag it to the Trash (or press Command-Delete).

Ready for a new cloud service? Share in the comments which one you're switching to—Dropbox, OneDrive, Box, or another favorite!