SkyDrive has been deeply integrated into Windows 8.1 operating system and it’s now used as default location to save documents, backup settings, and save camera roll folder. The SkyDrive in Windows 8.1 works in a sophisticated way and lets you manage files in a better way.
With default settings, SkyDrive shows all files and folders saved in your account as if they are available offline by creating shortcut links to all files, and pulls up files from the server only when you try to open them. If you would like to access a file offline, you can right-click on a file and select Make available offline option.
Those of you who have enabled SkyDrive integration in Windows 8.1 will know that the SkyDrive is now part of Windows Explorer as well. The SkyDrive folder now appears in the navigation pane of Windows Explorer or File Explorer, and lets you quickly upload and manage files.
While the SkyDrive folder in the navigation pane means that you get quick access to your cloud files without having to install desktop version of SkyDrive, some users who don’t use the cloud service from Microsoft may like to hide or remove SkyDrive folder from navigation pane in Windows 8.1 Explorer.
The fact that SkyDrive can be browsed with the help of Modern SkyDrive app may also encourage users to remove SkyDrive folder from File Explorer. Unfortunately, unlike Libraries and Favorites in the navigation pane, SkyDrive folder can’t be removed or disabled with a click. You need to edit Windows Registry to remove the SkyDrive folder.
Complete the instructions given below to hide or remove SkyDrive folder in navigation pane of Windows 8.1 Explorer:
Step 1: While it’s possible to edit the Registry using Registry Editor, you need to first take the ownership of the Registry key that you’re going to edit to avoid errors. So, visit this link and download a small tool called RegOwnershipEx.
Step 2: Extract the downloaded RegOwnershipEx.zip file to get two folders titled Windows 7 and Windows 8. Open up Windows 8 folder, then double-click on x86 or x64 depending on the version of Windows 8.1 you’re running to see RegOwnershipEx.exe file. Double-click on .exe file to launch it.
Note that Windows may show a warning saying that “Windows SmartScreen prevented an unrecognized app from starting. Running this app might put your PC at risk.”. Click More info and then click Run anyway option.
Step 3: Once RegOwnershipEx is launched, in the Select the registry key box, enter the following key:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{8E74D236-7F35-4720-B138-1FED0B85EA75}\ShellFolder
Click Take Ownership button to take ownership of that key and then click Open in Registry Editor to open the key in native Windows Registry Editor.
Step 4: On the right-hand side, double-click Attributes, and change its value data from the default f080004d to 0. Click Ok button. That’s it!
Step 5: Either reboot your computer or restart Windows Explorer by opening Taskbar manager, right-clicking on Windows Explorer, and then selecting Restart option to see Windows Explorer without the SkyDrive folder.
NOTE: To add the SkyDrive folder back to the navigation pane, open up the above mentioned key and change it’s value to the default f080004d.
Thanks to Deskmodder.de
Bob says
That was a bunch of bullshit.
Bill says
@Ajit:
It did not do the job you think it did. It merely hid the SkyDrive icon within the navigation pane. SkyDrive is still there.
Ajit Pariyar says
Thank you very much for article. I had been looking for ways to get rid of the inbuilt SkyDrive app as it was not syncing well.
It was very helpful and the most importantly it did the job.