---
title: "DisableFileSyncNGSC: turning OneDrive sync off by policy without uninstalling it"
description: "DisableFileSyncNGSC is the Windows policy that stops the OneDrive client from syncing and removes it from File Explorer. What it changes and how to undo it."
url: https://frozentweaks.com/tweaks/disable-onedrive-sync-policy
author: Frost LIVE, Founder of Frozen Tweaks
published: 2026-10-08
updated: 2026-10-08
category: "Debloat"
source: Frozen Tweaks (https://frozentweaks.com)
---

# DisableFileSyncNGSC: turning OneDrive sync off by policy without uninstalling it

**Short answer:** DisableFileSyncNGSC is the Windows policy that stops the OneDrive client from syncing and removes it from File Explorer. OneDrive stays installed; it is just not allowed to run its sync engine. In the registry it sets DisableFileSyncNGSC to 1 under HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\OneDrive.

## In the app

- Switch: Disable OneDrive (Policy) (Debloat, Free, Standard)
- Undo: Yes. Switching it off sets a standard Windows value, which may not be exactly how you had it.
- Catalog row: https://frozentweaks.com/tweaks#t-1013

## What it does

DisableFileSyncNGSC is the Windows policy that stops the OneDrive client from syncing and removes it from File Explorer. OneDrive stays installed; it is just not allowed to run its sync engine.

In the app the switch is called "Disable OneDrive (Policy)", described there as: Blocks OneDrive sync to reduce background I/O and context menu hooks.

## When it helps

- PCs where OneDrive syncs screenshots, clips or game folders while you play, which costs disk and upload.

## When it hurts

- Files stop syncing to the cloud, and folders redirected into OneDrive (Desktop, Documents) no longer back up.

## What it writes

Read from the app's source. "Switching it off" is what the app writes when you turn the tweak off again.

Registry values:

| Key | Value | With the tweak | Switching it off |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| `HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\OneDrive` | `DisableFileSyncNGSC` | `1` | Not set (the value is deleted; Windows decides) |

Source: Tweaks/tweaks_onedrive.hpp in the app's source, app 2.0.0, checked 2026-10-08.

## The same change by hand

Run in a Command Prompt opened as administrator. Make a restore point first.

```bat
reg add "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\OneDrive" /v "DisableFileSyncNGSC" /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f
```

Put it back:

```bat
reg delete "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\OneDrive" /v "DisableFileSyncNGSC" /f
```

See what it is set to now:

```bat
reg query "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\OneDrive" /v "DisableFileSyncNGSC"
```

## How to undo it

Switch the tweak off in Frozen Tweaks. It deletes DisableFileSyncNGSC, so Windows uses its built-in behavior again.

## Verdict

Use it if you do not rely on OneDrive. If you do, pause syncing during games instead.

## Questions

### What does the "Disable OneDrive (Policy)" tweak change in Windows?

In the registry it sets DisableFileSyncNGSC to 1 under HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\OneDrive.

### Is "Disable OneDrive (Policy)" safe to switch on?

Use it if you do not rely on OneDrive. If you do, pause syncing during games instead. The main cost: Files stop syncing to the cloud, and folders redirected into OneDrive (Desktop, Documents) no longer back up.

### How do I undo it?

Switch the tweak off in Frozen Tweaks. Switching it off sets a standard Windows value, which may not be exactly how you had it.

### Is "Disable OneDrive (Policy)" free in Frozen Tweaks?

Yes. It is one of the free tweaks, with no time limit.

## Related guides

- [Windows 11 Gaming Optimization: What Still Works in 2026](https://frozentweaks.com/guides/windows-11-gaming-optimization)
- [Low-End PC Gaming Optimization: Getting Playable Frame Rates](https://frozentweaks.com/guides/low-end-pc-gaming-optimization)

## More tweak explainers

- [Tips and suggested content](https://frozentweaks.com/tweaks/disable-windows-tips-suggestions)
- [Windows Error Reporting](https://frozentweaks.com/tweaks/disable-windows-error-reporting)
- [Remove Microsoft Edge](https://frozentweaks.com/tweaks/remove-microsoft-edge)

---
Written by Frost LIVE, founder of Frozen Tweaks. Canonical version: https://frozentweaks.com/tweaks/disable-onedrive-sync-policy