SkyDrive in Windows 8.1: a stumbling block. Disable the SkyDrive service

Today we will talk about setting up the popular SkyDrive service in the latest Windows 8.1 client OS.
It was stated about the "deep integration of the cloud platform" and now this integration is as follows:

• By default, document synchronization is enabled for user profiles who have logged on to the system under a Microsoft account.
• Desktop settings are also synchronized by default between all computers that are logged on.
• removal of the described functions is not provided, and the SkyDrive client is now installed with the system

In case you would like to block the use of SkyDrive on clients with Windows 8.1, it is enough to do a few simple steps:

1. Open the GPO that applies to Windows 8.1 computers, or run the gpedit.msc snap-in locally, right on the machine.
2. Select Computer Configuration> [Policies]> Administrative Templates> Windows Components> SkyDrive.
3. Open the Prevent the usage of SkyDive for file storage option.
4. Set the value to “Enabled”, close the group policy editor.

After a few minutes, the policy will be applied (or you can apply it manually using gpupdate) and you will see the following changes:
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• Users cannot access SkyDrive from within the application and in the file selection / save dialogs
• SkyDrive is not available in the Windows application store and using the WinRT API
• SkyDrive no longer appears in the Explorer navigation bar.
• Files in the SkyDrive folder are no longer synced to the cloud.
• Users can no longer automatically upload photos and videos to the cloud from the “Film” folder (in the English version - “Camera roll”)

To block the use of SkyDrive on corporate devices with Windows RT, you need to start the Group Policy Client service (open the services.msc snap-in and start the service).

The post is based on the materials of Windows IT Pro and Redmond, the originals can be found here and here .