New Windows 11 Pro Install/OneDrive is not synchronizes last couple of days; Says file is locked.

Question

In the last week my OneDrive is not synchronizing on my windows 11 Pro system. I receive 2 error/issue messages and about the same time I notice there is AVAST anti-virus installed on my system that I did not install, nor is it listed in the "programs & features" in the Control Panel, so I cannot seem to uninstall it. Additionally when I attempt to delete the "Avast" folder in the "Program Files" folder it says "denied". I do not if they are somehow connected or not. I have since installed Malwarebytes Professional and their scan shows no issues.

 The following two messages I can see when I double-click on the OneDrive icon in the task bar: 
```1. One file is being used, rather it says it is a "locked" file, which I found in the Nvidia folder that has nothing in it but a couple of other "lock" files (older), and it will not let me delete it.  

1. The 2nd issue message from OneDrive it tells me my "Personal Vault" is locked and each time I reboot I always have to unlock it with my Windows PIN, that has NEVER happened before to me in any Windows version I've ever used since there a "OneDrive".  Note I have a a few other Windows 11 machines, Desktop, laptop and iMac and the OneDrive there (using same ID, so all see those files) is accessed fine with no issues or warning or any reference to that "Personal Vault" is locked on only this 1 machine.  Which there is nothing in my "Personal Vault" 

1. This happened around the time that Microsoft suggests that you create a 'recovery' account in case something happens and you do not login for months and months, so I did create such an account per their instructions, that somehow may of messed something up with the OneDrive, I am only guessing. 

I already uninstalled OneDrive on that Windows 11 machine and re-installed it. That did not help.

If you have any solution, I would very much appreciate the assistance.

Thank you much,  
Ken J

Answer 1

Hi Kenny Johnson,

Thank you for posting in the Q&A Forums.

Restart the OneDrive service:

Sometimes a simple restart of the service can resolve synchronization issues. You can right-click on the OneDrive icon in the lower-right corner of your desktop, select “Turn off OneDrive”, and then turn it back on.

Check OneDrive configuration:

If you are new to OneDrive or have just upgraded your system, make sure you have configured OneDrive correctly by opening This PC, clicking on OneDrive on the left side, completing the setup and selecting the folders and files you want to sync.

Check file size limits:

OneDrive has a limit on the size of files or folders that can be synced (typically 15GB), so make sure the file or folder you're trying to sync doesn't exceed this limit. If it exceeds, try compressing the file or folder before syncing.

Reset OneDrive:

If OneDrive gets stuck or gives you an error while synchronizing, you can try to reset OneDrive by pressing “Win+R” to open “Run” and typing in %localappdata%\Microsoft. OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset and press enter.

Check your network connection:

Make sure your internet connection is stable and there are no firewalls or security software preventing OneDrive from syncing.

Update Windows and OneDrive:

Check if there are updates available for Windows and OneDrive and install them. This can be done by pressing “Win+I” to open Settings and then selecting Update and Security > Windows Update. For OneDrive, you can check for updates in its settings.

Best regards

NeuviJ

============================================

If the Answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and upvote it.

Answer 2

Hi @Kenny Johnson

For OneDrive synchronization issues, what about the OneDrive icon on the taskbar?

Could you please share us the screenshots of these locked files and the message of unlocking Personal Vault? Besides, please check what OneDrive icons these locked files have.

Please make sure there is no invalid file or folder names.

Then try to reset OneDrive.

For OneDrive Personal Vault issues, if there is no file in it, I suggest you go to OneDrive.com and temporarily close it (Settings > Options > Personal Vault). Wait until the synchronization issue with OneDrive is resolved and then launch it again to test.

---

If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and kindly upvote it. If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment". Note: Please follow the steps in our documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread.

---