Error: A newer version of OneDrive is installed. After deleting.

Question

My OneDrive account has not been syncing, and trying to sign in has led to a never ending cycle of nothing. So I tried re-downloading the app. I have uninstalled it everywhere I've found it, and still I get the error "A newer version of OneDrive is installed". Shouldn't the .exe file I downloaded be the newest? How to solve this issue?

I have Windows 10 still because my hardware, while it has the required capability, is not supported. I know there is a workaround to install Windows 11, and I'll get there, but for now, I just want to have my files backed up.

I still can access my files through the browser, it just isn't backing up new files.

Answer 1

Hi jhey,

Thank you for reaching out! The error you’re seeing usually happens when remnants of a previous OneDrive installation remain on your system. Here’s how you can resolve it and get OneDrive syncing again:

Step 1: Uninstall OneDrive Completely

• Press Windows + R, type: %SystemRoot%\SysWOW64\OneDriveSetup.exe /uninstall (For 32-bit Windows, use %SystemRoot%\System32\OneDriveSetup.exe /uninstall)
• Restart your computer.

Step 2: Remove Leftover Files

• Go to: C:\Users\<YourUser>\AppData\Local\Microsoft\OneDrive
• Rename the folder to OneDrive.old or delete it.
• Also check: C:\ProgramData\Microsoft OneDrive and remove it if present.

Step 3: Clean Registry Entries

(Please back up your registry first)

• Open Registry Editor (regedit), click File → Export.
• Under Export range, select All.
• Choose a safe location (e.g., Desktop or an external drive).
• Give the file a name like RegistryBackup.reg and click Save.
• Proceed to delete these keys if they exist: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\OneDrive HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\OneDrive

Step 4: Reset OneDrive (Optional)

• If OneDrive is partially working, run this command in Windows + R: %localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset
• Then restart your PC.

Step 5: Install the Latest Version

• Download the latest OneDrive installer from Microsoft: Download OneDrive
• Right-click the installer and select Run as Administrator.

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Answer 2

download onedrive setup. open command prompt . switch the path where setup file located. enter this command _ onedrivesetup.exe /S.

e.g . if exe file located in downloads folder . navigate to download folder and paste the command .

C:\Users\username\downloads>onedrivesetup.exe /S

Answer 3

Hello!

Uninstall OneDrive with Revo Uninstaller, and then install OneDrive.

1. Use Revo Uninstaller to uninstall the program. See the link below: https://www.revouninstaller.com/revo-uninstaller-free-download/

DISCLAIMER: This is not a Microsoft website, but it seems to provide accurate and secure information. Be aware of advertisements that may advertise products that are often classified as PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Products). Search for any product advertised on the site before deciding to download and install it.

2. Download Revo and install it > Find OneDrive and double-click on it > Click “Continue'' > Follow the steps of the program to uninstall it.
3. After uninstalling the program, go back to Revo > In Uninstall Mode, select ''Advanced'' > Click on ''Check”.
4. Revo will look for any remnants of the program files and logs when it is uninstalled. Select all of them and delete them, then continue until you’re done.
5. Restart your computer > Download and Install OneDrive > Instead of logging in with your password, click Other Methods > Log in with Authenticator.