How to stop OneDrive sync log from re-creating over and over

Question

OneDrive keeps creating a log file named SyncEngine [Moderator note: personal info removed]. How can I resolve the issue or stop this log file from being created every second. It is filling the hard drive.

Answer 1

To address the issue of OneDrive continuously creating the SyncEngine log file, you can try the following steps:

1. Clear Cached Files: Sometimes, cached files can cause issues with OneDrive syncing. You can clear the cached files from the Microsoft Office Upload Center. To do this:
   • Find the Microsoft Office Upload Center icon in the notification area of your taskbar.
   • Right-click the icon, select Settings, and then choose Delete cached files.
   • Confirm by selecting Delete cached information.
2. Check for Conflicts: If there are conflicts with files being synced, OneDrive might create logs to track these issues. Ensure that you resolve any file conflicts that may exist.
3. Update OneDrive: Ensure that you are using the latest version of OneDrive. Sometimes, bugs in older versions can cause unexpected behavior, including excessive logging.
4. Reinstall OneDrive: If the issue persists, consider uninstalling and then reinstalling OneDrive. This can reset the application and potentially resolve any underlying issues causing the log file to be created repeatedly.
5. Check for Background Processes: Sometimes, other applications or processes can interfere with OneDrive. Ensure that no other syncing applications are running that might conflict with OneDrive.

If these steps do not resolve the issue, you may want to consult the official Microsoft support resources for further assistance.

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References:

• Troubleshooting OneDrive for work or school sync issues

Answer 2

Dear @Minor Kim (ELECT), 

Thank you for posting your question in the Microsoft Q&A forum.   

I understand how inconvenient it is when OneDrive continuously re-creates SyncEngine-*.odl logs and fills up your drive. 

This usually happens for one of the following reasons: 

• A sync loop or unresolved sync errors, causing OneDrive to repeatedly retry and log each attempt. 
• Debug or verbose logging mode stuck on, which results in excessive log creation. 
• Corrupted configuration or permission issues that trigger repeated retries and detailed logging. 

 

Since you didn’t mention whether your account is work, school, or personal, please review the following workarounds that can help you verify the issue: 

Ensure your operating system and OneDrive are up to date.   

• Option 1: Reset the OneDrive sync app 

Pause and close OneDrive (to stop immediate log growth): 
Click the OneDrive cloud icon > Settings (gear icon) > Pause syncing > Quit OneDrive.  

 

This cleanly stops the process that’s writing the logs. You can re‑open it after the steps below. 

Press Windows + R > Paste:  

%localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\OneDrive.exe /reset 

If you see “Windows cannot find…”  

Use C:\Program Files\Microsoft OneDrive\OneDrive.exe /reset  

or C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft OneDrive\OneDrive.exe /reset. 

Then start OneDrive from Start Menu. 

Resetting clears local configuration or cache and forces a clean re‑sync without deleting your cloud files. 

This article provides further guidance on the topic: Reset OneDrive - Microsoft Support 

 

• Option 2: Re-link your account  

Right-click the OneDrive icon > Settings > Account > Unlink this PC.  

 

Sign in again and re-select your folders to rebuild the sync connection. 

You may find this article helpful for further details: Unlink and re-link OneDrive - Microsoft Support 

 

• Option 3: Review OneDrive from the web 

This step confirms whether the log files are only on your local PC or also synced to the cloud. 

Go to office.com and sign in with your account. 

Click Apps > OneDrive. 

 

Review your OneDrive folders online to see if any SyncEngine-*.odl log files appear. 

 

• Option 4: Reinstall OneDrive 

You can reinstall the latest version of OneDrive from this link: OneDrive release notes - Microsoft Support  

Additional information is available in the following resource: Fix OneDrive sync problems - Microsoft Support 

 

As community moderators, we kindly ask for your understanding that our access to internal development details is limited. Our primary role is to guide users toward the appropriate resources and support channels. While we may not have visibility into performing deeper backend analysis, we’ll continue doing our best to support you within the scope of our responsibilities.  

I hope this information is helpful. Please follow these steps and let me know if it works for you. If not, we can work together to resolve this.    

Thank you for your patience and understanding. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please feel free to share them in the comments on this post so I can continue to support you. 

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