I can't access my Windows Search, OneDrive, Settings, certain files, etc.

Question

My pc froze the other day, and I was spamming the reset driver command on my keyboard. Now, I have lost access to my OneDrive on my pc, it keeps telling me to re-enter credentials. I think whatver I did wrong has to do with my C: drive or whatever. I'm trying to get in contact with real Microsoft support to use Remote Assistance, but I can't because I can't even use my Windows button or search bar.

Answer 1

Hello, thank you for reaching out to Microsoft Q&A.

Have you tried System Restore?
This option takes your PC back earlier point in time. To do that,

1. Click Windows + R key, type rstrui.exe, and click ok.
2. Click Next and select the date/time you would like to restore your computer.
3. Click Next and finish to complete the restore.

Once done, try signing in with your account and see if all the functions are working normally.

If you are still having issues,

1. Click CTRL + ALT + DELETE key to open Task Manager.
2. Select Run new task.
3. Type cmd.exe and tick the checkbox to create this task with administrative privileges.
4. Click ok.

Run the commands below one by one and press Enter.

Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

sfc /scannow

Once completed, restart your computer.

Let me know if you still need more help.

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Answer 2

Use built-in tools that do not rely on the Start menu or search, and then contact Microsoft support from the web or the Get Help app.

1. Try to fix OneDrive sign-in and connection
   1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
   2. Select File > Run new task.
   3. Type onedrive and press Enter to start OneDrive.
   4. If the OneDrive icon appears in the notification area but is gray or has a line through it, select it and sign in again with the correct email and password.
   5. If sign-in works but OneDrive still shows as not connected, check whether the internet connection or firewall is blocking OneDrive (for example, briefly test by connecting via a mobile hotspot). If the connection works on a different network, contact the internet provider to ensure Microsoft 365 services are allowed.
   If OneDrive still will not sync or open correctly, reset the OneDrive sync app:
   1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc > File > Run new task.
   2. Type:

            wsreset.exe
      

      and press Enter. A blank Command Prompt may appear briefly and then Microsoft Store opens; this is expected.
   3. Again in Run new task, paste and run:

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

   4. If a "Windows cannot find" message appears, run instead:

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

      and if needed:

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

   5. After the reset, in Run new task, type onedrive and press Enter to start OneDrive again and sign in.
2. If OneDrive says it cannot connect to Windows If the specific message is that OneDrive cannot connect to Windows and mentions Files On-Demand, do the following:
   1. Open Windows Update without using Start:
      • Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc > File > Run new task.
      • Type:

                ms-settings:windowsupdate
        

        and press Enter.
   2. Download and install all available Windows updates.
   3. Download and install the latest OneDrive client from the official OneDrive download page if possible.
   4. Restart the PC and test OneDrive again.
3. Work around broken Start button and search Until Start and search are fixed, use these methods:
   • Ctrl + Shift + Esc → Task Manager → File → Run new task to open:
     • control (Control Panel)
     • ms-settings: (Settings home)
     • ms-settings:windowsupdate (Windows Update)
   • For missing files, open File Explorer with Win + E (if the Windows key still works for that) or from Task Manager:
     1. Task Manager → File → Run new task → type explorer and press Enter.
     2. In File Explorer, select This PC and use the search box Search This PC to look for filenames.
4. Contact Microsoft support without Start/search If signed in with a Microsoft personal account on the PC, use the Get Help app and web support:
   1. Open Get Help via Task Manager:
      • Ctrl + Shift + Esc → File → Run new task.
      • Type ms-contact-support: and press Enter` (this opens the Get Help app on supported builds).
   2. In Get Help, describe the issue and run any suggested troubleshooters.
   3. If the issue persists, in Get Help choose Contact Support, select the affected product (Windows / OneDrive), and choose chat or phone as available.
   4. If Get Help cannot be opened, use another device or browser to go to the Microsoft support site and use the Contact Support or Get Help options there.

If OneDrive data appears missing after these issues, also sign in to https://onedrive.live.com in a browser to confirm whether files are still present or in the OneDrive recycle bin.

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References:

• Can't sign in to OneDrive
• Reset OneDrive
• "OneDrive cannot connect to Windows" error when accessing files in OneDrive
• Find lost files after upgrading Windows
• Get Help for Microsoft personal account users