Trouble reinstalling onedrive on Windows 11

Question

Onedrive would not sign in no matter what I tried. I uninstalled it and tried to reinstall but keep getting an error message saying "unable to install 64 bit" and it asks if I want to change to the correct version. I click yes, and then it closes out without installing. What is going on?

Answer 1

Hi,

If it is asking you to install a 32-bit OneDrive, you can download it from this page and see if it works.

https://support.microsoft.com/office/9d36d262-4fc2-4019-a8f6-314ef41a29d1

If it doesn't work, can you post a screenshot of the exact error?

Answer 2

The behavior indicates a broken or partially removed OneDrive installation. OneDrive’s installer detects an existing or incompatible version and exits when trying to switch to 64‑bit.

Use a clean uninstall, then reinstall:

1. Fully uninstall OneDrive
   1. Select Start → type Programs → choose Add or remove programs.
   2. Under Apps & features, find Microsoft OneDrive.
   3. Select Microsoft OneDrive → Uninstall and complete the wizard.
   4. If uninstall from Apps & features fails or OneDrive still appears to be present, use the alternative method:
      • Press Windows key + R, type appwiz.cpl, select OK.
      • In Programs and Features, find Microsoft OneDrive, right‑click → Uninstall.
2. Remove leftover OneDrive configuration (if uninstall still doesn’t clear it) If the installer still reports version conflicts after uninstalling:
   1. Press Windows key + R, type regedit, select OK.
   2. In Registry Editor, paste this path in the address bar: Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\OneDrive
   3. Right‑click the OneDrive key (folder) and select Delete.
   4. Close Registry Editor and restart Windows.
   Note: Editing the registry is advanced; backing up the registry first is recommended. Incorrect edits can affect system behavior.
3. Reinstall the correct OneDrive app
   1. After restart, open a browser and download the Microsoft OneDrive app from the website.
   2. Run the downloaded setup and complete the sign‑in.
   Notes:
   • Microsoft OneDrive (downloaded from the website) is the backup and sync client.
   • OneDrive by Microsoft Corporation from Microsoft Store is only for viewing files and does not handle sync.
4. If OneDrive still fails to sign in (error 0x8004def4 or similar) If, after reinstall, sign‑in still fails with an error such as 0x8004def4:
   1. Download and install Microsoft 365 Support and Recovery Assistant from https://aka.ms/SaRA-FirstScreen.
   2. In the tool, select OneDrive for Business → Next.
   3. Select I need help syncing my OneDrive files → Next and follow the prompts.
   4. If the Assistant cannot fix it, follow the guidance to Reset OneDrive, and if needed, uninstall and reinstall again.

Uninstalling or cleaning up OneDrive does not delete files stored in the cloud; they remain available at OneDrive.com and will sync again after a successful reinstall and sign‑in.

---

References:

• Error 0x8004def4 when signing in to OneDrive
• Reinstall OneDrive
• How to fix "A newer version of OneDrive is installed"