One Drive Syncing

Question

I cannot get One Drive to sync and I cannot access one drive

Answer 1

Hi, I'm John! I will help you with this.

To help narrow down the issue:

1. Are you getting any error message when opening OneDrive or trying to sync?
2. Is the OneDrive cloud icon showing near the clock/taskbar? If yes, does it show a red X, gray cloud, or spinning sync icon?
3. Can you access your files from the OneDrive website: https://onedrive.live.com
4. Did this start after a Windows update or any recent change on the PC?

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In the meantime, try these steps:

• Restart the PC.
• Make sure the internet connection is stable.
• Press Windows + R, then type:

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

• Press Enter.

Wait a few minutes. If OneDrive does not reopen automatically, press Windows + R again and type:

%localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe

Let us know what happens after trying these steps.

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If the issue persists, please provide more details by answering my questions.

Click "Add comment" below to let me know.

Regards,

John J.D.

Answer 2

Follow these steps to get OneDrive syncing and accessible again on Windows:

1. Confirm you are signed in

• If the OneDrive cloud icon in the taskbar is gray or has a line through it, it means you are not signed in.
• Select the gray/blocked OneDrive icon.
• In the “Set up OneDrive” window, enter the Microsoft account email and password used for OneDrive.
• If the password or username is forgotten, use the Microsoft account sign‑in helper: Sign-in helper.

2. Fix sign‑in problems

• If this is a work or school account and sign‑in fails, reset the password or contact the organization’s IT admin using the guidance in the article.
• If OneDrive says it is not connected during sign‑in, restart OneDrive:
  1. Select Windows Start and search for OneDrive.
  2. Open the OneDrive app.
  3. If the app is missing, download and install the latest version from the official download link in the article.

3. Check internet and firewall

• If sign‑in works in a browser (OneDrive on the web) but not in the app, the local network or firewall may be blocking OneDrive.
• Temporarily test with a different connection, such as using a mobile device as a hotspot.
• If that works, contact the internet service provider to ensure Microsoft 365 services (including OneDrive) are allowed.

4. Verify file/folder permissions if sync starts but files won’t sync

• In File Explorer, right‑click a file that shows a sync error and select Properties.
• Go to the Security tab.
• Under Groups or user names, select the current Windows user name.
• Ensure Read and Write are checked in the Allow column.
• If not, select Edit and grant Read and Write permissions.

5. Restart sync for a problem file or folder

• Right‑click the OneDrive cloud icon in the taskbar and select Close OneDrive.
• In File Explorer, move the problem file or folder out of the OneDrive folder (for example to **C:**).
• Start OneDrive again from Start → search OneDrive → Open.
• Wait until OneDrive shows Up to date.
• Move or copy the file/folder back into the OneDrive folder and let it sync.

If these steps do not resolve the issue, use OneDrive on the web (onedrive.com) temporarily to access files while further troubleshooting is performed.

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References:

• Can't sign in to OneDrive
• OneDrive shows "This file can't be synced"