Share via

Onedrive problems

Don Lawrence 0 Reputation points
2026-05-21T18:41:59.7966667+00:00

Please help me get my onedrive operating correctly. It won't sign in or show backed up files. And won't back up between my computers.

Microsoft 365 and Office | OneDrive | Other | Windows
0 comments

2 answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. John Jefferson Doyon 70,190 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-05-21T20:59:04.8266667+00:00

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

    To help narrow down the issue:

    1. Are you getting any error messages 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?

    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 me know what happens after trying these steps.

    You can also try unlinking and relinking your OneDrive account, or resetting it. "Unlink and re-link OneDrive" https://support.microsoft.com/office/unlink-and-re-link-onedrive-3c4680bf-cc36-4204-9ca5-e7b24cdd23ea

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

    Click "Add comment" below to let me know.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments

  2. AI answer

    2026-05-21T18:42:23.8433333+00:00

    Follow these steps in order on each computer.

    1. Confirm OneDrive can sign in
    • Open a browser and go to your Microsoft Account dashboard: https://account.microsoft.com/account/Account
    • Sign in with the same account that should be used for OneDrive.
    • If sign-in fails, use the help link on that page to fix the account or password issue.
    1. Check OneDrive online
    • On each computer, select the OneDrive cloud icon in the menu bar (Mac) or taskbar (Windows).
    • Select View online to open OneDrive in a browser.
    • If there are problems signing in to OneDrive online, check the Microsoft Office Online Services status at the Service Health portal.
    1. Make sure OneDrive is running and up to date (Mac)
    • Look for the OneDrive cloud icon on the right side of the menu bar.
    • If it is missing, use Spotlight to search for OneDrive and open it.
    • If OneDrive is running but not syncing, select the icon, then select Quit OneDrive, then reopen it via Spotlight.
    • If issues persist, install the latest OneDrive sync app for Mac from the download link or the Mac App Store, then open OneDrive and sign in again.
    1. Make sure OneDrive is up to date (Windows)
    • Install the latest OneDrive version from the OneDrive download page.
    • After installation, open OneDrive, enter the same email and password as used online, and complete setup.
    1. Fix sign-in issues across devices
    • If OneDrive still will not sign in on PC, Mac, mobile, or web:
      • Confirm the username and password by signing in to the Microsoft Account dashboard.
      • Ensure the latest OneDrive version is installed.
      • If sign-in still fails, check firewall, VPN, or network configuration using the guidance in “Required URLs and ports for OneDrive”.
    1. Fix sync and backup issues between computers
    • On each computer, confirm OneDrive is signed in with the same Microsoft account.
    • If sync problems continue, follow the OneDrive sync troubleshooting steps:
      • On Mac: verify OneDrive is running, restart it, and ensure it is updated.
      • On Windows: use the “Fix OneDrive sync problems” guidance.
    • If Windows Backup is used to back up settings and folders, ensure:
      • There is sufficient OneDrive storage.
      • The account is signed in to OneDrive.
      • Any OneDrive errors reported by Windows Backup are resolved using the OneDrive sync troubleshooting article.
    1. If still not working
    • Use the OneDrive guided support troubleshooting tool from the “Fix OneDrive sync problems” article.
    • If necessary, unlink and re-link the OneDrive account following the “Unlink and re-link OneDrive” guidance referenced there.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

    Was this answer helpful?

Your answer

Answers can be marked as 'Accepted' by the question author and 'Recommended' by moderators, which helps users know the answer solved the author's problem.