Red X by files, but they don't work

Question

I've been getting a red x by One Drive for several days, only my files do not work. Today I also have a red x by my Desktop file, so I can't save anything there. When I open the files in One Drive, all I get is illegible computer language. AI indicates I can only do a system restore back 1 day, so it seems I can't use that to fix this problem. What now?

Answer 1

A red circle with a white cross on OneDrive means a file or folder cannot be synced. Since the Desktop is also showing the issue, start with the OneDrive sync error details and then isolate the affected files.

1. Select the blue or white OneDrive cloud icon in the notification area.
   • Check the activity center or action center for the exact sync errors.
   • OneDrive can show which files are failing and may suggest a fix.
2. If specific files are failing to upload or sync, rename them.
   • OneDrive has unsupported characters, strings, and other restrictions.
   • If a file name contains invalid characters, it can show a red X and fail to sync.
3. Move one problem file out of the OneDrive folder temporarily.
   • Put it on the local Desktop or another non-OneDrive folder.
   • Wait until the remaining OneDrive items finish syncing.
   • Then move the file back and check whether it syncs correctly.
4. If the red X appears on items that are not actually shortcuts, restart Windows Explorer.
   • Press Windows key + E.
   • Press CTRL + ALT + DEL and select Task Manager.
   • Select More details.
   • On the Processes tab, right-click Windows Explorer.
   • Select Restart.
5. If OneDrive is paused, resume syncing.
   • Select the OneDrive icon.
   • Select More > Resume syncing.
6. If the OneDrive icon is grayed out with a line through it, sign in again or complete setup.
   • Open the OneDrive desktop app from Windows search.
7. If the red X persists across many files, unlink and relink the PC.
   • In OneDrive, go to Help & Settings > Settings > Account.
   • Select Unlink this PC.
   • Sign in again with the same account.
   • If prompted that a OneDrive folder already exists, select Use this folder.
   • Restart the computer after OneDrive rebuilds the folder statuses.

Important: if files open as unreadable text or symbols, avoid editing and resaving them until sync is stable, because that can overwrite good copies with damaged ones.

If the problem is only with OneDrive Desktop backup locations such as Desktop, the red X is still consistent with a sync failure rather than a Windows system restore issue.

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References:

• What do the OneDrive icons mean?
• Troubleshoot file upload issues with OneDrive
• "Invalid characters" error when you sync files from Windows Explorer to OneDrive
• Numerous Red X's Beside Folders, Pictures, and Documents - Microsoft Q&A