OneDrive Sync issues Windows 11 on MS Surface

Question

I have over 0.5 TB on OneDrive online. I find that my Microsoft Surface (Windows 11) has stopped syncing files. Please help. I do not want to lose content.

Answer 1

Awesome! Thank you for letting me know.

Answer 2

Hi,

Let me verify what is wrong.

Please go to https://onedrive.live.com/?v=managestorage&sw=bypassConfig

Take a screenshot of the page and post in the next reply.

I look forward to hearing from you to get the results of the troubleshooting.

Answer 3

To avoid losing content, start with the least disruptive steps first. Resetting or reinstalling OneDrive does not delete files stored in OneDrive. A reset disconnects sync connections and forces a full sync. Reinstalling also resets OneDrive settings, and files remain available when signed in online.

1. Check whether OneDrive is still running.
   • Look for the white or blue OneDrive cloud icon in the Windows notification area.
   • If it is not visible, select the Show hidden icons arrow.
   • If it still does not appear, open Start, type OneDrive, and open the OneDrive desktop app.
2. Check whether OneDrive is stuck on processing.
   • If a file is open, close it after editing.
   • If a password was changed recently, sign in to OneDrive again.
   • If many files are syncing, allow more time.
   • Large files such as ZIP archives, long videos, or Outlook PST/OST files can delay sync. Move Outlook data files out of OneDrive storage folders, or avoid syncing folders that contain very large files.
   • Temporary or hidden files can also block sync. Select the OneDrive cloud icon to review files that are open or recently synced.
3. Check whether too many files are being synced.
   • In File Explorer, right-click the OneDrive folder and select Properties.
   • If the Contains count is more than 300,000, sync can take a long time.
   • If needed, reduce the number of files in OneDrive. If shortcut folders or synced SharePoint libraries exist, removing shortcut folders or stopping library sync can help.
4. Pause and resume sync.
   • Select the OneDrive cloud icon.
   • Select More > Pause syncing... and choose 2, 8, or 24 hours.
   • Then select More > Resume syncing.
5. Reset OneDrive.
   • Press Windows + R.
   • Type wsreset.exe and select OK. A blank Command Prompt window may open and close, and Microsoft Store may open.
   • Press Windows + R again.
   • Enter: %localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset
   • If Windows cannot find it, try: C:\Program Files\Microsoft OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset
   • If that also fails, try: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset
   • Then open Start, type OneDrive, and start the OneDrive desktop app.
   • After reset, OneDrive performs a full sync. If only selected folders were synced before, those folder choices must be set again.
6. Reinstall OneDrive if reset does not help.
   • Open Start, type Programs, and select Add or remove programs.
   • Under Apps & features, select Microsoft OneDrive > Uninstall.
   • Then download the Microsoft OneDrive app from the website and sign in again.
   • This does not remove OneDrive data. It resets settings and starts a full sync.
7. If sync still fails, try unlinking and relinking the account, or use the guided troubleshooter.

If files in File Explorer show a syncing icon even though OneDrive says Up to date, hidden or temporary files may be causing an incorrect status. Remove hidden or temporary files that are safe to remove. For temporary Office files, close open Office documents first. Deleting the wrong Office temp files can cause data loss, so only remove files that are confirmed safe.

If the issue continues after reset or reinstall, use Contact Microsoft Support for personal accounts.

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References:

• Reset OneDrive
• Reinstall OneDrive
• Troubleshoot OneDrive Sync Issues: Stuck on "Processing Changes"
• Restrictions and limitations in OneDrive and SharePoint
• Fix OneDrive sync problems
• The OneDrive sync status icon incorrectly shows "syncing" in File Explorer
• Upload and save files and folders to OneDrive