OneDrive Not Syncing: How to Fix OneDrive Sync Issues on Windows 10
OneDrive is Microsoft’s cloud drive solution. It has a desktop app that allows you to sync your files and access them easily. If you’re running Windows 10, the OneDrive app is a stock app that will sign you in to the same Microsoft Account that you use on Windows 10.
Fix OneDrive not syncing on Windows 10
Syncing files is one of the core functions of the OneDrive app on Windows 10. If sync doesn’t work, users won’t be able to upload files to OneDrive and they, likewise, will not be able to access the files that have already been uploaded. If OneDrive is not syncing, try these basic checks and then follow the fixes listed further below.
Basic checks
- Try to upload or download a file from the OneDrive web app.
- Check if OneDrive is down from the Microsoft Service status page.
- If you have Microsoft 365 apps (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc) installed, check if you can open a file from OneDrive directly from the app.
- Make sure your internet is working.
If the above check out, and the OneDrive app isn’t syncing, try the fixes below.
Disable third-party anti-virus apps
If you have a third-party anti-virus app installed on your system, try disabling it or adding OneDrive and Microsoft’s services to the app’s whitelist.
If you choose to disable the anti-virus, make sure you enable Windows Defender. You should not run a desktop without an anti-virus.
1. Restart OneDrive
OneDrive may simply need to be restarted. Its services may not be working or may have become idle. Restarting the app may fix this.
- Click the OneDrive icon in the system tray.
- Click the More button and select Close OneDrive.
- Open OneDrive again.
2. Sign out and Sign in
If sync is stuck, signing out and back in can force it to start again.
- Open OneDrive.
- Click the Help and Settings button.
- Select Settings.
- Go to the Account tab.
- Click Unlink this PC.
- Quit OneDrive.
- Open OneDrive and sign in again.
3. Uninstall and reinstall OneDrive
OneDrive may have been corrupted. You can uninstall the app and install it again to fix whatever problems it has.
- Open the Settings app.
- Go to Apps.
- Find OneDrive in the list of apps and select it.
- Click the Uninstall button.
- Restart the system for good measure.
- Open File Explorer.
- Navigate to
C:\Windows\WinSxS. - Use the search bar and look for OneDrive.
- Run the OneDriveSetup.exe file.
- OneDrive will be installed again.
4. Install OneDrive desktop app
If the stock OneDrive app doesn’t work, you can install the desktop version which is still available from Microsoft.
- Visit the official OneDrive page and click Download.
- Run the EXE file and install OneDrive.
OneDrive Sync Issues are fixable
The OneDrive app tends to run into problems now and then.
It is generally harmless to uninstall but if you’re having trouble getting the app to sync after installing it again, or it’s stopped working after a Windows 10 update, uninstalling the app and installing it again will fix the problem.
