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How to Fix OneDrive Sync Not Working on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions

OneDrive is a popular cloud storage service that helps you keep your files backed up and synced across devices. Sometimes, however, OneDrive sync may stop working on Windows 11, causing frustration and potential data issues. Fortunately, fixing this problem is usually straightforward with a few simple steps.

This guide will walk you through easy-to-follow solutions to get OneDrive syncing again. Each step is designed to be clear and basic, even if you’re not very tech-savvy.

By following these instructions carefully, you can quickly restore your OneDrive sync and continue accessing your files seamlessly. Let’s get started.

Remember, syncing issues can arise from various reasons, so it’s best to try solutions from the simplest to more advanced ones.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks

  • Ensure Internet Connectivity: OneDrive requires an active internet connection to sync files. Check if your PC is connected to the internet.
  • Check OneDrive Status: Sometimes, Microsoft’s OneDrive service might be down. Visit the Microsoft Service Status page to confirm.
  • Verify Your Account: Make sure you are signed in to OneDrive with the correct Microsoft account.
  • Free Storage Space: Confirm that your OneDrive storage is not full by visiting the OneDrive website or app.

Step 1: Restart OneDrive

Restarting OneDrive is the simplest fix and often resolves temporary glitches. Here’s how:

  1. Click the up arrow icon in the Windows system tray (bottom-right corner).
  2. Find the OneDrive cloud icon, right-click it.
  3. Select Close OneDrive or Exit.
  4. Wait a few seconds, then open OneDrive again by searching for “OneDrive” in the Start menu and clicking the app.

Why this helps: Restarting refreshes the OneDrive app and can fix minor syncing errors caused by temporary software hiccups.

Step 2: Check Your Sync Settings

Sometimes, OneDrive’s sync settings may accidentally get changed. To check and correct them:

  1. Click the OneDrive icon in the system tray.
  2. Click Help & Settings (gear icon) in the top-right corner of the OneDrive window.
  3. Select Settings.
  4. Go to the Account tab.
  5. Click Choose folders.
  6. Make sure the folders you want to sync are checked.
  7. Click OK to save changes.

Why this matters: If certain folders are unchecked, they won’t sync to your PC, which may appear as if sync is not working.

Step 3: Reset OneDrive

If restarting doesn’t work, resetting OneDrive can fix more stubborn problems. Resetting will not delete your files but will resync your OneDrive data.

  1. Press Windows + R keys together to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type or paste the following command exactly and press Enter:
    3.  %localappdata%MicrosoftOneDriveonedrive.exe /reset
  3. This will reset OneDrive. Wait for a few minutes.
  4. If OneDrive doesn’t restart automatically, open it manually by searching for “OneDrive” in the Start menu and clicking the app.

Why reset helps: Resetting clears OneDrive’s cache and settings that might be corrupted, allowing a clean start.

Step 4: Check for Windows and OneDrive Updates

Running outdated software can cause sync issues. Make sure both Windows 11 and OneDrive are up to date.

Update Windows 11

  1. Press Windows + I keys to open Settings.
  2. Navigate to Windows Update on the left panel.
  3. Click Check for updates and install any available updates.

Update OneDrive

  1. Open OneDrive settings (via system tray icon).
  2. Go to the About tab.
  3. Click Version and note the version number.
  4. Visit the OneDrive download page and download the latest version if yours is outdated.
  5. Run the installer to update OneDrive.

Why updates matter: Updates fix bugs and improve compatibility, which can solve sync problems.

Step 5: Unlink and Relink Your OneDrive Account

Unlinking your account removes the connection between your PC and OneDrive, then relinking it can refresh syncing.

  1. Click the OneDrive icon in the system tray.
  2. Go to Help & Settings > Settings.
  3. Under the Account tab, click Unlink this PC.
  4. Confirm the unlink action.
  5. After unlinking, OneDrive will prompt you to sign in again. Enter your Microsoft account credentials and follow the setup instructions.

Why this works: This step can fix account-related syncing errors by re-establishing the connection between your device and OneDrive servers.

Alternative Method: Use the OneDrive Troubleshooter

Windows 11 includes a troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix OneDrive sync issues.

  1. Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
  2. Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
  3. Scroll down to find Windows Store Apps and click Run.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting process.

This tool helps identify issues that may not be obvious and attempts automatic repair.

FAQs

Why is OneDrive not syncing specific files?

Files with certain characters in their names, very large files, or unsupported file types may not sync. Also, make sure files are not open in other apps during sync.

How do I know if OneDrive is syncing?

The OneDrive icon in the system tray shows syncing status: a rotating arrows icon means syncing is in progress, a green check means sync is complete.

Can I pause OneDrive syncing temporarily?

Yes, click the OneDrive icon, then go to Help & Settings > Pause syncing and select the desired duration.

What if OneDrive sync is stuck at 0%?

This usually indicates a connection or file issue. Try restarting OneDrive, checking your internet connection, or resetting the app as described above.

Is resetting OneDrive safe?

Yes, resetting OneDrive does not delete your files stored in the cloud or on your PC but may take some time to resync everything.

When Nothing Works: Final Options

If you’ve tried all the above steps and OneDrive still won’t sync, consider the following:

  • Check Storage Space: Ensure your PC’s hard drive has enough free space to sync files.
  • Disable Antivirus Temporarily: Some antivirus programs block OneDrive. Temporarily disable them to test.
  • Contact Microsoft Support: Visit the OneDrive Help Center for specialized assistance.
  • Reinstall OneDrive: Uninstall and reinstall OneDrive from the Microsoft Store or official website.

Conclusion

OneDrive sync issues on Windows 11 can disrupt your workflow, but most problems are fixable with simple troubleshooting. Always start by checking your internet connection and restarting OneDrive. Then, review your sync settings and consider resetting the app if needed.

Keeping your system and OneDrive app updated is essential to prevent future errors. If problems persist, unlinking and relinking your account or using Windows’ troubleshooter can help. And remember, official Microsoft support is available if you need extra help.

By following these step-by-step solutions, you can restore OneDrive syncing and keep your files safe and accessible across devices.

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