Blog

OneDrive is a popular cloud storage service that helps you keep your files synced across devices. However, sometimes it can get stuck in a continuous syncing loop on Windows 11. This can be frustrating, especially if your files aren’t updating properly.

Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to fix the OneDrive continually syncing error. These solutions are designed for users of all experience levels.

In this article, we will guide you through easy-to-follow troubleshooting methods. Each step explains why it matters and how to complete it.

By the end, you should be able to get OneDrive syncing normally again and avoid future syncing problems.

Quick Note Before You Start

Before diving into the fixes, make sure you check a few basics. These quick checks can save time and clarify the issue:

• Check your internet connection: OneDrive needs a stable connection to sync files.
• Ensure you have enough storage: Both on your PC and in your OneDrive cloud storage.
• Restart your computer: Sometimes a simple reboot resolves temporary glitches.
• Verify OneDrive status: Visit the Microsoft Office service status page to see if OneDrive is facing outages.

Step 1: Pause and Resume Syncing

This is the simplest way to refresh OneDrive’s syncing process.

1. Click the OneDrive icon in the taskbar notification area (near the clock).
2. Click Help & Settings (gear icon).
3. Select Pause syncing and choose a time duration (e.g., 2 hours).
4. Wait a few moments, then repeat steps 1 and 2.
5. Click Resume syncing.

Pausing and resuming forces OneDrive to restart the sync process, which can fix minor glitches.

Step 2: Check for File Conflicts and Large Files

Sometimes, OneDrive keeps syncing because it encounters problematic files.

• File conflicts: These happen when two versions of a file exist. Look for files with names like filename-PC or filename-User.
• Unsupported file types: OneDrive doesn’t sync certain file types like temporary files or system files.
• Large files: Files over 100GB or exceeding your OneDrive storage limit may cause errors.

To fix this, remove or rename conflicting files and avoid uploading unsupported or very large files.

Step 3: Restart the OneDrive App

Restarting the OneDrive app can clear temporary issues.

1. Right-click the OneDrive icon in the taskbar and select Close OneDrive.
2. Open the Start Menu, type OneDrive, and click the app to reopen it.

This resets the app’s connection to your files and cloud storage.

Step 4: Reset OneDrive

If restarting did not help, resetting OneDrive can resolve deeper syncing problems. This will not delete your files, but it will re-sync everything.

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type the following command exactly and press Enter:

 %localappdata%MicrosoftOneDriveonedrive.exe /reset 

3. Wait a few minutes. OneDrive will close and restart automatically.
4. If the OneDrive icon doesn’t reappear after a few minutes, open OneDrive manually from the Start Menu.

Resetting is important because it clears corrupted cache files that may cause syncing errors.

Step 5: Update Windows and OneDrive

Using an outdated version of Windows or OneDrive can create compatibility issues.

1. Click Start and open Settings.
2. Go to Windows Update and click Check for updates.
3. Install all available updates and restart your PC if prompted.
4. To update OneDrive, open the app, click Help & Settings > Settings, then go to the About tab and check for updates.

Keeping software up to date ensures you have the latest fixes and improvements.

Alternative Method: Unlink and Relink Your OneDrive Account

If syncing still fails, unlinking and then re-linking your account can refresh the connection.

1. Right-click the OneDrive icon and select Help & Settings > Settings.
2. In the Account tab, click Unlink this PC.
3. Confirm the action, then sign in again with your Microsoft account.
4. Follow the setup wizard and choose the folders you want to sync.

This method is useful when your account settings get out of sync with the app.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does OneDrive keep syncing even when no files change?

This can happen due to corrupted cache, file conflicts, or unsupported files. Following the reset and file checks usually resolves this.

Will resetting OneDrive delete my files?

No, resetting only clears the app’s cache. Your files remain safe on your computer and in the cloud.

How do I identify which files cause syncing issues?

Look for files with sync error icons or names that include “conflicted copy”. You can also check the OneDrive activity center for details.

Is there a way to pause syncing temporarily?

Yes, you can pause syncing from the OneDrive menu for a set time, which helps when you want to save bandwidth or fix sync issues.

Can antivirus software affect OneDrive syncing?

Sometimes, security software may block OneDrive’s access. Make sure to whitelist OneDrive or temporarily disable antivirus to test.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and OneDrive keeps syncing endlessly, consider the following:

• Contact Microsoft Support: Visit the official OneDrive Help & Support page for expert assistance.
• Use the OneDrive Troubleshooter: Microsoft offers a troubleshooter tool that can automatically detect and fix problems.
• Create a backup: Manually back up important files to an external drive or alternative cloud service to prevent data loss.
• Reinstall OneDrive: As a last resort, uninstall OneDrive completely and install the latest version from Microsoft’s website.

Conclusion

OneDrive continually syncing errors on Windows 11 can disrupt your workflow, but most problems are easy to fix with basic troubleshooting. Starting with simple solutions like pausing syncing and restarting the app often works.

For more stubborn issues, resetting OneDrive, updating your system, or unlinking your account usually resolves the problem. Always check for file conflicts and ensure your internet connection is stable.

If you still face trouble, Microsoft’s support resources can provide further help. By following these steps carefully, you can restore smooth syncing and keep your files up to date across devices.