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

OneDrive Known Folder Move (KFM) helps you back up important folders like Desktop, Documents, and Pictures to OneDrive automatically. Sometimes, KFM may stop working on Windows 11, causing syncing issues or missing files.

This guide will walk you through simple and effective steps to fix OneDrive KFM not working on your PC. Each step is explained clearly to ensure even beginners can follow along.

By following these instructions, you can restore smooth syncing and keep your files safely backed up to the cloud.

Let’s get started with some quick checks before diving into troubleshooting.

Quick Note: What to Check Before Fixing OneDrive KFM

  • Internet Connection: Ensure your PC is connected to the internet as OneDrive needs connectivity to sync files.
  • OneDrive Sign-In: Confirm you are signed into OneDrive with the correct Microsoft account.
  • Storage Space: Check if your OneDrive has enough free storage to accommodate your folders.
  • Windows Updates: Make sure your Windows 11 is updated to the latest version to avoid compatibility issues.

Step 1: Restart OneDrive

Sometimes, simply restarting OneDrive can resolve syncing problems and refresh KFM functionality.

  1. Click the OneDrive icon in the taskbar notification area. If you don’t see it, click the up arrow to reveal hidden icons.
  2. In the OneDrive window, click Help & Settings (gear icon) in the top-right corner.
  3. Select Close OneDrive and confirm to exit the app.
  4. Press Windows key + S, type OneDrive, and press Enter to reopen it.

Restarting helps clear temporary glitches that might be blocking KFM from working.

Step 2: Check OneDrive Folder Backup Settings

OneDrive needs permission to back up your important folders. Let’s verify the backup settings.

  1. Click the OneDrive icon in the taskbar notification area.
  2. Go to Help & Settings > Settings.
  3. Switch to the Backup tab.
  4. Click Manage backup.
  5. Make sure Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders are selected for backup.
  6. If not selected, check their boxes and click Start backup.

Enabling these folders allows OneDrive KFM to sync their contents automatically.

Step 3: Reset OneDrive

If restarting didn’t help, resetting OneDrive can fix deeper app issues without deleting your files.

  1. Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog.
  2. Type the following command and press Enter:
    3. %localappdata%MicrosoftOneDriveonedrive.exe /reset
  3. Wait a few minutes for OneDrive to reset. The OneDrive icon should disappear and reappear in the taskbar.
  4. If the icon doesn’t reappear, open OneDrive manually by typing OneDrive in the Start menu and pressing Enter.

Resetting refreshes OneDrive’s configuration and often resolves syncing and KFM issues.

Step 4: Check Folder Permissions

OneDrive needs proper permissions on your folders to access and sync them. Incorrect permissions can block KFM.

  1. Right-click on the Documents folder (or any folder not syncing) and select Properties.
  2. Go to the Security tab.
  3. Click Edit to change permissions.
  4. Make sure your user account has Full control checked.
  5. If not, check it and click Apply then OK.

Proper permissions ensure OneDrive can read and upload your files without errors.

Step 5: Disable Group Policy or Registry Restrictions (Advanced)

Sometimes, system policies or registry settings prevent KFM from working. This is more common in corporate or managed PCs.

Disable Group Policy Restriction

  1. Press Windows key + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter to open Group Policy Editor.
  2. Navigate to:
    Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > OneDrive
  3. Double-click Prevent the usage of OneDrive for file storage.
  4. Set it to Not Configured or Disabled.
  5. Click Apply and OK.
  6. Restart your PC.

Check Registry Settings

Warning: Be careful editing the registry. Create a backup first.

  1. Press Windows key + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
  2. Navigate to:
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftWindowsOneDrive
  3. Look for a value named DisableFileSyncNGSC.
  4. If it exists and is set to 1, right-click and delete it or set it to 0.
  5. Close Registry Editor and restart your PC.

Removing these restrictions allows OneDrive KFM to function normally.

Step 6: Reinstall OneDrive

If problems persist, reinstalling OneDrive can solve corrupted installation issues.

  1. Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to Apps > Installed apps or Apps > Apps & features.
  3. Find Microsoft OneDrive in the list.
  4. Click the three dots next to it and select Uninstall.
  5. After uninstalling, visit OneDrive official download page to download and install the latest version.
  6. Sign in again and set up folder backup.

Reinstalling ensures you have a fresh OneDrive app without corrupted files.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is OneDrive KFM not syncing my Desktop folder?

This may happen if KFM backup is not enabled for Desktop or if folder permissions are incorrect. Verify backup settings and permissions as shown above.

Does OneDrive KFM work with local accounts on Windows 11?

OneDrive KFM requires a Microsoft account to sync folders. Local accounts without Microsoft sign-in cannot use KFM.

Will resetting OneDrive delete my files?

No. Resetting only refreshes OneDrive’s settings and cache. Your files remain safe on your PC and in the cloud.

Can I stop OneDrive from backing up certain folders?

Yes. Open OneDrive settings, go to the Backup tab, and click Manage backup to change which folders are backed up.

What if my company has disabled OneDrive KFM?

Some organizations restrict OneDrive features via Group Policy. Contact your IT administrator for assistance.

When Nothing Works

If none of the above steps fix OneDrive KFM issues, consider these final options:

  • Contact Microsoft Support: Visit the official OneDrive support page for personalized help.
  • Use the OneDrive Troubleshooter: Microsoft provides a troubleshooter tool that can automatically detect and fix issues.
  • Check for Windows Updates: Sometimes, installing the latest system updates can resolve compatibility problems.
  • Create a new user profile: Corrupted user profiles can cause syncing issues; testing with a new profile can help isolate the problem.

Conclusion

OneDrive KFM not working on Windows 11 can be frustrating, but most issues are fixable with simple steps. Start by restarting OneDrive and checking folder backup settings. If that doesn’t help, reset the app and verify folder permissions.

Advanced users can also check Group Policy and registry settings for restrictions. Reinstalling OneDrive is a reliable last step before seeking external support.

By following this guide carefully, you can restore OneDrive KFM’s functionality and keep your important files safely synced to the cloud.

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