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How to Fix OneDrive Thumbs.db Error on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions

Many Windows 11 users encounter the Thumbs.db error when using OneDrive. This error usually appears when syncing folders that contain these hidden thumbnail cache files. It can disrupt your OneDrive syncing process and cause confusion.

Thumbs.db files are created by Windows to store thumbnail images for quicker folder previews. However, these files sometimes conflict with OneDrive’s syncing mechanism, resulting in errors.

The good news is that fixing this issue is straightforward. You can follow a few simple steps to resolve the problem and get OneDrive syncing smoothly again.

This article will guide you through easy, step-by-step solutions to fix the OneDrive Thumbs.db error on Windows 11.

Quick Note: What to Check Before You Start

  • Make sure your Windows 11 system is fully updated. Updates often fix bugs related to file syncing.
  • Ensure OneDrive is running and you’re signed in with the correct Microsoft account.
  • Check if the Thumbs.db error message shows specific folders or files causing the problem.
  • Close other programs that might be accessing the folder containing Thumbs.db files.

Step 1: Delete Thumbs.db Files Manually

Since Thumbs.db files are just cache files, deleting them is safe. Windows will recreate these files if needed.

To delete these files manually, follow these steps:

  1. Open File Explorer by pressing Win + E.
  2. Navigate to the folder that OneDrive reports in the error message.
  3. Click on the View tab and select Show > Hidden items to see hidden files.
  4. Look for any Thumbs.db files in the folder.
  5. Right-click each Thumbs.db file and select Delete.
  6. Empty your Recycle Bin to permanently remove the files.

Deleting these cache files resolves conflicts caused by OneDrive trying to sync files it shouldn’t.

Step 2: Prevent Windows from Creating Thumbs.db Files

If you want to avoid this issue in the future, you can disable the creation of Thumbs.db files on network folders. Here’s how:

  1. Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter to open the Group Policy Editor.
  2. Navigate to Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → File Explorer.
  3. Find the policy named Turn off the caching of thumbnails in hidden thumbs.db files.
  4. Double-click it and set it to Enabled.
  5. Click Apply and then OK.
  6. Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

This setting prevents Windows from creating new Thumbs.db files, which helps avoid future sync conflicts with OneDrive.

Step 3: Clear OneDrive Cache

Sometimes, OneDrive’s local cache can cause syncing errors. Clearing the cache can refresh OneDrive and fix issues.

To clear the OneDrive cache:

  1. Close OneDrive by right-clicking the OneDrive icon in the system tray and selecting Close OneDrive.
  2. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
  3. Type %localappdata%MicrosoftOneDriveonedrive.exe /reset and press Enter.
  4. Wait a few minutes. OneDrive will restart automatically. If it doesn’t, open it manually by searching for OneDrive in the Start menu.

Resetting OneDrive forces it to resync all files and can fix errors related to corrupted cache or temporary files.

Step 4: Use Command Prompt to Remove Thumbs.db Files in Bulk

If you have many folders synced by OneDrive, deleting Thumbs.db files manually may be tedious. You can use the Command Prompt to delete all Thumbs.db files at once.

Here’s how:

  1. Press Win + S, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
  2. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command to delete all Thumbs.db files inside your OneDrive folder (replace OneDrive with your actual OneDrive folder path if different):
del /s /q "%UserProfile%OneDriveThumbs.db"

This command deletes all Thumbs.db files quietly and recursively within the OneDrive folder.

After running this, check if OneDrive syncing improves.

Alternative Method: Exclude Thumbs.db Files from OneDrive Sync

If you prefer not to delete these files, you can exclude them from syncing by adding them to OneDrive’s ignore list using the OneDrive settings or group policies. However, this is an advanced step and may require Windows Pro edition for Group Policy Editor.

Alternatively, you can move files causing issues outside the OneDrive sync folder temporarily.

FAQs

What is a Thumbs.db file?

Thumbs.db is a hidden system file used by Windows to store thumbnail cache images for folders. It helps speed up preview loading but can cause syncing conflicts with cloud services like OneDrive.

Is it safe to delete Thumbs.db files?

Yes, it is completely safe. Windows will recreate them as needed. Deleting these files often resolves syncing errors.

Why does OneDrive have problems syncing Thumbs.db files?

OneDrive sometimes cannot sync these hidden system cache files because they are frequently locked or accessed by the system, leading to errors.

Will disabling Thumbs.db creation affect my system?

Disabling thumbs.db caching on network folders stops Windows from creating these files in shared or synced folders, reducing sync errors without impacting system performance.

Can I stop OneDrive from syncing certain file types?

OneDrive does not provide an easy way to exclude specific file types from syncing by default. Advanced users can configure exclusions using group policies or scripts.

When Nothing Works

If you’ve tried all the above steps and still face Thumbs.db errors in OneDrive, consider these final options:

  • Reset OneDrive completely: Unlink your account via OneDrive settings and then sign in again to force a full re-sync.
  • Contact Microsoft Support: Visit the official OneDrive support page for help.
  • Use the OneDrive Troubleshooter: Microsoft offers a troubleshooter tool to diagnose and fix OneDrive issues automatically.

In rare cases, a corrupt user profile or system file issues might cause recurring errors, so running Windows System File Checker (sfc /scannow) or creating a new user profile could help.

Conclusion

OneDrive Thumbs.db errors on Windows 11 are common but easy to fix. Deleting these cache files, preventing their creation, and clearing OneDrive’s cache often solve syncing problems.

Starting with simple manual fixes and progressing to more advanced methods ensures you don’t miss any important step. If problems persist, resetting OneDrive or seeking official support is recommended.

By following these detailed steps, you can keep your OneDrive syncing smoothly and avoid future Thumbs.db related errors.

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