When OneDrive stops syncing, the cause is usually something simple: syncing is paused, your storage is full, a file has a name OneDrive can't accept, or the app needs updating. This guide goes from the quickest checks to Microsoft's official reset, which is the last resort rather than the first move.
Check the OneDrive status first
Click the OneDrive cloud icon in the Windows notification area (or the menu bar on a Mac). The panel shows whether syncing is paused, whether it's still working, or whether there's an error. If it names a specific file or error, start with that message. It's more useful than any general fix.
Fixes to try, easiest first
- Check your internet connection. Open a few websites and confirm they load reliably. If your connection keeps dropping, fix that first; this guide to finding and fixing an internet connection that keeps disconnecting can help.
- Pause and resume syncing. In the OneDrive panel, open Help & Settings, choose Pause syncing, pick a duration, then choose Resume syncing. This often restarts a stalled sync.
- Check your storage. If you go over your Microsoft storage allowance, OneDrive can't upload, edit, or sync new files. Sign in to OneDrive on the web to see how much space you have left, then delete large files or buy more storage.
- Look at file names and paths. OneDrive can't sync files whose names contain certain characters, such as
",*,:,<,>, or?. Very long folder paths can also cause errors, so shorten deeply nested folder names. Rename the file or folder that the error points to. - Move the stuck file out and back. If the sync icon seems stuck on one file, pause syncing, move that file to a folder that isn't part of OneDrive, resume syncing, and then move the file back once sync completes.
- Confirm you're signed in to the right account. If you recently changed your Microsoft password, sign out of OneDrive in its settings and sign in again.
- Check which folders sync. Open OneDrive Help & Settings > Settings > Account > Choose folders and make sure the folder holding your missing files is selected. Menu names can vary by version.
- Update OneDrive and your operating system. Microsoft notes that OneDrive and Windows are updated frequently, and keeping the PC up to date can help with sync problems.
Check folder access if only certain files fail
If OneDrive reports an access or permission error for files in a specific local folder, check that your Windows or Mac user account has permission to read and edit that folder. Avoid changing permissions for unrelated folders; focus only on the location named in the error.
Large files and slow uploads
A very large video or archive can take a long time to upload, especially on a slow connection. If OneDrive shows progress, give it time before assuming it has failed. Also check whether your device pauses syncing automatically, for example on battery saver or on a metered connection. These behaviors depend on your OneDrive settings.
Duplicate or conflicting files
If you edit the same file on two devices before they sync, OneDrive may keep both versions instead of overwriting one. Open both copies, keep the one you need, and delete the other once you've confirmed nothing is lost. Close documents on one device before editing on another to avoid repeats.
Reset OneDrive (last resort)
Microsoft documents a reset that clears OneDrive's settings and performs a full sync afterward. Read the warning first: resetting disconnects all your existing sync connections, including personal OneDrive and any work or school OneDrive you've set up, so you'll sign in again. The reset is meant to re-sync your files, not remove them, but back up anything irreplaceable before you start.
- Press Windows key + R to open the Run box.
- Type
%localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe /resetand select OK. - If Windows says it can't find the file, try
C:\Program Files\Microsoft OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset, thenC:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset. - Wait a minute or two, then start OneDrive from the Start menu if it doesn't reopen on its own.
On a Mac, Microsoft provides a reset script (ResetOneDriveApp.command) with the app. Older versions of the app may not include it.
Don't delete OneDrive's program folders by hand to "clear the cache." That isn't part of Microsoft's reset instructions and can leave the app in a worse state.
Work or school accounts
If OneDrive is managed by your organization, group policies or administrator settings can block syncing certain files or folders. In that case, ask your IT team before you reset or reinstall anything.
When to contact Microsoft support
- The same error returns after a reset and a fresh sign-in.
- OneDrive on the web is also unavailable or shows an account or storage warning you can't clear.
- Microsoft's service health page reports a problem with OneDrive.
Have the exact error message ready, along with the file or folder it names.
What to do next
Work from the status panel and the error it shows, then check storage and file names. Reset only if those fail, and expect a full re-sync afterward. If your own account is fine and the problem continues, the cause may be on Microsoft's side or in an organizational policy.