How to reset OneDrive if it won't sync

Microsoft OneDrive is a popular cloud storage option with multiple connections and features that may require troubleshooting from time to time. One of the easiest ways to get around any issues with OneDrive if you're having trouble syncing cloud storage with your device is to simply reset the service. This task is overall a very simple process that should not result in any loss of files or data. Follow the steps below to reset OneDrive and fix any syncing issues.



How to reset Microsoft OneDrive on your desktop

Detect system-level problems

  1. Press the button Windows key And R to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Copy or type wsreset.exe in the open bar.
  3. Choose OK.
    The run command to reset Microsoft OneDrive.

If successful, OneDrive should start syncing after a few background processes flash on the screen. If not, you can try three other commands to get the service working properly.

  1. Press the button Windows key And R to reopen the Run dialog box.
  2. Copy and paste %localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe /resetthen select OK.
  3. If successful, OneDrive should begin syncing.
  4. If not, the message “Windows cannot find…” appears.
  5. Copy and paste C:\Program Files\Microsoft OneDrive\onedrive.exe /resetthen select OK.
  6. Wait for OneDrive to start syncing or for an error message.
  7. If the second command is unsuccessful, you can try the third command C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset, then select OK.


If either of these options is successful, you will be able to access OneDrive and view the sync and backup status of your data in Settings. You can also select the OneDrive cloud icon in the taskbar, which should indicate (confirm) that your files are synced.

How to reset Microsoft OneDrive in the app

How to fix errors in the program settings if necessary

  1. Open File Explorer.
  2. Right click Click the OneDrive folder in the navigation tree, then click OneDriveAnd Settings.

    Alternatively, you can also select OneDrive Cloud icon in the taskbar then this Settings Gear icon.

  3. Once the settings window opens, select Account.
  4. Choose Disconnect from this PC.
  5. Select the Unlink account Confirmation popup.
  6. Now it will appear in your account Link this PC. Select this option.
  7. Go to Sync and backup > Manage backup Settings to make sure all the options you want to sync are checked and select them save Changes.

Sync will pause if a metered connection with a data limit is enabled on your desktop. To resolve this issue, go to
Sync and backup
then turn off
Pause syncing if this device is on a metered network
in the
Settings
.


What to do before a full OneDrive reset

This might be easiest before you need to make any changes to the app

A few options can help you get your OneDrive syncing working again without having to do a reset at all. You can try the soft restart method, either for the app or for your desktop. Restarting the OneDrive app is easy and can be done via the OneDrive cloud icon in the taskbar.

  1. Right-click OneDrive Cloud icon.
  2. Right-click Settings Gear icon.
  3. Choose Pause sync > Quit OneDrive.
  4. Select in the confirmation popup Quit OneDrive. OneDrive closes and the cloud icon disappears from the taskbar.
  5. To reopen the app, enter: OneDrive in the Windows search bar and select the OneDrive app. You can confirm that syncing is working properly by using the sync and backup settings in File Explorer or the cloud shortcut in the taskbar.

And of course, restarting your device can also be a quick troubleshooting step to determine whether the problem is with OneDrive or something else on your desktop. If you restart your desktop and your OneDrive sync issues are resolved, you don't need to do anything else. However, if you are still having problems, you can apply one of the more advanced fixes described above.


Backup plan for OneDrive access

Problems with a trusted service like OneDrive can be concerning. Fortunately, there are several troubleshooting options available that should be effective in getting your files back in sync. Maintaining a different location for backup, such as the OneDrive mobile app on your Android or iOS device, can be a good way to ensure that you always have access to your files and data that are already in the cloud , even if your desktop program is completely down, so you won't be able to access your saved files there.



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