OneDrive not syncing

Summary

This guide helps you troubleshoot and resolve: OneDrive not syncing. Follow the steps below to fix the issue.

Common Causes

Problem

Files won't sync to OneDrive, or you see sync errors. Your files may be outdated or not appearing on other devices.

Symptoms

• Yellow/orange sync icon (cloud with arrow) stuck on files
• Red “Sync Error” badge on the OneDrive icon
• Files show “Pending” or “Uploading” for a long time
• Error message: “We couldn't sync this file”

Solutions

Step 1: Check OneDrive status

1. Look at the OneDrive icon in the taskbar (cloud icon).
2. If it shows a red X or error, click it to see details and note the specific error message.
3. For known service outages, review the Microsoft 365 Service Health dashboard.
4. If you are using OneDrive for Business, see OneDrive for Business sync issues for additional guidance.

Step 2: Verify you are signed in

1. Click the OneDrive icon in the taskbar.
2. Select “Sign in” or check the account displayed.
3. Ensure you are signed in with your organisational email address.
4. If not, sign out and sign back in.

Step 3: Restart OneDrive

1. Right‑click the OneDrive icon in the taskbar and choose “Close OneDrive”.
2. Press Win + S, search for “OneDrive”, and open it.
3. Wait for the client to reconnect and begin syncing.

Step 4: Check sync settings

1. Click the OneDrive icon → “Help & Settings” → “Settings”.
2. Open the “Account” tab.
3. Confirm the correct folders are selected for sync.
4. Review the “Files on‑demand” settings if files are not downloading.

Step 5: Free up space

1. Check your OneDrive storage at onedrive.com.
2. Delete unnecessary files and empty the OneDrive Recycle Bin.
3. Consider freeing up local disk space on the computer.

Step 6: Reset OneDrive

1. Close OneDrive completely (see Step 3).
2. Press Win + R, type %localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset, and press Enter.
3. Wait about one minute, then launch OneDrive again.

Step 7: Check for large or problematic files

1. OneDrive for Business limits files to 100 GB; consumer OneDrive allows up to 250 GB. Ensure files do not exceed the applicable limit.
2. Avoid file names that contain any of the following characters: \/:*?"<>|.
3. Rename files to remove prohibited characters.
4. Close any programmes that have the file open, then retry syncing.
5. If a file is missing after a sync, see OneDrive file missing.

Step 8: Verify network connection

1. Confirm you have a stable internet connection.
2. If you are using a VPN, ensure it is connected.
3. Open a web page to confirm connectivity.
4. If you cannot access SharePoint sites, refer to Cannot access SharePoint site.

Step 9: Repair OneDrive

1. Press Win + R, type control, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to “Programs” → “Programs and Features”.
3. Select “Microsoft OneDrive”.
4. Choose “Repair” (or “Change” → “Repair”).
5. Sign in again after the repair completes.

Need more help?

If OneDrive still won’t sync, open a ticket with IT Support and include:

• The specific error message
• Which files are failing to sync
• Your computer name

Still Having Issues?