OneDrive Won’t Sync? Try these Solutions!

If the files are not updating across all the devices where your OneDrive account is logged in, it means your drive is not syncing recent changes like modifications, uploads, and deletions.

This issue commonly occurs due to corrupted cache files, but it can also stem from a weak internet connection, an outdated OneDrive app, or issues with the file path. These are some of the primary causes identified by users while resolving the issue.

Before we get to the solutions, focus on some of the quickest fixes. First, restart your router and perform a speed test to ensure the internet is working fine. After that, restart your computer.

Now, let’s explore the detailed solutions to this issue.

1. Reset OneDrive

Resetting OneDrive clears the current configuration, deletes local cache files, and removes any corrupted files. This process helps fix problems caused by corrupted cache, configuration, and connectivity issues by allowing OneDrive to establish a fresh connection with the cloud server.

  1. Press the Win + R keys at the same time. This will open the Run dialog box.
  2. In the Run box, type or paste the following command to reset OneDrive:
    C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset

  3. After you run the command, reopen OneDrive from the Start Menu or system tray and let it sync.
  4. Once the sync is complete, check to see if your issue has been resolved.

2. Check Storage Space

If there isn’t enough room for file uploads and downloads, OneDrive will not be able to complete the sync unless you free up some space or buy additional storage.

  1. Open the OneDrive App from your desktop or system tray.
  2. In the app window, locate and click the Gear icon (usually at the top-right corner) to open the menu, then choose Settings.
  3. In the Settings window, scroll to the bottom-left corner under the Storage section. Here, you will see the amount of available storage space. If your storage is full, you can either free up space by deleting unnecessary files or click the option to buy additional storage.

3. Update or Reinstall OneDrive

You might have an outdated version of OneDrive, especially if you haven’t updated your Windows in a while. Update or reinstall your OneDrive app, as older versions may have compatibility issues or encounter problems when communicating with the cloud server.

  1. Click on the Start Menu and type Add or remove programs in the search bar.
  2. Press Enter to open the Settings window.
  3. Scroll through the list of installed programs to find OneDrive and click the three dots (or right-click on OneDrive).
  4. Select Uninstall and confirm the action by selecting Uninstall again in the prompt.
  5. Go to the official Microsoft Website to download the latest version of the OneDrive App.
  6. Once the download is complete, run the OneDrive installer and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
  7. After installation, check if the OneDrive sync issue has been resolved.

4. Select the Folders Manually You Want to Sync

If the above solutions fail, try manually adding the folders that you wish to sync.

  1. Locate and double-click on the OneDrive icon from the system tray (usually found in the bottom-right corner of your screen).
  2. Once OneDrive is open, click on the Settings (gear) icon in the top-right corner to open the menu, then select Settings from the dropdown.
  3. In the settings window, navigate to the Account tab located on the left-hand side.
  4. Under the Account section, click on Choose Folders, then manually select the specific files or folders you want to sync with OneDrive.
  5. After selecting your folders, check to see if this resolves the syncing issue.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Hamza Mohammad Anwar


Hamza Mohammad Anwar is an intermediate JavaScript web developer with a focus on developing high-performance applications using MERN technologies. His skill set includes expertise in ReactJS, MongoDB, Express NodeJS, and other related technologies. Hamza is also a Google IT Certified professional, which highlights his competence in IT support. As an avid problem-solver, he recreates errors on his computer to troubleshoot and find solutions to various technical issues.