How to Reset OneDrive (Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS)

There are instances when OneDrive fails to sync, always shows syncing status, not connected, and other functionality-related issues as mentioned on their official support page. Fortunately, these conflicts can be easily resolved. For the most part, their only demand is a quick reset of the service.

What Does Resetting OneDrive Do?

Now, there’s a common misconception that resetting OneDrive will remove all the saved data, leaving users with no trace of their important files and documents. But that’s far from the truth. Instead what will be erased are all the current connections, sync settings, and cache. That means if you’ve selected specific folders to back up to OneDrive, you’ll need to readjust your preferences once the process is finished.

Sounds tiresome? Well try restarting OneDrive as your first fix to any OneDrive-related problems.

Restart OneDrive

While resetting discards all settings and connections of OneDrive, restarting on the other hand only shuts it down and reboots it, keeping all the settings as they were. This refreshes all connections and removes any minor glitches, performance slowdowns, etc.

To do so, follow the steps below:

1. On the system tray, right-click on the OneDrive icon and choose Close OneDrive.
2. A confirmation prompt will appear. Click on Close OneDrive to proceed. This will close OneDrive and its icon will also disappear from the system tray.

3. Now, press the Windows key + S to access Windows Search. Type onedrive and hit the Enter key.

Reset OneDrive on Windows 

If restarting doesn’t work, you’ll have to go for the reset option to resolve any syncing issues. On Windows PCs, you’ll need to run the reset command. Use the steps below to do so:

1. Launch the Run dialog box by pressing the Win key + R.
2. Enter the following command and click the OK button:

%localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset

In case the above stated gives the message Windows cannot find, try these commands instead:

C:\Program Files\Microsoft OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset

C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset

3. Afterward, launch OneDrive to restart it.

Reset OneDrive on Mac

Macs are quite different from Windows OS systems. For this reason, the steps to reset OneDrive for them may also differ slightly. Below are the steps you must follow if you’re a Mac user:

1. Begin by quitting your OneDrive.
2. Then, open Finder and click on the Applications tab on the left pane.
3. There, locate OneDrive and right-click on it to view its context menu.
4. Choose Show Package Contents.
5. Go to Contents > Resources > ResetOneDriveApp.command or ResetOneDriveAppStandalone.command.

6. Double-click on it.
7. Finally, start OneDrive and finish the setup process.

Reset OneDrive on Android

For quick access to OneDrive data from all your devices, Microsoft also provides its application on Play Store. And when you’re encountering syncing issues, you can also reset OneDrive directly from your mobile app.

1. Launch Settings and go to Applications.
2. Then, tap on Manage applications.

3. Scroll through the list of installed apps and choose OneDrive.
4. Once there, tap on the Force Stop option.

5. Next, tap on Storage and cache.
6. Lastly, tap on Clear storage or Clear cache to get rid of all temporarily saved data.

Reset OneDrive on iOS

Since iOS devices do not allow users to clear apps’ data cache and data from Settings, you can only reset OneDrive by reinstalling the app from the App Store. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Long-press on the app’s icon from the Home Screen.
2. Then, tap on Remove App.

3. On the confirmation pop-up, choose Delete App.
4. Now, head over to the App Store and search for OneDrive.
5. Tap on the Get button to reinstall it on your device.