How to Fix OneDrive Not Syncing in Windows 11 and Windows 10

OneDrive keeps your files synchronized between Windows devices and the cloud. If uploads stop, a red X appears, or the app remains on “Processing changes,” work through the following checks in order.

1. Check your connection and Microsoft service status

Confirm websites load normally. If you use a VPN or corporate proxy, test whether your network policy allows OneDrive. For a work or school account, check the Microsoft 365 service health information or ask your administrator to check the Microsoft 365 admin center.

2. Read the OneDrive sync error

Select the OneDrive cloud icon in the Windows notification area.
Review any error message and choose View sync problems if available.
If syncing is paused, resume it and allow a few minutes to finish.

The specific error message is more useful than the icon alone: a full cloud storage quota, file conflict, sign-in issue and unsupported file name require different fixes.

3. Check cloud storage and local disk space

Sign in to OneDrive on the web and confirm your cloud account has sufficient space. Check available space on the Windows drive, too. For business accounts, a Microsoft 365 administrator may need to review your storage quota.

4. Close and reopen OneDrive

Select the OneDrive cloud icon.
Open Settings and use Quit OneDrive if offered.
Open Start, search for OneDrive, and launch it again.

Check whether the problem persists before trying more disruptive steps.

5. Check problematic files and folders

Look for file-name or path restrictions, permission problems, and files held open by another application. If only one file fails, try closing the application that uses it, then check for an error in OneDrive. Avoid renaming or relocating shared files without considering links and other users.

6. Reset the OneDrive sync client

If the preceding checks do not work, Microsoft provides a reset command. First ensure important pending changes are backed up. Press Windows + R, paste the following, and press Enter:

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

If Windows reports that it cannot find the executable, try:

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

Or, on some installations:

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

Then open OneDrive from the Start menu if it does not restart automatically. A reset rebuilds the sync connection and can take time; it does not normally delete cloud data, but make sure unsynced local files are protected before proceeding.

7. Check for client and Windows updates

Open Settings → Windows Update and check for relevant updates. The OneDrive sync app generally updates automatically, though managed PCs may receive updates through organizational policy.

8. Unlink and reconnect only as a last resort

Open OneDrive Settings → Account, then select Unlink this PC if available. Before doing so, make a safe copy of locally edited files that have not uploaded. Sign in again and review folder and backup selections carefully. Work or school users should confirm corporate sync policies first.

When to contact IT support

For OneDrive work or school, account licensing, SharePoint permissions, Conditional Access or device-management restrictions may be involved. Send your IT team the complete error message and whether the issue affects one file, one library or every file.