OneDrive is a Microsoft cloud storage service that enables users to store and share files on different devices. It is integrated in Windows 10 and Windows 11 operating systems, allowing users to store important documents, photographs, and files. Despite its advantages, OneDrive, like any other software, can run into problems. If documents are not syncing on your OneDrive, or the app is failing to open or is crashing, you might need to reset the app; this is a possible solution.
Before undertaking the action, set out steps in detail they should try and analyze the reasons as to why this problem is occurring.
Potential Factors for Reasons Behind the Action
There could be multiple reasons why OneDrive has been malfunctioning on your device.
- Corrupt settings: If you undergo frequent system tweaks, there is a good chance your settings have become corrupt. Changes tend to happen after system updates, a switch over, or changes.
- Software conflicts: Outdated software often leads to compatibility issues, which result in the malfunction of OneDrive.
- Sync errors: When there is less available disk space or one hits the limit on their available OneDrive storage, it can lead to problems with syncing.
- Storage issues: When settings become corrupt due to changes made at system updates or because of ongoing tweaks, OneDrive starts acting out.
Resetting OneDrive will allow the app to initiate without any configurations, however, your files will not be deleted.
Important Note Before Resetting
All settings and configurations will be deleted, which will also disconnect every existing sync link. However, the data that is in the OneDrive cloud will be retained. Files will only be removed from the server after signing in and choosing the folders that need to be synced.
How to Reset OneDrive on Your PC
Here are the steps for resetting OneDrive:
Step 1: Close OneDrive
Check that OneDrive is not currently running before the reset.
- Check the system tray located in the bottom-right corner.
- Right-click the white/blue cloud icon.
- Click Close OneDrive or Exit OneDrive.
Step 2: Open the Run Command
- Click Windows Key + R.
- This will launch the Run command.
Step 3: Reset Command
In the Run textbox, type in the command and press Enter:
- % localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset
- What this command does is reset all your settings in the OneDrive app that do not erase data stored in your cloud storage.
- In this case, the files in the sync folder as well as the linked account will be removed.
Section 4: Manually Restart OneDrive
After a brief period, OneDrive should launch automatically, but if it does not, follow these additional steps:
- One more time, tap the Windows Key + R.
- In the pop-up window, write the following:
- %localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe
- Select Enter to open OneDrive manually.
Section 5: Reestablish Sign In and Synchronization Setup
- As you restart OneDrive, remember to select Sign in using the previously set Microsoft account.
- Now, decide which folders you wish to synchronize.
- Then, select Next to finalize the setup.
Section 6: Checking Sync Functionality
- After completing the previous steps, ensure to check that the files are syncing successfully.
- Verify the status of the cloud icon in your system tray.
- Move your cursor over the icon to check the sync status.
Then, proceed to your OneDrive folder and validate that the intended files are in the process of uploading or downloading.
Tips If the Reset Does Not Work
If a reset does not work, consider exploring further:
- Look for any available Windows updates: These updates help keep OneDrive’s services stable.
- Reinstall the program: Go to Settings and navigate to Apps > OneDrive. Uninstall the program and go to the Microsoft OneDrive website to download it.
- Investigate plugin/firewall and antivirus configuration: Confirm that the plugins are from the OneDrive firewall.
- Run a scan for any malware infection: Use Windows Defender or a trusted antivirus.
Another way that can be used is the Command Prompt method to reset
You can command through execute the command if it doesn’t run
Input text:
%localappdata%Microsoft OneDrive onedrive.exe /reset
Press Enter and manually restart OneDrive as instructed earlier.
Conclusion
OneDrive has a remarkable number of bugs, including issues with syncing, tasks not operating efficiently, or OneDrive simply refusing to open or keep crashing. These problems can usually all be fixed through a reset, making it a remarkably effective solution for multiple tasks and issues.
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