OneDrive has long been a robust cloud storage solution built into Windows 11. What makes it a go-to choice for a large number of PC users is the ability to seamlessly sync files. For all being so reliable and efficient, it can’t claim to be perfect. There are times when it hits an unexpected snag and fails to sync your data. If you are faced with this very annoying issue on your device, this detailed guide will help you resolve the problem and restore seamless syncing again. On this very note, let’s jump right in to try out the 17 most effective ways to fix OneDrive sync issues on Windows 11.
Fix OneDrive Sync Issues on Windows 11
At times, files fail to upload, and at other times, the selected files refuse to download. Worse, on many occasions, files don’t update correctly. As to what causes this issue, it could be due to the weak internet connection, software glitches, or even corrupted files.
1. Restart OneDrive
Note that OneDrive may stop syncing due to a random glitch. But fret not, restarting the app can help you refresh its processes.
- On your PC, click the OneDrive icon in the system tray.
- After that, select the Gear icon > Quit OneDrive and confirm.
- Now, navigate to the Start > search for OneDrive, and launch it again.
2. Check Your Internet Connection
Keep in mind that a slow or unstable internet connection is one of the major reasons why files don’t sync with OneDrive. Therefore, make sure to check your internet connection and resolve it.
- To get going, open a browser and check if websites load properly.
- Then, run a speed test using Speedtest.net.
- Next, reboot your router or switch to a different network if necessary.
3. Ensure OneDrive is Running
It’s worth pointing out that if OneDrive has not been allowed to run in the background, it may prevent files from syncing.
- To get going, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager on your Windows 11 PC.
- Now, locate the Microsoft OneDrive inside the Processes tab and ensure that’s active.
4. Check OneDrive Storage Space
If your OneDrive storage is cluttered for space or doesn’t have enough space to accommodate other files, your new files won’t sync.
- To do so, click the OneDrive icon > Gear icon > Settings.
- After that, click Manage Storage.
- After that, delete unnecessary files or upgrade to a larger storage plan.
5. Pause and Resume Syncing
More often than not, pausing and resuming sync can refresh the connection and sort out the minor glitches.
- Just click the OneDrive icon > Gear icon > Pause syncing.
- After that, select Pause for 2 hours, then resume syncing after a few minutes.
6. Sign Out and Sign Back Into OneDrive
In some cases, re-authenticating your account can sort out the temporary snags and bring the ill-fated syncing back on track.
- To begin with, click the OneDrive icon > Gear icon > Settings.
- Now, click Unlink this PC.
- Now, restart your computer and sign back into OneDrive.
7. Reset OneDrive
Many a time, you resolve the OneDrive syncing problem on your PC, by resetting the cloud service.
- Press Win + R to access the familiar Run dialog.
- Now, type the following command, and press Enter:
%localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset
8. Check File Path Length
Do you know that Windows has a 260-character limit for file paths? Therefore, it would be apt to check the file path length.
- The right way to resolve this issue is to rename long file names or move files to a shorter path (e.g., from deep folders to Desktop).
9. Disable Files On-Demand
Disabling Files On-Demand makes sure all files are available locally, which often works in resolving sync issues.
- Click the OneDrive icon and select the Gear icon.
- Now, go to Settings and uncheck Save space and download files as you use them.
10. Check for Windows Updates
The reason why I’m pitching for the software update is that the outdated Windows versions might be causing compatibility issues with OneDrive.
- To install the latest Windows update, navigate to Settings > Windows Update.
11. Update OneDrive
If you are using an outdated OneDrive client, try updating it as there is a high chance is causing sync issues.
- So, download the latest version of OneDrive from Microsoft’s website.
- After that, follow the usual process to install the latest update and restart your PC.
12. Verify Your Account in Windows Settings
Be warned that if the Microsoft account isn’t verified on your Windows 11 PC, OneDrive may not work properly. Hence, do not fail to check off this pivotal requirement.
- On your computer, open Settings > Accounts > Your info.
- Click Verify and follow the on-screen instructions.
13. Check OneDrive Permissions
Should the OneDrive syncing issue continue to haunt your PC, be sure you have the correct permissions to sync files.
- Right-click the OneDrive folder on your PC > select Properties > Security.
- Next up, be sure your user account has Full Control.
14. Run the OneDrive Troubleshooter
Microsoft offers a powerful OneDrive troubleshooter to let you detect and fix sync issues. Make sure to take full advantage of it as and when the need arises.
- To do so, download the OneDrive Troubleshooter from Microsoft’s support page.
- Then, you have to run the tool and follow the on-screen instructions.
15. Allow OneDrive Through Windows Firewall
It’s worth pointing out that Windows Firewall might block OneDrive’s connection. So, be sure to allow OneDrive through the Firewall so that it can go about its job without any roadblocks.
- On your PC, open Windows Security on your PC > Firewall & network protection.
- Now, click Allow an app through firewall > Change settings.
- After that, ensure OneDrive.exe is allowed for both Private and Public networks.
16. Remove/Take Control of the Conflicting Antivirus Program
Bear in mind that some third-party apps, like the overprotective antivirus programs, can interfere with OneDrive and prevent it from syncing your files.
- Therefore, temporarily disable third-party antivirus software.
- If OneDrive starts working, make sure to either remove it or add it as an exception in your antivirus settings by going to the Settings app on your PC > Privacy & Security > Windows Security > Firewall & network protection.
17. Reinstall OneDrive
If nothing has worked in restoring life back to OneDrive, reinstalling the cloud service could be the right answer to it.
- On your PC, open Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
- Now, find Microsoft OneDrive > click on the triple-dot icon next to it.
- Choose, click Uninstall, and confirm.
- Once you have uninstalled the software, restart your PC, then download and reinstall OneDrive from Microsoft’s website.
Signing off…
There you have it! By following these 17 methods, you should be able to fix OneDrive sync issues on your Windows 11 device. So, whether the issue is due to a network problem, outdated software, or incorrect settings, these solutions will help you sort out the hurdle and bring the smooth sailing syncing back in action again.
