Troubleshooting: OneDrive Sync Issues and How to Fix Them

OneDrive allows you to sync files between your computer and the cloud, but sometimes files fail to sync, show errors, or get stuck. Follow this guide to troubleshoot and fix common OneDrive sync issues.

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📌 Step 1: Check Your Internet Connection

✔ Make sure you’re connected to Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
✔ Open a browser and visit a website to confirm internet access.
✔ If using a VPN, disconnect it temporarily and retry syncing.

✅ A weak or unstable internet connection can cause OneDrive sync failures.

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📌 Step 2: Restart OneDrive

If OneDrive isn’t syncing, restarting it may fix the issue.

How to Restart OneDrive (Windows & Mac)

1. Click the OneDrive cloud icon (🔵 or ⚪) in the system tray (Windows) or menu bar (Mac).
2. Click Help & Settings > Quit OneDrive.
3. Open OneDrive again from the Start menu (Windows) or Applications folder (Mac).

✅ If the issue persists, move to the next step.

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📌 Step 3: Check OneDrive File Status Icons

Each file in OneDrive has an icon showing its sync status:

• ✅ Green Checkmark – Synced and available offline.
• 🔄 Blue Sync Icon – Currently syncing.
• 🔵 Cloud Icon – Online-only file (not yet downloaded).
• ❌ Red X – Sync error (needs fixing).

✅ If you see a Red X, follow the next steps to resolve it.

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📌 Step 4: Free Up Space (If OneDrive is Full)

If you get a “Not Enough Space” error:

1. Right-click the OneDrive folder and select Properties.
2. Check your available disk space.
3. Delete or move large files to free up space.

✅ You can also buy more storage from Microsoft if needed.

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📌 Step 5: Check for OneDrive Updates

Running an outdated version of OneDrive can cause sync issues.

How to Update OneDrive (Windows & Mac)

1. Click the OneDrive cloud icon (🔵 or ⚪).
2. Select Help & Settings > Settings > About.
3. Click Update (if available).

✅ Keeping OneDrive updated ensures better performance and fewer sync errors.

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📌 Step 6: Reset OneDrive (Last Resort)

If OneDrive still won’t sync, try resetting it.

How to Reset OneDrive (Windows)

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type the code below
3. Press Enter and restart OneDrive.

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

How to Reset OneDrive (Mac)

1. Open Terminal (Applications > Utilities > Terminal).
2. Type the code below
3. Press Return (enter) and restart OneDrive.

~/Library/Application\ Support/OneDrive/OneDriveStandaloneUpdater.app/Contents/MacOS/OneDriveStandaloneUpdater /reset

✅ Resetting OneDrive restores default settings and fixes major sync issues.

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💡 Axio Networks Pro Tip

For large file transfers, use OneDrive’s Files On-Demand feature to keep files stored in the cloud instead of taking up space on your computer. Need help managing your OneDrive storage? Axio Networks provides expert IT solutions to keep your business running smoothly—contact us today! 🚀