How to Resync OneDrive

If files stop updating or show errors in OneDrive, you need to know how to resync OneDrive. This forces a clean connection between your local folders and the Microsoft cloud storage. The steps below work on Windows 10 and Windows 11 using the current OneDrive app.

When You Should Resync OneDrive

Common signs include the green checkmarks failing to appear, files stuck on "syncing," or error codes in the OneDrive activity center. Resyncing is useful after changing Microsoft accounts, moving large folder structures, or recovering from interrupted internet connections. Always close any open Office files before starting.

Make sure you have your Microsoft account password ready and a stable internet connection. The process does not delete files but may require re-downloading some content.

How to Resync OneDrive Using Built-in Tools

1. Open OneDrive Settings

   Click the white or blue cloud icon in the system tray at the bottom right of your screen. If the icon is hidden, click the arrow to show hidden icons. Select the gear icon, then choose Settings.

   

2. Pause and Resume Sync First

   In the Settings window, go to the Account tab and click Pause syncing. Choose 2 hours, wait 30 seconds, then click the same menu again and select Resume syncing. This clears minor cache glitches without a full reset.

3. Run the OneDrive Reset Command

   Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog. Type %localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset and press Enter. The cloud icon will disappear for up to two minutes, then reappear and begin scanning all files again.

4. Unlink and Reconnect Your Account

   If the reset does not finish the job, return to OneDrive Settings and click Unlink this PC on the Account tab. Confirm the action, then sign in again with your Microsoft account. Choose the folders you want to sync during the setup wizard.

   

5. Verify the Sync Status

   Open File Explorer and navigate to your OneDrive folder. Look for the blue cloud or green checkmark icons on files. Open the activity center from the system tray to confirm no errors remain.

Common Problems and Quick Fixes

• If the reset command does nothing, restart your computer and run the command again as administrator.
• Files marked with red X icons usually mean permission issues; right-click the folder, choose Properties, and ensure your user account has full control.
• Very large libraries may need selective sync turned on to avoid long initial scans.
• Corporate accounts using OneDrive for Business may require the admin to reset the sync relationship from the SharePoint admin center.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does resyncing OneDrive delete my files?

No. Resyncing only rebuilds the connection. All files remain safe in the cloud and on your device once the process completes.

How long does a full OneDrive resync take?

Time depends on the number and size of files. A few hundred small files finish in minutes while multi-gigabyte libraries can take several hours.

Can I resync OneDrive on a Mac?

Yes. Quit the OneDrive app, open Terminal, and run killall OneDrive followed by reopening the app from Applications. Use the same unlink option inside Preferences if needed.

Conclusion

Following these steps restores normal file synchronization in OneDrive without data loss. Run the reset command first in most cases, then unlink the account only if errors persist.