If your files won’t sync and OneDrive is failing on startup, the most likely problem is that OneDrive doesn’t work in Windows 10 because of account, app, or system-level conflicts — and most causes are fixable with a few checks and commands. In this article you’ll learn the common reasons OneDrive stops working and step-by-step solutions to restore sync and access to your files.
Key Takeaway
Most OneDrive issues in Windows 10 are resolved by signing in with the correct account, resetting or updating the OneDrive client, fixing blocked Group Policy/registry settings, and ensuring network or security software isn’t blocking the service.
Quick Fix Guide
| Reason for the Problem | Quick Solution |
|---|---|
| Not signed in or wrong account | Open OneDrive and sign in with the Microsoft account linked to your files. |
| Sync is paused | Click the OneDrive icon and click Resume syncing. |
| OneDrive storage is full | Free up space or buy more storage in your Microsoft account. |
| Outdated or corrupted OneDrive app | Update OneDrive from Microsoft Store or run a reset (%localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset). |
| Blocked by Group Policy or Registry | Enable OneDrive in gpedit.msc or remove the DisableFileSyncNGSC registry value. |
| Problematic filenames or paths | Rename files that contain invalid characters or shorten path lengths. |
| Network, proxy, or firewall issues | Disable proxy/VPN or allow OneDrive through the firewall. |
| Windows Credentials corrupt | Delete stale OneDrive credentials from Credential Manager and re-sign in. |
| OneDrive not starting at sign-in | Enable Start OneDrive automatically when I sign in to Windows in OneDrive settings. |
| Corrupted cache or configuration | Reset OneDrive with /reset then restart OneDrive manually. |
| File permissions or NTFS issues | Take ownership or update file permissions to allow OneDrive access. |
| System file corruption | Run sfc /scannow and DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth. |
| Antivirus blocking OneDrive | Temporarily disable AV or add OneDrive to exceptions. |
| Incorrect date/time or Windows bugs | Set correct date/time and install Windows updates; reinstall OneDrive if needed. |
Detailed Fixes for “tu mets ici le problème du 14 reasons why OneDrive doesn’t work in Windows 10 (and how to fix it)”.
1) Not signed in or wrong account
Why it causes the problem:
If OneDrive isn’t signed into the correct Microsoft account, it won’t see the files in the cloud and won’t sync.
Step-by-step fix:
- Click the OneDrive cloud icon in the taskbar notification area (or show hidden icons).
- If you see Sign in, click it and enter the correct Microsoft account credentials.
- To switch accounts, open Settings (right-click the cloud icon > Settings > Account) and click Unlink this PC, then sign in with the desired account.
Tip: Use the same account you used to purchase storage or create the files.
2) Sync is paused
Why it causes the problem:
Sync can be paused manually or automatically when Windows thinks the network is metered.
Step-by-step fix:
- Click the OneDrive cloud icon.
- If the menu shows Paused, click Resume syncing.
- Check Settings > Network and ensure Limit how much bandwidth OneDrive uses isn’t set to zero.
- Also check Windows Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi > network name > make sure Set as metered connection is off.
3) OneDrive storage is full
Why it causes the problem:
When your OneDrive quota is exceeded, files stop syncing.
Step-by-step fix:
- Sign in to https://onedrive.live.com with your Microsoft account.
- Check storage at the bottom left or go to Settings > Options > Manage storage.
- Delete unneeded files or buy more storage via Microsoft 365 or OneDrive plans.
Tip: Empty the recycle bin in OneDrive online to free space immediately.
4) Outdated or corrupted OneDrive app
Why it causes the problem:
Bugs or corrupted binaries prevent OneDrive from launching or syncing.
Step-by-step fix:
- Try resetting OneDrive: press Windows + R, paste %localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset, and press Enter.
- If the icon disappears, wait 30 seconds then run: %localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe to restart OneDrive.
- If the path fails, try %ProgramFiles%\Microsoft OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset.
- Alternatively update via Microsoft Store or download the latest installer from https://onedrive.live.com.
Note: Resetting reinitializes settings but does not delete cloud files.
5) OneDrive blocked by Group Policy or Registry
Why it causes the problem:
Enterprise policies or registry flags can disable OneDrive entirely.
Step-by-step fix (Group Policy):
- Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
- Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > OneDrive.
- Open Prevent the usage of OneDrive for file storage and set it to Not Configured or Disabled.
- Restart the PC.
Step-by-step fix (Registry):
- Press Windows + R, type regedit and press Enter.
- Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\OneDrive.
- If DisableFileSyncNGSC exists and is 1, double-click and set to 0 or delete the value.
- Restart or log off/on.
Warning: Editing Group Policy or Registry affects system behavior — back up before changing.
6) Sync conflicts or problematic file names/paths
Why it causes the problem:
OneDrive rejects files with special characters, reserved names, or paths longer than 260 characters.
Step-by-step fix:
- Check the OneDrive icon for a file list of sync errors (click the icon).
- Rename files that include characters like: < > : ” / \ | ? * or trailing spaces.
- Shorten folder/file paths by moving files closer to the root (e.g., C:\Users\YourName\OneDrive).
- For many files, use PowerShell or a batch rename tool.
Tip: Microsoft’s official docs list invalid characters and reserved file names (CON, PRN, AUX, NUL, etc.).
7) Network, proxy, or firewall issues
Why it causes the problem:
OneDrive needs outbound access to Microsoft servers; proxies, VPNs, or firewalls can block it.
Step-by-step fix:
- Temporarily disable VPN/proxy, then test OneDrive.
- Allow OneDrive through Windows Defender Firewall: Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall > Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall > ensure Microsoft OneDrive is allowed on Private and Public.
- If using a proxy, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Proxy and disable for testing.
- Confirm ports and servers aren’t blocked on corporate networks (OneDrive uses HTTPS to Microsoft endpoints).
8) Windows Credentials corrupt
Why it causes the problem:
Stale or bad credentials stored in Windows Credential Manager prevent reauthentication.
Step-by-step fix:
- Open Control Panel > Credential Manager > Windows Credentials.
- Find any credentials for OneDrive or live.com and click Remove.
- Sign out of OneDrive and sign back in; enter credentials when prompted.
Tip: Also clear any stale Office 365 credentials if OneDrive is linked to Office.
9) OneDrive not starting at sign-in
Why it causes the problem:
If OneDrive isn’t set to start automatically, you must start it manually every boot.
Step-by-step fix:
- Open OneDrive settings via the cloud icon > Settings.
- On the Settings tab, check Start OneDrive automatically when I sign in to Windows.
- Alternatively enable it in Task Manager > Startup tab > ensure Microsoft OneDrive is Enabled.
10) Corrupted cache or configuration
Why it causes the problem:
Local cache or config files become corrupted, preventing proper sync.
Step-by-step fix:
- Reset OneDrive: press Windows + R, run %localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset.
- If the icon does not reappear after 60 seconds, run %localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe manually.
- If problems persist, unlink the PC in OneDrive settings and re-link, or uninstall and reinstall the app.
11) File permissions or NTFS issues
Why it causes the problem:
If OneDrive lacks permission to access files (ownership, ACLs), it cannot copy them.
Step-by-step fix:
- Right-click the file/folder > Properties > Security > Advanced.
- Check ownership and permissions. If needed, click Change next to Owner and set to your user account, then grant Full control.
- Apply changes recursively to subfolders if necessary.
Note: Be careful changing permissions on sensitive system folders.
12) Missing or corrupted system files
Why it causes the problem:
Broken system files can prevent services and apps from running correctly.
Step-by-step fix:
- Open Command Prompt (Admin) (right-click Start > Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin)).
- Run sfc /scannow and wait for it to finish.
- If SFC reports issues it can’t fix, run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and then rerun sfc /scannow.
- Restart and test OneDrive.
13) Antivirus or security software blocking OneDrive
Why it causes the problem:
Third-party AV can block OneDrive from accessing files or network.
Step-by-step fix:
- Temporarily disable the antivirus and test OneDrive sync.
- If OneDrive works, create an exception in the AV for %localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\ and %ProgramFiles%\Microsoft OneDrive\ and allow OneDrive network access.
- Re-enable protection after adding exceptions.
14) Incorrect date/time or Windows update bugs
Why it causes the problem:
Incorrect system time breaks secure connections; some Windows updates introduce temporary issues.
Step-by-step fix:
- Set correct time: Settings > Time & Language > Date & time > turn Set time automatically on.
- Check Windows Update: Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and install pending updates.
- If a recent update caused the issue, try uninstalling it from View update history > Uninstall updates or check Microsoft forums for a hotfix.
Tip: A reboot after updates often resolves sync issues.
Prévention et bonnes pratiques
- Keep Windows and OneDrive updated to the latest version to avoid known bugs.
- Use Files On-Demand to reduce local storage and reduce sync load.
- Keep file paths short and avoid special characters in filenames.
- Back up important local data before doing resets or reinstallations.
- When using a corporate device, coordinate with IT before changing Group Policy or firewall settings.
FAQ
Q: How do I recover accidentally deleted OneDrive files?
A: Sign into OneDrive online (onedrive.live.com), open Recycle bin on the left, select files/folders and click Restore.
Q: Can I move the OneDrive folder to another drive?
A: Yes — unlink the PC (OneDrive icon > Settings > Account > Unlink this PC), then during setup choose Change location and pick a folder on the other drive.
Q: How do I check my OneDrive version?
A: Click the OneDrive icon > Settings > About (or right-click the icon and choose Help & Settings > Settings > About) to view the version number.
Q: Is there a way to pause sync for specific folders only?
A: Use Files On-Demand to avoid downloading folders you don’t need locally, or selectively move folders out of the OneDrive folder; OneDrive does not provide per-folder pause in the sync client.
Q: When should I contact Microsoft Support or my IT admin?
A: Contact support if the problem persists after the steps above, especially for account recovery, enterprise Group Policy issues, or when server-side account problems (billing, license) are suspected.
Conclusion
Most cases where OneDrive doesn’t work in Windows 10 are fixed by confirming the correct sign-in, updating or resetting the OneDrive app, and checking for system or policy blocks. Follow the step-by-step checks here, and you’ll resolve the majority of OneDrive sync and startup problems without needing advanced support.
