OneDrive is an essential tool for cloud storage and syncing files across devices. However, it may encounter issues that prevent it from working correctly. Whether it’s not syncing, missing files, or simply not launching, resetting OneDrive can be an effective way to troubleshoot and resolve these problems. Fortunately, resetting OneDrive on Windows 11 or Windows 10 is a straightforward process, and it can help clear any cached settings or configurations that may be causing issues.
In this tutorial, we’ll guide you through the steps to reset OneDrive using the built-in command line tools on both Windows 10 and Windows 11. This process is safe and will not delete your files but will refresh the settings and re-sync your data.
Let’s walk through the different methods, each aimed at helping you fix OneDrive problems on your PC.
⚠️ Please note: The process described below is the same in Windows 11 as it is in Windows 10. However, bear in mind that we’ll be using screenshots from Windows 11, so your UI may look a little different.
How to Use the Reset OneDrive Command to Fix Issues
This method uses the Command Prompt to reset OneDrive, a reliable way to resolve sync problems and reset the app without losing your files.
- Open Windows Terminal
To begin, open Windows Terminal. You can do this by right-clicking the Start button or pressing “Windows + X” and selecting “Windows Terminal“.
- Open Command Prompt
Once the Terminal is open, ensure you are in the Command Prompt. If you are in PowerShell, switch to Command Prompt by selecting the drop-down arrow at the top of the window and clicking “Command Prompt“.
- Enter the OneDrive Reset Command
In the Command Prompt window, type the following command to reset OneDrive:
%localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset
Press “Enter” to execute the command. This will reset OneDrive and clear any cached settings. - Check OneDrive Status
After executing the command, wait a few moments for OneDrive to reset. You should see the OneDrive icon reappear in your system tray, indicating that it is restarting and re-syncing.
- Restart OneDrive if Necessary
If OneDrive doesn’t restart automatically, type the following command in Command Prompt to manually start it:
%localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe
Press Enter, and OneDrive should now be fully reset and functioning.
How to Reset OneDrive via Settings
If you prefer a graphical user interface, you can also reset OneDrive via the Windows Settings app. This method is more user-friendly and doesn’t require command-line instructions.
- Open Settings
Press “Windows + I” to open the Settings menu. Then, navigate to “Apps” and search for OneDrive. - Reset OneDrive from Apps & Features
Click on OneDrive in the list of installed applications, and select “Advanced options”. From there, click “Reset”. This will reset OneDrive’s app data without affecting your files. - Restart OneDrive
After resetting the app, restart OneDrive by opening it from the Start menu or running it from the Taskbar.
How to Restart OneDrive
Restarting OneDrive using the system tray icon is a quick and efficient way to fix minor sync issues without needing to open any system tools. This method allows you to easily restart OneDrive without disrupting your current settings or configuration.
- Locate the OneDrive Icon in the System Tray
Look at the bottom-right corner of your screen in the system tray. You may need to click the upward arrow to reveal hidden icons. Find and right-click on the OneDrive icon.
- Close OneDrive
In the context menu that appears, right click on the settings cog and then on “Pause syncing“.
Click “Quit OneDrive. This will shut down the OneDrive app and stop all syncing processes temporarily.
- Restart OneDrive
To restart OneDrive, open the Start menu and type OneDrive in the search bar. Select Microsoft OneDrive from the results and launch the app. The OneDrive icon should appear in the system tray, indicating that the app has restarted successfully.
- Check Sync Status
Once OneDrive is running again, check the sync status by clicking on the OneDrive icon in the system tray. Ensure that your files are syncing correctly and no issues are reported.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About Fixing OneDrive Issues
Can resetting OneDrive resolve synchronization issues?
Yes, resetting OneDrive is a useful troubleshooting step for resolving various synchronization problems. It refreshes the application’s settings and cache, which can often clear up issues where files are not syncing properly between your PC and cloud storage.
What should I do if OneDrive doesn’t restart automatically after a reset?
If OneDrive does not restart automatically after a reset, you can manually restart it. Simply type %localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe into the Command Prompt and press Enter. Alternatively, you can find OneDrive in the Start menu and click it to restart the application.
What are the signs that OneDrive is successfully reset?
After resetting OneDrive, look for the OneDrive icon to reappear in the system tray. It should indicate that it is syncing, usually represented by a set of spinning arrows over the cloud icon. If sync starts successfully and no errors are reported, then the reset was successful.
How long does it take for OneDrive to restart after resetting?
OneDrive typically restarts within a few moments after being reset. The exact time can vary depending on the speed of your computer and the amount of data being synchronized. Monitor the OneDrive system tray icon for a status update, which confirms the service is active and syncing.
What to do if resetting OneDrive does not solve the issue?
If resetting OneDrive does not resolve the problem, you may need to take further steps. Reinstalling OneDrive can be the next step, ensuring a fresh setup. If issues persist, contacting Microsoft support can provide additional troubleshooting and guidance.
Where are OneDrive settings stored locally on Windows 10 or 11?
OneDrive settings on Windows 10 and 11 are stored in the local application data directory. You can access this folder by running %localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive in the File Explorer address bar, where configuration files and other data are kept.
Is there a risk of data loss from resetting OneDrive through Settings?
Resetting OneDrive through the Windows Settings does not pose a risk to your data stored on OneDrive cloud. It only removes the application data stored on your device, which includes settings and the cache, without affecting files stored online.
After resetting, how do I verify OneDrive is syncing correctly?
To verify that OneDrive is functioning properly after a reset, right-click the OneDrive system tray icon and select ‘View sync problems’ if available. Alternatively, check that files you modify or add are appearing on the OneDrive web interface, indicating successful syncing.
Do I need administrative rights to reset OneDrive via command line?
Resetting OneDrive via the command line generally does not require administrative rights. However, running Command Prompt as an administrator will ensure that you have sufficient permissions to execute any commands without interruption.
What does resetting OneDrive on Windows 10 or Windows 11 do?
Resetting OneDrive primarily refreshes its operational state by clearing local cache and restoring application settings to default. This action is effective for correcting glitches, syncing errors, or instances where the application fails to launch or operate correctly.
Will resetting OneDrive delete any of my files?
Resetting OneDrive will not delete your files stored in the cloud; it will only reset the local configuration and cached data. Files on the device that haven’t been synced yet need to be backed up if important, as unsynced changes might be lost.
Can I reset OneDrive from the Windows Settings menu?
Yes, resetting OneDrive from within the Windows Settings provides a user-friendly alternative to the command line. Simply go to “Settings”, then “Apps”, find OneDrive in the list, click “Advanced options”, and select “Reset”. This will refresh local application data while preserving your cloud-stored files.
How do I open the Windows Terminal to use command-line resets?
To open Windows Terminal, right-click the Windows start button or press “Windows + X,” then select “Windows Terminal” from the context menu. This allows direct access to Command Prompt, PowerShell, and other command-line interfaces.
What is the exact command to reset OneDrive in the command prompt?
Use the command %localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset in Command Prompt to reset OneDrive. This command stops the OneDrive application, clears the settings, and restarts the application, intended to clear up any dysfunctional settings.
How can I manually restart OneDrive after resetting it using command line?
To manually restart OneDrive after a command-line reset, type %localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe into Command Prompt and press Enter. This launches the OneDrive application freshly, ideally without previous errors or issues.
Related: How to Use OneDrive Personal Vault to Passwort-Protect Your Files
OneDrive Personal Vault adds an additional layer of security to your most important files. When users save a document or photo to their OneDrive vault, they can only access it via an additional method of authentication. In our other guide, we show you how to set up a OneDrive Personal Vault on Windows 11 or Windows 10.
Related: How to OneDrive Sync Any Local Folder with Mklink
OneDrive’s synchronization is limited to its designated folder. This limitation can be a hurdle when you want to seamlessly back up diverse data types such as images, downloads, or game saves. Luckily, you can bypass it using mklink, a command-line tool in Windows that creates symbolic links or directory junctions, allowing any local folder to sync with OneDrive. In our other guide, we show you how to create a OneDrive mklink so you can OneDrive folder sync any local directory with your cloud drive.
Related: How to Reset Windows Update in Windows 11 or Windows 10
Windows Update is an essential feature of Windows 11 that ensures your system stays secure and up to date. However, at times, you may encounter issues where updates fail to install or the update process gets stuck. In our other guide, we show you three different methods for resetting Windows Update in Windows: using the WURESET tool, Command Prompt (CMD), and PowerShell.
Last Updated on November 7, 2024 2:56 pm CET
