Workable Solutions Step-by-step Troubleshooting
Fix 1. Move Files Out Click the OneDrive icon and select "Help & Settings" > "Settings"... Full steps
Fix 2. Check Filenames and file types

The file is larger than 20GB. The file name and its entire path exceed 400 characters...

Full steps

Fix 3. Turn Off Necessary Components

Click the OneDrive icon, select "Help & Settings" > "Settings". Go to the Office tab...

Full steps

Fix 4. Reset OneDrive Press Windows + R keys, type the following path in the Run dialog, and... Full steps

OneDrive, a leading professional cloud storage service provider, boasts an enormous user base comprising both individual and business users across the globe.

OneDrive sync error

While utilizing the convenient storage services offered by OneDrive, numerous users encounter various issues. One such problem is when OneDrive fails to sync. If you're experiencing the same issue, refer to the relevant guide and resolve the OneDrive syncing error on your Windows computer now.

Causes - Why Isn't OneDrive Syncing

Therefore, there can be various reasons that prevent OneDrive from synchronizing files between your device and the cloud. Here's a list of common issues that might explain why OneDrive isn't syncing your files:

  • OneDrive Sync Error
  • OneDrive showing Red "X" sync issue
  • OneDrive processing updates
  • OneDrive paused
  • OneDrive account almost full
  • OneDrive account reached capacity, blocked, or frozen
  • OneDrive not logged in

If the OneDrive syncing error you're encountering isn't listed, refer to the specific OneDrive sync error article and seek official assistance from Microsoft through that link.

Alright, let's begin troubleshooting the OneDrive sync error on your own.

How to Fix OneDrive Not Syncing on Windows 10/8/7 [8 Solutions Available]

In this section, you'll discover some tips to ensure that OneDrive is functioning properly, allowing you to access and synchronize your files. Additionally, remember to attempt the quick fixes initially.

Quick Fixes for OneDrive Not Syncing Detailed Steps
1. Check if You Can Access OneDrive Online
  • Check: Click OneDrive icon on PC > Help & Settings > Settings > View online.
  • If not, check the status of Microsoft Office Online Services at the Service Health portal.
2. Update OneDrive to the Latest Version
  • Download the latest version of OneDrive and install it.
  • Press Windows + S to search for OneDrive, click to open the OneDrive desktop app.
  • Sign in with your Microsoft account email address and set up the account.
3. Upgrade OneDrive Account Storage
  • Buy more storage.
  • Download files to backup, and delete them from the OneDrive account.
  • Reduce files to sync.
4. Unlink OneDrive & Run OneDrive Setup Again
  • Click OneDrive icon, select "Help & Settings > Settings".
  • Click "Unlink this PC".
  • Set up OneDrive with the steps in the Welcome to OneDrive wizard.

After attempting the above fixes, if OneDrive resumes syncing files, you can stop here. If none of the solutions worked, proceed with the tutorial guide below for further assistance.

Solution 1: Move Files Out of the Synced Folder If you're experiencing issues with a specific folder that's causing syncing problems, the first step is to relocate the problematic files outside of the synced folder. Here's how: 1. **Identify the Problematic Folder**: Determine which folder is causing the sync issues. It could be due to large file sizes, conflicting file names, or unsupported file types. 2. **Create a Backup**: Before making any changes, it's crucial to back up your files to prevent data loss. You can copy the contents of the folder to an external drive or cloud storage. 3. **Move the Files**: Now, move the problematic files or folder to a different location on your computer, outside of the synced folder. This will prevent them from being synced and causing issues. 4. **Update Sync Settings (Optional)**: If needed, update your sync application's settings to exclude the moved folder from future syncs. This ensures that the files won't be accidentally moved back into the synced folder. 5. **Test the Sync Process**: After moving the files, check if the syncing issue has been resolved. If the sync process runs smoothly, you can consider permanently storing the problematic files in their new location or finding alternative ways to manage them. 6. **Restore or Access the Files**: To access or use the moved files, you can either open them directly from their new location or create a symbolic link (or shortcut) to the files within the synced folder, depending on your operating system and sync app's capabilities. Remember, this solution may not apply to all situations, but it's a good starting point for resolving sync issues related to specific folders or files.

Step 1. Click the OneDrive icon and choose "Help & Settings" followed by "Settings".

Open OneDrive settings

Step 2. Click "Pause syncing..." and select "2 hours".

Pause OneDrive sync

Step 3. Select a file from the sync folder and move it to another folder, such as C:\users\.

Step 4. Select "Help & Settings" > "Resume syncing...".

When the syncing process is finished, move the file back to its original location.

Fix 2: Check & Ensure Supported Filenames and File Types

Please note that if the target file exceeds OneDrive's size or filename limitations, it may not function properly. Hence, make sure the files you intend to sync do not contain any of the following characteristics:

    • The file is larger than 20 GB.
    • The file name and its complete path exceed 400 characters.
    • The file contains invalid or special characters, such as <, >, :, ", |, ?, *, /, \.

So, how do you fix this error? Here are the steps:

< strong > Step 1. < /strong > Reduce the size of the file that you need to sync by zipping or compressing it.

Step 2. Shorten the file name or save the file in a subfolder that's closer to the top-level folder.

Step 3. Rename the file and remove any illegal characters. Set the file with a standard file extension.

Solution 3: Disable Essential Components - Office Upload, Proxy Settings, Antivirus, and Firewall

#1. Disable Office Upload

Step 1. Click the OneDrive icon, then choose "Help & Settings" > "Settings".

Step 2. Go to the Office tab, and uncheck "Use Office applications to sync Office files that I open" or "Use Office 2016 to sync Office files that I open".

Step 3. Click "OK" to confirm.

Turn off onedrive upload

#2. Disable Proxy Settings - Temporarily

In Microsoft Edge:

    1. Click the Windows icon and select the Settings icon. 2. Click on "Network & Internet" > "Proxy". 3. In the Automatic proxy setup section, toggle "Automatically detect settings" and "Use setup script" to the opposite state: On to Off or Off to On. 4. In the Manual proxy setup section, toggle "Use a proxy server" to the opposite state: On to Off or Off to On.

Turn off Proxy settings

In Internet Explorer 11/10/9/8/7:

In Internet Explorer, click "Tools" > "Internet Options" > "Connections" > "LAN settings" > Uncheck or clear "Use a proxy server for your LAN" > "Apply" and "OK".

#3. Disable Antivirus or Firewall - Temporarily

Step 1. Click the Windows Start icon > "Settings" > "Update & Security".

Step 2. Select Update Security > Open Windows Defender Security Center.

Step 3. Choose to disable or turn off "Virus & threat protection" and "Firewall & network protection."

Turn off antivirus and firewall

Fix 4: Reset OneDrive

    Press Windows + R keys, then type the following path in the Run dialog box and press Enter:

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

  • If you encounter the "Windows cannot find..." message, enter this path in the Run dialog box: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset
  • If that doesn't resolve the issue, you can reinstall or update Office to correct the OneDrive synchronization error.

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Extended: OneDrive Sync vs OneDrive Backup, Which Is More Suitable?

As you know, OneDrive is a cloud storage service that enables users to share and edit files effortlessly anytime and anywhere. Beyond file synchronization, it also functions as a hub for backing up local computer files.

So, what's the distinction between OneDrive Sync and OneDrive Backup? Which one is superior? When should you use file syncing, and when should you opt for file backup? Find the answers right here.

Better Option OneDrive Sync OneDrive Backup
Advantages
  • Instantly sync files and folders across different devices.
  • Free up local hard drive space.
  • Share files and collaborate with colleagues anytime, anywhere.
  • Real-time collaboration with Office applications.
  • Free up local hard drive space.
  • Backup all types of files to OneDrive, including Documents, Downloads, Desktop, everything on the computer, even the operating system.
  • File deletion on a local disk won't affect the backup.
  • Takes up less storage space compared to file syncing with professional file backup software.
  • More secure than file syncing.
Disadvantages
  • File syncing consumes significant OneDrive storage space, making the account fill up quickly.
  • Deleting a file or folder within the OneDrive folder on PC also deletes it online.
  • OneDrive only syncs files saved within the OneDrive folder. It cannot sync Documents, Pictures, or Desktop folders.
  • Slower than file syncing.

So, which is better, and when should you use OneDrive sync or OneDrive backup? Based on the comparison outlined above, you might have formed your own opinions. Here are the Editor's recommendations, which hopefully will be beneficial to you: 1. **For Real-Time Collaboration**: If you need to work on files simultaneously with others and keep all devices up-to-date, opt for **OneDrive Sync**. It's perfect for teams or individuals who require instant access to updated documents. 2. **For Data Protection**: If your primary concern is safeguarding your files from accidental deletion, hardware failures, or wanting an offsite copy, choose **OneDrive Backup**. This feature ensures your files are securely stored and can be restored when needed. 3. **Storage Space Consideration**: Keep in mind that both sync and backup consume storage space. If you're running low on space, consider which files truly need to be synced across devices and which can simply be backed up for safekeeping. 4. **File Version History**: While both offer version history, **OneDrive Backup** provides a longer retention period. If you frequently update files and might need older versions, backup could be more suitable. 5. **Initial Upload**: For large amounts of data, using **OneDrive Backup** for the initial upload might be faster since it doesn't require syncing every file change. Ultimately, the choice between OneDrive sync and backup depends on your specific needs and priorities. Regularly review your usage patterns and adjust your strategy accordingly to optimize efficiency and ensure your data is well-managed.

    • For rapid file sharing with colleagues, friends, or family, OneDrive Sync is more suitable.
    • To free up space on your local computer's hard drive and safeguard important files, utilize OneDrive Backup.

Well, how do I safely back up my files to OneDrive? Check this out.

Bonus Tip: How to Backup Files to OneDrive Without Syncing? Your Trustworthy Tool Awaits

When it comes to backing up files to OneDrive, you have two options:

    1. Upload files to OneDrive manually, one by one. 2. Backup all files to OneDrive in one single operation.

If you prefer the manual method, follow Microsoft's guide on how to upload and save files to OneDrive. However, if you're looking for an all-in-one backup solution, the file backup software - Todo Backup is available to assist you.

It enables you to back up anything on your computer drive to OneDrive. If you ever want to back up your current OS to OneDrive, the workstation version of Todo Backup can help.

Here's how to create a full backup of all the data on your computer to OneDrive in one go:

Step 1. To start the backup process, click the Select backup contents button.

create file backup step1

Step 2. Four data backup categories are displayed: File, Disk, OS, and Mail.

create file backup step2

Step 3. A list of both local and network files is displayed on the left side of the screen. Expand the directories to select the files you want to back up.

File backup

Step 4. Follow the on-screen instructions and select the location where you want to save the backup.

File backup step4

Ensure that the backup is encrypted and configure the backup schedule by clicking on Options within Backup Options. You can also opt to initiate the backup at a specific time under Backup Scheme by clicking Options. There are numerous other customizable options available for you to explore.

Backup options

Step 5. You can save the backup file to your computer, the tool's cloud service, or a network-attached storage device (NAS).

file backup step4

Step 6. Todo Backup allows customers to store backup copies of their files on a third-party cloud drive or on the company's own cloud storage.

If you wish to back up your data on a third-party cloud drive, choose Local Drive and scroll down to add Cloud Device. Next, enter your account details.

Backup to cloud
Click Cloud Backup, then sign up and log in with your Todo Backup account if you want to store backup files on Todo Backup's own cloud storage service.

backup to tools cloud

Step 7. Click on Backup Now to initiate the backup process. Once the backup is complete, it will appear as a card on the left side of the screen. Right-clicking on it will provide you with more options and detailed information on managing the backup job.

File backup step7

Don't Worry If OneDrive Isn't Syncing Files, Follow These Steps to Fix It Now

On this page, we have compiled a comprehensive list of all potential reasons that might prevent OneDrive from synchronizing files on your computer. Additionally, we have gathered 8 effective solutions to assist you in resolving this issue, enabling OneDrive to resume syncing your files.

However, there is one aspect you cannot overlook: OneDrive syncing has its limitations, and you cannot solely rely on this feature to backup and protect your local computer data. If you require a robust OneDrive file backup solution, it's advisable to turn to a reliable backup software. In this regard, the tool Todo Backup, with its File Backup to OneDrive feature, is worth considering.