When synchronizing files on Windows from network storage, you might encounter the issue where "Windows 10 Sync Center not working". What could be causing this issue, and how can it be resolved? This article is here to assist with answering these queries. It will outline the reasons behind the Sync Center malfunction and present seven solutions to fix the problem. Continue reading.

How to Resolve Windows 10 Sync Center Sync Issues

The appropriate solution to your "Sync Center not syncing" issue will vary depending on the underlying cause. This section will outline potential fixes tailored to different situation scenarios.

Case 1: Offline Files Option Grayed Out

If the "Enable Offline Files" feature is grayed out, you can resolve this by enabling Opportunistic Locking. Additionally, you can attempt to reinitialize the offline files cache. Follow the steps outlined below: 1. Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box. 2. Type "regedit" in the dialog box and press Enter to open the Registry Editor. 3. Navigate to the following key: `HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\NetCache` 4. Look for a DWORD value named "EnableOpportunisticLocking". If it's not present, right-click on the NetCache folder, choose New, then DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it "EnableOpportunisticLocking". 5. Double-click on "EnableOpportunisticLocking" and set its value to 1. Click OK. 6. Restart your computer. To reinitialize the offline files cache: 1. Press Windows key + X and click on Command Prompt (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin) to open an elevated command prompt. 2. Type the following command and press Enter: `net stop csc` 3. Wait for the command to complete, then type the following command and press Enter: `net start csc` 4. Restart your computer. After completing these steps, the "Enable Offline Files" option should no longer be grayed out, and you should be able to enable it.

Fix 1: Enable Opportunistic Locking

Here are the steps to enable Opportunistic Locking on Windows 10: 1. Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard to open the Quick Access Menu. 2. Click on "Command Prompt (Admin)" or "Windows PowerShell (Admin)" to launch an elevated command prompt. 3. In the command prompt, type the following command and press Enter: ``` reg add "HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\lanmanworkstation\Parameters" /v "EnableOpportunisticLocking" /t REG_DWORD /d 1 ``` 4. You'll receive a message confirming that the registry key has been successfully added. Type the following command and press Enter to enable caching of file credentials: ``` reg add "HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\lanmanworkstation\Parameters" /v "EnableCacheOpportunisticLocking" /t REG_DWORD /d 1 ``` 5. Again, you'll receive a confirmation message. Restart your computer for the changes to take effect. After restarting, Opportunistic Locking will be enabled on your Windows 10 system. This feature allows applications to lock files quickly and improve performance in network environments. However, note that it might increase the risk of data corruption if the network connection is unstable.

Step 1. Open the Run dialog box, type "regedit.exe" and press Enter.

Step 2. Navigate to the following registry subkey:

HKEY_Local_Machine\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\LanmanServer\Parameters\ This is a path to a specific key in the Windows Registry. In English, it would be: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\LanmanServer\Parameters\ The Windows Registry stores configuration settings and options for the operating system and installed applications. In this case, "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE" refers to registry settings that apply to the entire computer, not just a specific user. "SYSTEM" contains settings related to system-level components. "CurrentControlSet\Services\LanmanServer\Parameters" points to the parameters for the LanmanServer service, which is responsible for file and print sharing over a network.

Navigate to the following registry subkey

Step 3. After that, right-click on any empty space in the white area and choose "New" to create a new "REG_DWORD." Name it "OplocksDisabled" and set its value to "0."

Step 4. Open the following subkey to create a new "REG_DWORD" and name it "OplocksDisabled." Set the value to "0." Note: If the "Parameters" subkey does not exist, you can create a new one first.

HKEY_Local_Machine\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\MRXsmb\Parameters\ This is a path to a specific registry key in the Windows operating system. It refers to: HKLM: Short for HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE, this is a root key in the Windows Registry that stores configuration information for the local computer. \SYSTEM: This is a subkey under HKLM, containing settings related to the system configuration. \CurrentControlSet: Within \SYSTEM, this subkey represents the currently active control set, which contains settings that control the operation of the system. \Services: This is another subkey that holds information about all the services installed on the system. \MRXsmb: This is the specific service we're looking at, which stands for "Microsoft Remote Procedure Call (RPC) over Named Pipes for Server Message Block (SMB)". It's a crucial component for file sharing and network communication in Windows. \Parameters: This is a subkey that holds parameters or configuration settings for the MRXsmb service.

Open the following subkey

Step 5. Finally, exit the Registry and restart your device. Verify if the Sync Center is now functioning properly.

Fix 2. Reinitialize Offline Files Cache

To initialize the offline files cache, follow these steps:

Step 1. Open the Registry Editor and navigate to the following subkey:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\CSC This is a path in the Windows Registry that refers to the Client Side Caching (CSC) service. In English, it would be translated as: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\CSC

go to the following subkey

Step 2. Right-click on any empty space, select "New," and then "Key." Type "Parameters" into the key box to create a new subkey.

Step 3. Right-click "Parameters," select "New" > "DWORD 32-bit Value," and type "FormatDatabase."

select DWORD 32-bit

Step 4. Right-click "FormatDatabase," choose "Modify," and then set the value to "1." Click "OK" to close the window.

Step 5. You can now exit the Registry and restart your device to see if this solution has fixed the issue.

Case 2: Missing "Always Available Offline" in Windows 10

If you're not encountering the "Windows 10 always available offline" feature, you can resolve the issue by employing the following methods:

Fix 1: Avoid Using D-link Network Storage Device

For your files to be accessible offline, you need a network storage device that supports this functionality. If you're using a D-Link network storage device, it might not offer offline sync. To resolve this issue, you should consider replacing your network storage device with one that supports offline files. This will rectify the problem with the Windows 10 Sync Center not functioning properly.

Fix 2: Remove Credentials

The "Windows 10 always available offline" feature will not function properly if you have enabled the "Remember my credentials" option. This is particularly the case when connecting to a Network Attached Storage (NAS) service. To disable this setting, follow these steps:

Step 1. Type "Credential Manager" in the search bar and press Enter to open it.

Step 2. Proceed to the "Manage your credentials" section and click on "Windows Credentials."

click Windows Credentials

Step 3. Select your host's credentials and click on the "Remove" option. This will eliminate your authentication info, allowing you to access Windows 10's offline features without any limitations.

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Case 3: Windows 10 Folder Redirection Offline Files Not Synchronizing

If you have activated the "Enable continuous availability" option in your network share configuration, it will prohibit users from making shared folders available offline. This setting will also impact redirected folders. To allow sharing folders and files offline, you will need to deselect the "Enable continuous availability" option within the "User Properties" settings.

Uncheck Enable continuous availability

Case 4: Offline Files Service Cannot Be Activated in Windows

If you're encountering the issue where the "Windows 10 Sync Center is not working," it's probably because the Offline Files service hasn't been activated on your Windows system. Here are the steps to enable this feature: 1. Press the 'Windows key + X' on your keyboard to open the Quick Access menu. 2. Click on 'Control Panel' from the options. 3. In the Control Panel, select 'System and Security,' then click on ' Administrative Tools.' 4. From the Administrative Tools window, double-click on 'Services.' 5. In the Services window, scroll down and locate the 'Offline Files' service. 6. Right-click on 'Offline Files' and choose 'Properties.' 7. In the Offline Files Properties window, ensure that the 'Startup type' is set to 'Automatic.' 8. If the service is not running, click on 'Start' to initiate the service. 9. Finally, click 'Apply' and 'OK' to save the changes. After completing these steps, restart your computer, and the Sync Center should function properly.

Step 1. Open the Control Panel, click "View by," and then choose "Small icons."

Step 2. Click "Administrative Tools," and then double-click "Services."

click Administrative Tools

Step 3. Under "Services," locate the "Offline Files" option. Right-click on it, and then choose "Start." This will activate the Offline Files service.

Case 5: Files Not Syncing

Windows 10 Sync Center might also encounter issues when attempting to access files that aren't set to sync by default. There's a configuration in "Group Policy" that enables you to specify certain files to not sync automatically. This could include files with extensions like .mdb, .db, .mde, .ldb, and .mdw.

To sync files with specific extensions, you'll need to disable the "Files not cached" setting. Follow these steps: 1. Access your device or application settings. 2. Locate the section related to file synchronization or cloud storage options. 3. Find the "Files not cached" or "Exclude from sync" setting. 4. Tap or click on it to enter the exclusion list. 5. Identify the file extensions that you want to sync (e.g., .docx, .pdf, .jpg). 6. Remove those extensions from the exclusion list. 7. Save the changes and confirm that the new settings are applied. 8. Wait for the synchronization process to start, which may take some time depending on the number of files and your internet speed. Once completed, your files with the specified extensions should now sync accordingly.

Step 1. Type "group policy" in the search bar, then press Enter to open "Edit Group Policy."

Step 2. Click "Administrative Templates" under "Computer Configuration," and then double-click "Network."

click Administrative Templates and then double-click Network

Step 3. Double-click "Offline Files" under "Network."

Step 4. Next, locate and double-click the "Files not cached" option.

Step 5. In the next window, choose the "Disabled" option, then click OK. This will disable the "Files not cached" setting, enabling your device to synchronize all file extensions while offline.

select Disabled and then click OK

Try the Best Free File Sync Software to Sync Files

If you're encountering issues with Windows' "Sync Center" feature, there's an alternative approach. You can utilize the best free file sync software, such as Todo Backup, to seamlessly synchronize your files on Windows 11/10/8/7. The "Sync" function in Todo Backup offers a reliable solution for your file synchronization needs.

tools sync files

You can synchronize files between your Windows 10 computer and a connected network, external hard drive, NAS (Network Attached Storage), or cloud storage service. As the best file sync software for Windows 10, these tools impose no size limitations, allowing you to sync files of any size. They feature a user-friendly interface that enables you to effortlessly choose the source and destination paths for the files you wish to synchronize.

Todo Backup not only offers syncing capabilities but also supports file backup and recovery. It allows you to automatically back up files, hard disks, systems, and computer applications, saving these backups to various locations.

Todo Backup's main features include:

Make sure to download Todo Backup Free today to utilize it as the finest free file synchronization software. The process of getting started with this tool is quite straightforward. The professional version is also reasonably priced and offers additional features.

"Why Is Sync Center Not Working on Windows 10?"

Windows 10 Sync Center is a feature that enables you to access your network files offline on your computer, even in the absence of an internet connection. However, there may be instances where this function fails to operate properly due to various reasons. Some common causes behind the Sync Center not working in Windows 10 are:

  • Windows 10 folder redirection offline files synchronization has failed.
  • You are unable to activate the offline file service.
  • The "enable offline files" option is disabled.
  • The "Windows 10 always available offline" feature is absent.
  • File synchronization has failed.

These issues might cause the Sync Center to not work.

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To Wrap Things Up

The "Windows 10 Sync Center not working" issue is a prevalent problem on the Windows operating system. This issue occurs when Windows 10 fails to synchronize folder redirection offline files, preventing you from activating the offline file service or encountering a disabled "enable offline files" option. To resolve this issue, you can attempt the seven solutions outlined in this article.

Ensure you utilize Todo Backup if you're seeking a free alternative for syncing files on Windows 11/10/8/7. This dependable tool enables you to synchronize files without any size constraints across various platforms. It allows you to sync files from your computer to an external hard drive, cloud storage, network, or NAS. Download and install Todo Backup now to take advantage of its distinctive sync capabilities for free.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Sync Center Not Syncing Automatically 1. **Why isn't my Sync Center syncing automatically?** - This issue could be due to disabled sync settings, network connectivity problems, or outdated software. 2. **How do I enable automatic syncing in Sync Center?** - Go to your device's Settings > Sync Center > ensure the toggle for "Automatic Sync" is turned on. 3. **What if my network connection is the problem?** - Check your internet connection and ensure it's stable. If not, try restarting your router or connecting to a different network. 4. **Is there a software update available?** - Visit the manufacturer's website to download and install any available updates for Sync Center or your operating system. 5. **Can conflicting applications cause this issue?** - Yes, some apps might interfere with Sync Center. Try disabling third-party sync apps temporarily to test. 6. **How do I troubleshoot sync issues?** - Start by checking for error messages, then follow the troubleshooting steps provided by the software or consult the user manual. 7. **Does my antivirus or firewall affect syncing?** - Antivirus or firewall settings may block syncing. Temporarily disable them and see if the issue persists. 8. **Is there a way to force a manual sync?** - Yes, usually you can initiate a manual sync from Sync Center's settings or by clicking the "Sync Now" option. 9. **Will resetting Sync Center settings help?** - Sometimes, resetting the settings can resolve issues. Make sure to backup data first as this may clear synced information. 10. **Should I contact support if the problem continues?** - If none of the above solutions work, it's advisable to contact the software provider's technical support for further assistance.

Here are some frequently asked questions about Sync Center not syncing automatically: 1. Q: Why isn't Sync Center syncing my files automatically? A: There could be various reasons for this issue. Ensure that the Sync Center is enabled in your system settings and that the sync options are properly configured for the specific folders you want to synchronize. 2. Q: How do I check if Sync Center is enabled? A: You can check by going to Control Panel, then searching for "Sync Center" and opening it. If it's disabled, you may need to enable it through the Services or by troubleshooting any related issues. 3. Q: What if my computer is not connected to the internet? A: Syncing won't occur if your device doesn't have an active internet connection. Make sure you're connected to a network or Wi-Fi before expecting automatic synchronization. 4. Q: Are there any conflicting programs or settings? A: Some security software or firewall settings might block Sync Center from accessing the internet. Temporarily disable these programs and see if syncing starts working. 5. Q: Is there a problem with my Sync Partner? A: Verify that the device or cloud service you're syncing with is functioning correctly and has the necessary permissions set up. 6. Q: When was the last successful sync? A: Check Sync Center's history to see when it last synced successfully. This can help identify if the issue is recent or has been ongoing. 7. Q: Do I need to update Sync Center or related software? A: Outdated software can cause syncing issues. Ensure all components, including drivers and operating system updates, are up to date. 8. Q: Can I manually initiate a sync? A: Yes, you can right-click on the Sync Center icon in the system tray and choose "Sync All" to force a manual sync. 9. Q: How do I troubleshoot Sync Center issues? A: Try restarting the Sync Center service, running Windows Update, and checking for any available patches or hotfixes related to Sync Center. 10. Q: Should I contact support? A: If none of the above solutions work, consider contacting Microsoft Support or the support team of the sync service you're using for further assistance.

1. How Can I Remove Sync Center in Windows 10?

You can disable the Sync Center on Windows 10 using the following steps: 1. Press the "Windows" key + "I" to open the Settings app. 2. Click on "Accounts" to access your account settings. 3. In the left pane, select "Sync your settings." 4. On the right side, toggle off the "Sync your settings" switch at the top to disable global synchronization. 5. If you want to disable syncing for specific categories, like passwords or theme settings, individually untoggle the corresponding switches under the "Sync options" section. After completing these steps, the Sync Center will be disabled, and your settings will no longer sync across devices.

    1. Step 1. Open the Control Panel and click on Sync Center.
    2. Step 2. Proceed to Manage Offline Files and choose Disable Offline Files.
    3. Step 3. Click Yes to confirm the disabling of offline files and the removal of the Windows 10 Sync Center.

2. Why Does Sync Center Sync Offline Files So Slowly?

Sync Center synchronizes files offline at a slower pace because it retrieves them from non-Microsoft servers. These non-Microsoft servers, such as backend file servers, tend to be less efficient as their files are typically not organized alphabetically. Before synchronization occurs, these servers need to sort the files, which results in a longer syncing process.

3. How to Resolve Sync Center Sync Failure with Offline Files?

You can resolve Sync Center synchronization failures using the following methods:

    1. Enabling opportunistic locking. 2. Reinitializing Offline Files cache. 3. Changing your network storage service. 4. Removing credentials. 5. Unchecking the Enable continuous availability feature. 6. Activating the Offline Files service on Windows. 7. Disabling the File not cached setting in Group Policy.

These solutions will resolve the issue of the Windows 10 Sync Center not functioning properly.