OneDrive Files Corrupted | How to Restore Them in 2024

OneDrive is an incredible cloud-based solution and file hosting service. This original Microsoft offering has been assisting users since its launch in 2007, and it has been an integral part of Windows since Windows 7 in 2009. Currently, it stands as a prominent feature in both Windows 10 and Windows 11.

However, this cloud storage service is not immune to issues, as OneDrive corrupted files are a fairly common occurrence. Though not overly frequent, numerous users report that their files become corrupted or unusable within OneDrive. So, the question remains: how do you rectify corrupted files in OneDrive?

In this article, we will delve into the fundamentals and discover the solution for corrupted files in OneDrive. Let's get started.

OneDrive is an online storage and cloud service. However, the software that comes with Windows 10 or 11 synchronizes your files with the online storage from your computer. Thus, whenever a file is updated or changed on your PC, it also updates the file in the cloud.

That's when problems surface, with users reporting corrupted files on OneDrive. Here's an illustration of the issue occurring in a Word document for a user:

This type of issue can compromise the file on your PC as well as in cloud storage. So, how do you prevent it? Or, if OneDrive files become corrupted, how do you repair them on your PC? Let's continue to explore the solutions.

[Causes] Why Are OneDrive Files Corrupted?

There are various reasons why a file might become corrupted while stored in your OneDrive. Often, this occurs when individuals encounter issues with their own computers, such as hardware problems, software corruption, or a computer virus. At other times, a simple poor-quality internet connection can be the culprit.

But, to put it briefly, here are a few reasons that can lead to OneDrive files getting corrupted:

1. Software corruption, for example, a faulty Microsoft Word, can corrupt files like DOCX.
2. A slow or unstable internet connection.
3. Hardware issues such as hard drive failure or storage complications.
4. Virus or malware infection.
5. Miscommunication between the PC and OneDrive leading to OneDrive sync issues.

These are some of the most common causes of OneDrive files becoming corrupted. While a slow internet connection or improper synchronization are the most likely reasons, it's important not to overlook the potential of a virus attack. After scanning your computer, proceed to the next step to try resolving this issue.

[Solutions] How to Repair Corrupted OneDrive Files

Now that we've covered the basics, let's discuss the solutions. Every issue has a resolution or a workaround, and the same applies to corrupted OneDrive files. In this part, we'll delve into two potential solutions for addressing this problem, which are:

• Reset OneDrive and Revert to Previous State
• Restore a Shared Library

How do you accomplish this? Let's examine each solution individually.

< a id="2.1" name="2.1">1. Reset OneDrive and Revert to Its Previous State

The first step is to restore or reset the OneDrive files to a previous state. Suppose your file was functioning correctly the night before but is now encountering issues. In that case, reverting it to the settings from yesterday might help recover its proper functioning. Here's how you can accomplish this: 1. Open OneDrive on your computer. 2. Right-click on the problematic file and select "Restore previous versions." 3. A new window will appear, showing available versions of the file based on when they were saved. 4. Choose the version from the night before or a time when the file was working correctly. 5. Click "Restore" to revert the file to that specific version. After completing these steps, your file should be restored to its previous working state. If the issue persists, you may need to explore additional troubleshooting steps or seek further assistance.

Step 1. Visit the OneDrive website and log in to your account. In the top-right corner, click on the Settings cogwheel icon and proceed to Options.

Step 2. In the navigation bar, go to Restore your OneDrive.

Step 3. Within this option, choose the closest date.

Step 4. Locate your file in the recent activity chart (A) and restore (B) it.

This will revert your file to an earlier version and enable you to access it once more. It's likely that if the file became corrupted within this time frame, it won't have affected the data inside. Therefore, try this approach first, and if it doesn't succeed, proceed with the following method.

2. Restore a Shared Library

The other approach is to restore a shared library. This method is effective if you have a shared SharePoint with other users within your OneDrive or Microsoft 365 suite. So, if the previous method was unsuccessful, this can assist you in recovering corrupted files from OneDrive. Here's how it's done:

Step 1. In Teams, go to the settings menu and choose Open in SharePoint.

Step 2. Inside SharePoint, go to Settings and choose Restore this Library.

Step 3. Select the date for restoration

Step 4. Click on the Restore button

This method will restore the file in the same manner as the other method did, except that it will be placed within a shared library.

[Bonus Tip] Backup OneDrive Files to Avoid Data Loss

While it's straightforward to restore OneDrive files through the settings, it's an inconvenient feature, and it can permanently damage your files as well. However, you can always backup your OneDrive files to prevent any irrecoverable or unrepairable data loss.

Some people may wonder: Do I need to backup OneDrive since it is a cloud storage service? The answer is YES. The files on OneDrive are never completely safe due to various security threats originating from different sources. As you can see, this can pose a problem when trying to recover files, and if any file exceeds the scope of recovery, it will be lost permanently. This is why backing up your files is crucial, as it enables you to restore them easily in the future.

Another issue with OneDrive Sync is that it can lead to data corruption, which is certainly not desirable. On the other hand, having your own automatic backup system can provide peace of mind and prevent such occurrences in the future. This is where a third-party tool like Todo Backup comes in handy. It is a comprehensive backup and restoration software that enables you to back up your OneDrive files to any location of your choice.

What makes it an incredible option? Let's enumerate the reasons for you:

• Ability to import backup hard drive data and APP, file/folder data to a cloud storage
• Enhanced security zone to protect your files from virus attacks
• Create a system image easily
• Quick and straightforward backup setup - followed by seamless recovery

With all the features mentioned above, you now have ample reasons to choose Todo Backup as your data security guardian to keep your OneDrive files safe. Don't hesitate!

Closing Thoughts

These are the solutions you can attempt to recover your corrupted OneDrive files. Once resolved, you'll be able to re-download them from the last restore or save point. However, it's crucial to backup your OneDrive files using alternative methods.

And that's precisely why Todo Backup stands as one of your top choices for establishing a backup for swift recovery. It assists in securing backups both on your computer and with the cloud backup it offers.

OneDrive Corrupted Files Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why are OneDrive files getting corrupted?

When synchronizing, OneDrive relies on a stable internet connection. If the connection is disrupted due to internet issues, hardware problems, or the presence of viruses, the files in both locations - the cloud and the personal computer - can become corrupted.

2. Can OneDrive become corrupted?

There are instances when users encounter corruption issues with the OneDrive software on their computer. Although the software can be reinstalled, this action often results in discrepancies between the files and their cloud versions, leading to synchronization failures.

3. Is OneDrive easily hacked?

No, it is not easily hackable. While there is always a risk of potential viruses and malware on your PC, cloud storage services like OneDrive provide two-factor authentication, which makes them significantly difficult to hack or exploit.