OneDrive File Issues

Fix OneDrive Closes Immediately After Starting on Windows 11

Algirdas Jasaitis Oct 13, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to resolve an issue where the Microsoft OneDrive desktop application closes and system tray icons disappear immediately after launching and attempting to sign in.

How to Fix OneDrive Closing Immediately on Windows 11

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: Windows 11 64-bit
Scenario: Starting the OneDrive desktop app to sync files on a Microsoft 365 Family subscription.
Observed behavior: OneDrive opens File Explorer, attempts to sign in, and then stops running abruptly. Its status icons disappear from the system tray, and reinstalling the app only provides a temporary fix.

Before you start

Before attempting these fixes, make sure you have saved any open files located in your local OneDrive folder and temporarily pause your antivirus software, as it may interfere with OneDrive's startup process.

Solution 1Recommended

Reset the OneDrive Application

Resetting the OneDrive desktop app can resolve continuous crashes by clearing corrupted app data and settings without deleting your personal files.

Running the built-in reset command forces OneDrive to clear its configuration cache and resync all connections. This is the most common fix when reinstalling the app only yields temporary results.

Open the Run Dialog

Press the Windows key + R simultaneously on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.

Execute the Reset Command

Type the command %localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset and press Enter.

Try Alternative Paths (If Needed)

If Windows cannot find the path in the previous step, open the Run dialog again and try C:\Program Files\Microsoft OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset or C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset.

Restart OneDrive

Wait a few minutes. If OneDrive doesn't launch automatically, open the Start menu, search for OneDrive, and click to start it.

Data Safety: Resetting OneDrive will not delete any of your files or folders. It simply disconnects your existing sync connections and initiates a full resync.

Solution 2

Remove Stale Cached Credentials

Old or corrupted login credentials stored in Windows can cause OneDrive to fail during the sign-in phase and shut down automatically.

Solution 3

Check Windows Registry Policies

System policies might be configured to block OneDrive from running, which forces the app to close instantly.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does OneDrive keep crashing on Windows 11?

OneDrive may crash repeatedly due to corrupted application cache data, conflicting Windows registry policies, or stale saved login credentials. Reinstalling the app often isn't enough; manually resetting the application's cache usually resolves the underlying corruption.

Will running the OneDrive reset command delete my files?

No, resetting OneDrive via the command line will not delete any local or cloud files. It simply clears the application's configuration settings and triggers a full resync of your existing files once it restarts.

What if the reset command says Windows cannot find the file?

The OneDrive executable is located in different paths depending on your installation. If the %localappdata% path fails, try using 'C:\Program Files\Microsoft OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset' or 'C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset'.

How do I create a new Windows user profile to test OneDrive?

Go to Settings > Accounts > Other users (or Email & accounts) and select 'Add account'. Follow the prompts to set up a new local account. Log into this new profile and check if OneDrive runs correctly there, which can indicate if your primary profile is corrupted.

Document & File Issues