Fix OneDrive Keeps Signing Out and Stops Syncing Files
Question details
Users experience an issue where the OneDrive client repeatedly signs out, disables synchronization and backup settings, and completely closes during the sync process.
- Product
- OneDrive
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Synchronizing a large number of files and folders using the OneDrive desktop application.
- Observed behavior
- OneDrive begins synchronizing but closes after approximately one minute, relaunches, gets stuck on 'Signing in', and ultimately stops syncing files. General network and disk space troubleshooting steps do not resolve it.
Before proceeding, open your local OneDrive folder and carefully look for any folders that display a small chain link icon, as these mounted directories are the primary trigger for this synchronization bug.
Remove Mounted Folders and Re-link OneDrive
Deleting or moving mounted folders (indicated by chain icons) out of your OneDrive directory resolves the sign-in loop and prevents the application from crashing.
This specific problem is caused by mounted folders located inside the OneDrive root directory. Microsoft has identified this as a known bug where these linked directories cause the sync engine to fail and restart continuously.
Standard troubleshooting methods like changing proxy settings, freeing up disk space, running the OneDrive troubleshooter, or creating a new Windows user account will not fix this issue until the mounted folders are removed.
Open File Explorer and navigate to your main OneDrive folder. Scroll through your directories and identify any folders that have a small chain link icon on them.
Select the mounted folders and either delete them or move them to a different location on your local hard drive outside of the OneDrive directory.
Click the OneDrive cloud icon in your system tray, click the gear icon for 'Help & Settings', and select 'Settings'. Go to the 'Account' tab and click 'Unlink this PC'.
Once unlinked, the OneDrive setup screen will appear. Enter your Microsoft account credentials to sign back in and choose your sync folders to resume normal operation.
Switch to WPS Office for Reliable Cloud Synchronization
If OneDrive's persistent syncing bugs are disrupting your workflow, consider switching to WPS Office. It comes with a built-in, stable cloud drive (WPS Cloud) to seamlessly save, sync, and access your documents across all devices without relying on unstable third-party clients.
- 1. Download and Install: Download WPS Office for free from the official website and run the installer on your Windows PC.
- 2. Sign In to WPS Cloud: Open WPS Office and sign in to activate your free WPS Cloud account, instantly granting you secure online storage.
- 3. Sync Your Documents: Save your documents directly to WPS Cloud. Your files will automatically and reliably sync across all your connected devices without the need for external sync engines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does OneDrive get stuck on the 'Signing in' screen?
This often occurs due to a known bug triggered by mounted folders (folders with a chain link icon) located inside your OneDrive directory. The sync engine crashes when processing these folders, causing a continuous sign-in loop.
What is a mounted folder in OneDrive?
A mounted folder is a shortcut or linked directory that points to storage outside the standard OneDrive folder. While useful locally, placing them inside OneDrive currently causes severe sync conflicts and application crashes.
Will creating a new Windows user account fix the OneDrive sync issue?
No. Creating a new local Windows account does not resolve this specific bug, because the issue originates from the incompatible folder structure within the OneDrive directory itself.
Does freeing up disk space or disabling proxies fix the OneDrive sign-out loop?
While low disk space and proxy configurations can cause general sync issues, they will not fix the persistent sign-in loop caused by mounted folders. You must manually remove the conflicting folders to restore functionality.
