How to Fix a OneDrive Sync Error When Files Stop Uploading

If OneDrive shows a sync error and files stop uploading or downloading as expected, start with the sync status icon and any listed problem files before resetting sign-in data. Confirm the correct account and storage state first, then clear stuck OneDrive sign-in settings only if needed.

What Happens During a OneDrive Sync Error

OneDrive sync is failing and the expected upload or download action does not complete. The issue falls under OneDrive file problems, so files may stay pending, pause, or show an error instead of finishing sync.

Quick Answer for Fixing a OneDrive Sync Error

Check the OneDrive cloud icon for errors, paused status, “Processing changes,” or “Sync pending,” then open Help & Settings > View sync problems for any listed file names. If sync still fails after following the suggested Microsoft steps, delete PreSignInSettingsConfig.json from the OneDrive settings folder, restart OneDrive, and sign in again.

Possible Causes of a OneDrive Sync Error

• The wrong Microsoft account may be signed in on one of the devices.

• OneDrive storage may be full, or a file name, path, or permission may block sync.

• Sync may be paused, pending, or stuck while processing changes.

• Cached or stuck OneDrive sign-in settings may remain after an unlink, reset, or relink.

Recommended Solution: Check Sync Status, Then Clear Stuck OneDrive Sign-In Settings

When to use this: Use this when OneDrive sync stops completing and status checks or listed sync problems do not clear the issue.

OneDrive file problems commonly come from the wrong signed-in account, storage limits, unsupported names or paths, permissions, or an incomplete sync state. Check the cloud copy and sync status before resetting local sign-in settings, and use version history or the recycle bin before deleting or replacing local files.

1. On both devices, select the OneDrive cloud icon near the clock and check whether it shows an error, paused status, “Processing changes,” or “Sync pending.”

2. If available, go to OneDrive > Help & Settings > View sync problems and note any specific file names or error messages.

3. Follow the suggested steps from the Microsoft article for fixing OneDrive sync problems for any listed items.

4. If the laptop still does not upload changes after those checks, clear OneDrive’s cached sign-in settings on both devices.

5. Press Windows key + R to open a Run dialog, enter %localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\settings, and select OK.

6. Delete the PreSignInSettingsConfig.json file.

7. Restart OneDrive and sign in again so it can recreate the sign-in settings fresh.

Why this works: Reviewing sync status first targets real file or account blockers. Removing PreSignInSettingsConfig.json then forces OneDrive to rebuild stuck sign-in settings after a reset or unlink/relink.

If this fails: Recheck the signed-in account, storage quota, file names or paths, and permissions before deleting or replacing local copies. Prefer version history or the recycle bin if a file looks incomplete.

Additional Check: Confirm the Same OneDrive Account on Both Devices

If sync still fails after clearing sign-in settings, confirm both devices use the same OneDrive account and that the expected folders are selected for sync before repeating a full reset.

1. Open OneDrive settings and confirm the signed-in account matches on each device.

2. Verify the folders you expect to sync are selected and not paused.

3. Retry a small test file upload and confirm it appears in the cloud copy first.

Keep Editing Office Files With WPS Office While OneDrive Sync Is Stuck

WPS Office cannot fix OneDrive sync errors, repair OneDrive sign-in settings, or manage Microsoft OneDrive storage and permissions. Those steps must stay in OneDrive and Microsoft account tools.

While you wait for sync to recover, WPS Office can still help with everyday local files:

1. Download and install WPS Office on your computer.

2. Open Word, Excel, or PowerPoint files in WPS Writer, Spreadsheets, or Presentation from a local folder.

3. Edit, save, convert, or export common office and PDF files as needed.

4. After OneDrive is healthy again, copy finished files back into your synced folder if required.

This keeps document work moving while OneDrive sync is being repaired. If you need a practical Office alternative during the outage, try WPS Office.

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Prevention Tips to Reduce OneDrive Sync Errors

• Confirm the same Microsoft account is signed in before relying on multi-device sync.

• Watch storage limits and avoid unsupported file names or overly long paths.

• Check the OneDrive icon for paused or pending status before assuming a file is uploaded.

• Keep a local or alternate backup of critical files before resetting OneDrive settings.

FAQs About OneDrive Sync Errors

Should I delete local files to fix a OneDrive sync error?
Not first. Check the cloud copy, version history, and recycle bin before deleting or replacing local files.

Why delete PreSignInSettingsConfig.json?
It can clear stuck OneDrive sign-in settings after a reset or unlink/relink so OneDrive can recreate them on the next sign-in.

Can WPS Office repair OneDrive sync?
No. WPS Office does not manage OneDrive sync. It can only help you keep editing compatible local office and PDF files while sync is being fixed.