OneDrive File Issues

Fix OneDrive Sync Failed and Missing Files or Folders

Maira Mehtab Sep 20, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user experienced a OneDrive synchronization failure that caused folders to appear empty, and files created after an earlier sync disappeared following a subsequent synchronization.

Product: OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Synchronizing new files and folders across devices using OneDrive.
Observed behavior: The synchronization process fails, resulting in empty folders and the disappearance of recently created files after a secondary sync attempt.

Before you start

Before attempting any local fixes, log in to the OneDrive web portal (onedrive.com) from a browser to check if your missing files are safely stored online or sitting in the online Recycle Bin.

Solution 1Recommended

Check OneDrive Online and the Recycle Bin

Use this method to verify if the files were successfully uploaded to the cloud before the local sync failed, or if they were accidentally moved to the trash.

Often, a local sync failure deletes the local copy but the file remains intact on the server. Checking the web version of OneDrive is the safest way to locate missing files without risking further data loss through repeated sync attempts.

Log into OneDrive Web

Go to onedrive.live.com in your web browser and sign in with your Microsoft account credentials.

Search for the missing files

Use the search bar at the top to look for the specific names of the missing files or check the folders that appear empty on your computer.

Check the Recycle Bin

Click on 'Recycle bin' in the left-hand navigation pane. If you find your missing files here, select them and click 'Restore' at the top of the page.

Check Local Recycle Bin: Don't forget to also check your computer's local Recycle Bin (Windows) or Trash (Mac), as local sync conflicts may move files there.

Solution 2

Restore OneDrive to a Previous Time

If multiple files were lost due to a severe sync corruption, you can roll back your entire OneDrive to a previous point in time.

Solution 3

Contact Support for Private Investigation

If the files are completely missing and standard recovery methods fail, escalating the issue to Microsoft support is required.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my files disappear after OneDrive synced?

Files can disappear after a sync if there was a synchronization conflict, if the files were accidentally deleted on another connected device, or if the local OneDrive client crashed during the upload process, causing it to overwrite the local folder with an empty cloud folder.

Are files lost in a sync failure permanently deleted?

Not usually. They are often moved to the local Recycle Bin, the OneDrive online Recycle Bin, or can be recovered using the 'Restore your OneDrive' feature available to Microsoft 365 users.

How do I view my OneDrive sync history or errors?

You can view current sync issues by clicking the OneDrive cloud icon in your taskbar (Windows) or menu bar (Mac), clicking the gear icon, and selecting 'View sync problems'. This will display a list of files that failed to sync and the corresponding error codes.

Document & File Issues