OneDrive File Issues

How to Fix OneDrive Desktop App Loading Error on Windows 10

John Wilson Sep 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to fix the Microsoft Store OneDrive application, which fails to load its user interface and shows an error message, despite the background file synchronization working perfectly.

How to Fix OneDrive Desktop App Loading Error on Windows 10

Product: OneDrive Desktop App
Device & OS: Windows 10
Scenario: Attempting to open the OneDrive desktop application downloaded from the Microsoft Store to access or manage cloud files.
Observed behavior: The OneDrive app gets stuck on a loading screen and eventually displays a 'Something went wrong' error, even though background syncing, File Explorer access, and web access continue to function correctly.

Before you start

Verify that your local files are successfully syncing by checking the OneDrive icon in your taskbar, and ensure you know your Microsoft account login credentials before attempting to reset the application.

Solution 1Recommended

Reinstall the App and Reset the Configuration Folder

Because the core synchronization works, the issue is likely isolated to the Microsoft Store app's user interface. Reinstalling the app and generating a new configuration folder can resolve this.

This method clears the potentially corrupted application cache and forces the OneDrive UI to rebuild its configuration. It will not delete your actual synced files in the cloud or your main OneDrive directory.

Uninstall the OneDrive Store App

Open Windows Settings by pressing Win + I. Go to 'Apps', select 'Apps & features', find 'OneDrive' in the list, and click 'Uninstall'.

Rename the Configuration Folder

Open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\. Right-click the 'OneDrive' folder and rename it to 'OneDrive.old'.

Reinstall from Microsoft Store

Open the Microsoft Store app, search for 'OneDrive', and click 'Get' or 'Install' to download a fresh copy of the application.

Sign In to Reconfigure

Launch the newly installed OneDrive application and log in with your Microsoft account. The app will automatically create a new configuration folder.

Safe Reversal: If the issue persists, you can safely uninstall the app again and rename 'OneDrive.old' back to 'OneDrive' to restore your previous configuration state without risking data loss.

Solution 2

Bypass the App and Use File Explorer

If you prefer not to modify your current working sync setup, you can avoid using the Microsoft Store app entirely and manage your files directly through Windows.

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1. Install WPS Office: Download and install the free WPS Office suite from the official website.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my OneDrive desktop app stuck on the loading screen?

This commonly happens when the Microsoft Store version of the app experiences a user interface glitch, corrupted cache, or configuration error, even if the underlying background synchronization service is functioning properly.

Will renaming the AppData OneDrive folder delete my cloud files?

No. Renaming the configuration folder in 'AppData\Local\Microsoft\OneDrive' only resets the application's local user interface settings and cache. It does not affect your actual files stored in the cloud or your main local OneDrive sync folder.

Do I absolutely need the Microsoft Store OneDrive app for syncing to work?

No. The core OneDrive synchronization engine is built directly into Windows 10 and runs via a background taskbar process. The Microsoft Store app is just an optional interface for viewing your files.

Document & File Issues