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How to Fix OneDrive Desktop.ini and Other Sync Errors
Question details
The user is unable to sync files to OneDrive because a 'Desktop.ini' file is blocking the synchronization queue, causing several other files to fail as well.
- Product
- OneDrive
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Backing up local folders or attempting to synchronize files to OneDrive cloud storage.
- Observed behavior
- OneDrive displays an error stating that Desktop.ini is not allowed and cannot be synchronized, which simultaneously halts the sync process for other queued items.
Ensure you are logged into your OneDrive account on your Windows device and verify exactly which folders (e.g., Documents, whole C: drive) you are attempting to sync.
Remove or Move the Desktop.ini File from OneDrive
Because desktop.ini is a hidden Windows configuration file that OneDrive does not support, removing it from the sync directory resolves the blockage.
Windows uses desktop.ini files to store folder customization settings like custom icons. These files are not meant to be synced to the cloud and often trigger errors in OneDrive.
Open File Explorer in Windows. Click on the 'View' tab at the top of the window and check the box for 'Hidden items' so you can see system files.
Navigate to the specific OneDrive folder referenced in your sync error and look for a faded icon named 'desktop.ini'.
Right-click the desktop.ini file and select 'Delete' (or move it to a local folder outside of the OneDrive directory).
Click the OneDrive cloud icon in your taskbar and check if the remaining blocked files begin to sync successfully.
Stop Syncing Complete System Folders
Syncing entire root directories or system folders often introduces hidden system files that OneDrive refuses to process.
Avoid Complex Cloud Errors with WPS Office
Struggling with system file conflicts and sync blockages in OneDrive? Consider switching to WPS Office. It provides an integrated, hassle-free cloud experience (WPS Cloud) designed specifically for your documents, entirely bypassing Windows system file errors.
- 1. Download and install: Visit the official WPS Office website to download and install the free software on your PC.
- 2. Log in for cloud space: Sign in to your WPS account to instantly activate your dedicated WPS Cloud storage.
- 3. Save securely: Save your spreadsheets and documents directly to WPS Cloud without relying on external folder sync services.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a desktop.ini file and why is it in my OneDrive?
A desktop.ini file is an automatically generated Windows system file that dictates how a folder is displayed, such as its custom icon. It appears in OneDrive if you choose to sync a folder that Windows has previously customized.
Will deleting desktop.ini ruin my computer or files?
No. Deleting a desktop.ini file is completely safe. The only consequence is that the specific folder will revert to its default Windows appearance and lose any custom folder icon you might have set.
Why does one desktop.ini file block other files from syncing?
OneDrive processes files in a queue. When it encounters an unsupported file like desktop.ini that it cannot process, it may temporarily pause or block the upload queue, causing the remaining valid files to display a 'sync pending' or error status.
