OneDrive File Issues

How to Fix OneDrive Files Showing 0 KB Due to Long File Paths

Huma Ashraf Ch Oct 15, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users are encountering a synchronization error in OneDrive where files display a size of 0 KB and cannot be moved, deleted, or opened due to excessively long file paths.

How to Fix OneDrive Files Showing 0 KB Due to Long File Paths

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to sync or manage files stored in deeply nested folders or with exceptionally long file names.
Observed behavior: Files appear with a 0 KB size in the local directory and the system prevents moving, deleting, or opening them, citing that the file path is too long.

Before you start

Verify that you can still access these files through the OneDrive web interface, and ensure important documents are backed up locally before making changes to your synchronization settings.

Solution 1Recommended

Reset the OneDrive Application

Resetting OneDrive forces the application to refresh its sync connections, which can often resolve 0 KB display issues and stuck synchronizations.

A standard reset clears temporary configurations and allows the client to re-evaluate the file paths without deleting your local files or cloud data.

Open the Run dialog

Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard simultaneously to open the Run command window.

Execute the reset command

Type %localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset into the text box and press Enter.

Allow time to resync

Wait for the OneDrive icon in the system tray to disappear and reappear. Give the application sufficient time to complete a fresh synchronization check.

Safe Reset: Resetting OneDrive only restarts the sync engine. It will not cause data loss or remove files you have already downloaded.

Solution 2

Shorten File and Folder Names

If resetting does not bypass the error, manually reducing the path length is required to stay within Windows and OneDrive limitations.

Solution 3

Reinstall the OneDrive Client

Reinstalling the client ensures you have the latest software version and resolves deeper application corruption issues.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum file path length for OneDrive?

In OneDrive and Windows, the entire file path—including the drive letter, folder names, and the file name itself—cannot exceed 400 characters. Going beyond this limit prevents files from syncing.

Why do my files show 0 KB even after checking my internet connection?

A file displays as 0 KB when OneDrive detects it but cannot process or download its actual contents. This usually happens when the file's path is too long or if there are repeated folder names causing an infinite loop in the sync engine.

How can I easily find which file paths are too long?

You can check the OneDrive sync client interface by clicking the OneDrive icon in your taskbar. It usually lists the specific files experiencing errors and will specify if a 'file path is too long'.

Will I lose my files if I reset OneDrive?

No, resetting the OneDrive application using the run command only restarts the background sync service and refreshes its connections. It does not delete your local files or your data stored in the cloud.

Document & File Issues