'%3e%3cpath%20d='M8%200C12.4183%200%2016%203.58172%2016%208C16%2012.4183%2012.4183%2016%208%2016C3.58172%2016%200%2012.4183%200%208C0%203.58172%203.58172%200%208%200ZM11.6162%204.38379C11.2257%203.99337%2010.5927%203.99338%2010.2021%204.38379L8%206.58594L5.79785%204.38379C5.40732%203.99334%204.77429%203.99329%204.38379%204.38379C3.99331%204.77429%203.99335%205.40733%204.38379%205.79785L6.58594%208L4.38379%2010.2021C3.99348%2010.5927%203.99341%2011.2257%204.38379%2011.6162C4.77426%2012.0066%205.40734%2012.0065%205.79785%2011.6162L8%209.41406L10.2021%2011.6162C10.5927%2012.0066%2011.2257%2012.0067%2011.6162%2011.6162C12.0067%2011.2257%2012.0066%2010.5927%2011.6162%2010.2021L9.41406%208L11.6162%205.79785C12.0066%205.40735%2012.0066%204.77429%2011.6162%204.38379Z'%20fill='%23080E17'%20fill-opacity='0.46'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0_3761_713'%3e%3crect%20width='16'%20height='16'%20fill='white'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
How to Fix OneDrive Local Files Not Syncing After Storage Upgrade
Question details
The user is unable to sync local files to OneDrive and continues to see red X errors despite upgrading their cloud storage plan.
- Product
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to resume OneDrive synchronization after purchasing an additional cloud storage subscription to resolve a full-storage issue.
- Observed behavior
- Local files display red X icons and availability errors, indicating that syncing has halted, and the newly purchased storage is not being recognized by the desktop app.
Before making changes to your OneDrive settings, manually copy any important unsynced local files to an external drive or a separate non-synced folder on your computer as a backup.
Reset the OneDrive Application
Resetting the OneDrive app clears its settings and forces a full synchronization, which can resolve lingering cache issues after a storage upgrade.
When you run out of storage and then upgrade, the desktop app may fail to recognize the new quota due to cached settings. Resetting the app forces it to reconnect and check the current storage limits.
Press the Windows Key + R simultaneously on your keyboard to open the Run window.
Type %localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset and press Enter.
The OneDrive icon in your system tray will disappear and then reappear after a minute or two. If it does not reappear, manually launch OneDrive from the Start menu.
Unlink and Relink Your Computer
Re-authenticating your account can force OneDrive to refresh your subscription status and start syncing again.
Test Uploads via OneDrive Web
Verify that your newly purchased storage is active on the server side by checking your account via a web browser.
Manage Your Documents Seamlessly with WPS Office
While troubleshooting your OneDrive sync issues, consider trying WPS Office as a lightweight, fast, and free alternative to Microsoft Office. It integrates effortlessly with local and cloud directories, ensuring your documents remain safe and accessible.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installation package for your operating system.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the installer and follow the quick setup guide to complete the installation.
- 3. Start Creating: Open WPS Office to instantly view, edit, and save your documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will resetting OneDrive delete the files on my computer?
No, resetting the OneDrive application only clears the local sync cache and resets the app's settings. It will initiate a full resync to check for file differences, but it will never delete your locally stored files.
Why are my OneDrive files showing a red X icon?
A red X icon indicates that a file or folder failed to synchronize. This is often caused by a full cloud storage quota, a lack of write permissions, unsupported characters in the file name, or a local network issue.
How long does it take for a OneDrive storage upgrade to take effect?
In most cases, a storage upgrade is applied to your Microsoft account immediately. However, it can sometimes take up to 24 hours for the new storage quota to be reflected across all your connected devices and sync applications.
What should I do if my files still won't sync after resetting?
If resetting OneDrive does not resolve the issue, ensure that your OneDrive application is updated to the latest version. You can also try uninstalling and reinstalling the OneDrive app entirely to fix deeper software corruption issues.
