OneDrive File Issues

How to Fix OneDrive Not Starting or Syncing on Windows

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 870 views

Question details

The OneDrive application unexpectedly stops running and fails to synchronize files on a Windows computer without displaying any error messages.

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Attempting to resume file synchronization after the OneDrive client becomes unresponsive or fails to launch.
Observed behavior: OneDrive stops working completely and synchronization cannot be restarted. The application closes or hangs silently without any error codes.

Before you start

Ensure your Windows PC has an active and stable internet connection, and verify that your files are safely backed up by checking OneDrive for the web.

Solution 1Recommended

Unlink and Relink Your OneDrive Account

Reconnecting your Microsoft account can resolve temporary authentication and syncing glitches that cause OneDrive to stall.

Sometimes the connection between your PC and the OneDrive cloud server gets interrupted. Unlinking and relinking forces the application to re-establish this connection and scan your files.

Open OneDrive Settings

Click the OneDrive cloud icon in your Windows system tray, click the gear icon (Help & Settings), and select 'Settings'.

Unlink This PC

Navigate to the 'Account' tab and click on the 'Unlink this PC' link.

Sign In Again

Once unlinked, the OneDrive setup window will appear. Enter your Microsoft account credentials to sign in and reconfigure your sync folders.

No Data Loss: Unlinking your PC will not delete your files. They remain safely stored in your local OneDrive folder and on the cloud server.

Solution 2

Reset the OneDrive Application

Resetting the application clears the local sync cache and restores default settings, which often resolves unresponsiveness.

Solution 3

Reinstall the Latest Version of OneDrive

If the application files are corrupted, completely uninstalling and reinstalling a fresh copy of OneDrive will restore core functionality.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Experience Seamless Cloud Sync with WPS Office

If you are tired of dealing with constant OneDrive sync issues, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Office, complete with its own built-in WPS Cloud service for reliable and effortless file synchronization.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button for Windows.
2. Install the Suite: Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to set up the lightweight application.
3. Enable WPS Cloud: Sign in to your WPS account to automatically activate free cloud storage for seamless document syncing.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats, including Word (.docx), Excel (.xlsx), and PowerPoint (.pptx).Built-in WPS Cloud storage ensures your documents are automatically synced and backed up across all devices.Lightweight installation that consumes fewer system resources and runs smoothly on Windows PCs.Free to use with a familiar, tabbed user interface that makes transitioning seamless.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Will resetting OneDrive delete my locally saved files?

No, resetting the OneDrive application only refreshes the software's settings and clears the synchronization cache. Your local files and the files already backed up to the cloud will remain completely intact.

How can I check if my files successfully synced before the crash?

You can verify your file status by logging into OneDrive for the web via your internet browser. Any files or folders visible on the web portal are safely backed up to Microsoft's cloud servers.

Why does OneDrive close on Windows without showing an error message?

Silent crashes in OneDrive are typically caused by corrupted cached data, interference from third-party antivirus software, or attempting to run an outdated version of the client on a newer Windows update.

Document & File Issues