OneDrive File Issues

How to Fix OneDrive Not Syncing After Deleting Files on a Laptop

Maira Mehtab Sep 20, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is experiencing an issue where files deleted from the local OneDrive directory are not being removed from the cloud, and the OneDrive client has completely stopped synchronizing.

Product: OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to keep local folders and cloud storage in sync after deleting files on a laptop.
Observed behavior: The OneDrive client stops synchronizing correctly, leaving locally deleted files still accessible online in the cloud storage.

Before you start

Before beginning the troubleshooting process, sign in to your OneDrive account through a web browser and manually download copies of any critical files to ensure you do not lose important data during a client reset.

Solution 1Recommended

Check Sync Status and Reset the OneDrive Client

Resetting the OneDrive client can clear stuck synchronization processes and resolve conflicts caused by local deletions that fail to register with the server.

A client reset restarts the synchronization engine from scratch. It does not delete any of your files, but it will perform a full scan of your directory once it restarts, which may take some time depending on the number of files you have.

Check for Sync Errors

Click the OneDrive cloud icon in your system tray (Windows) or menu bar (Mac) to see if there are specific error messages or files displaying a red 'X' or sync pending status.

Open the Run Dialog

If you are on Windows, press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.

Execute the Reset Command

Type '%localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset' and press Enter. The OneDrive icon will disappear from the taskbar and should reappear after a minute or two.

Restart OneDrive Manually (If Needed)

If the OneDrive icon does not automatically reappear, open your Start menu, search for 'OneDrive', and click the application to launch it and resume syncing.

Mac Users: If you are using a Mac, you can reset OneDrive by quitting the app, navigating to the Applications folder, right-clicking OneDrive to select 'Show Package Contents', and running the ResetOneDriveApp.command file located in Contents/Resources.

Solution 2

Unlink and Relink Your OneDrive Account

Disconnecting and reconnecting your account forces OneDrive to re-establish the server connection and perform a fresh check of your files.

Solution 3

Reinstall the OneDrive Application

If resetting and relinking do not fix the issue, reinstalling the app ensures you are running a clean, uncorrupted version of the software.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does OneDrive stop syncing when I delete files locally?

This typically occurs if OneDrive encounters a conflict between the local deletion command and the cloud state. It often happens if 'Files On-Demand' is enabled and the synchronization process was interrupted before the Microsoft server could acknowledge the deletion.

Will unlinking my OneDrive account delete my local files?

No, unlinking your account only stops the synchronization process between your laptop and the cloud. Your locally downloaded files will remain safely on your computer's hard drive.

How do I ensure files are deleted both locally and online?

Before deleting files, ensure the OneDrive client is actively running and displaying an 'Up to date' status. When you delete a file in the local OneDrive folder while the app is actively syncing, it will automatically send the deletion command to the cloud.

Can I recover files if I accidentally delete them from the OneDrive cloud?

Yes. Files deleted from OneDrive are moved to the online Recycle Bin. You can log into OneDrive via your web browser, navigate to the Recycle Bin on the left sidebar, and restore your deleted files within 30 days (or 93 days for work/school accounts).

Document & File Issues