How to Fix OneDrive Not Syncing and Office Certificate Errors
Question details
The user is experiencing synchronization failures with OneDrive and encountering certificate errors when opening synced files in Office applications.
- Product
- Microsoft OneDrive / Microsoft Office
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Trying to synchronize local files with the cloud and access them through Microsoft Office applications.
- Observed behavior
- OneDrive reports a disconnected status, local files fail to appear online, and Office applications display certificate-related errors when attempting to open files from the synced folder.
Ensure you have a stable internet connection and verify via your web browser that your important files are safely backed up to OneDrive online before performing an application reset.
Enable Office Applications to Sync Files
Modifying OneDrive settings to allow Office applications to manage file synchronization can resolve certificate errors and file sync conflicts.
Microsoft Office has its own upload center that can sometimes conflict with the OneDrive synchronization engine. By linking the two through OneDrive settings, you can eliminate the certificate errors.
Click the OneDrive cloud icon located in your computer's system tray, select 'Help & Settings', and then click on 'Settings'.
In the settings window, click on the 'Office' tab at the top to access Office-specific sync preferences.
Check the box next to 'Use Office applications to sync Office files that I open' and save your changes. Restart your Office applications to see if the issue is resolved.
Reset the OneDrive Application
If adjusting settings does not restore synchronization, resetting the OneDrive application will clear its cache and restart the sync engine.
Switch to WPS Office for Seamless File Editing
If Microsoft Office continues to display certificate errors with your OneDrive files, consider switching to WPS Office. It is a free, lightweight alternative that lets you edit local and cloud files without complex sync errors.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free WPS Office installer.
- 2. Install the Software: Run the installation file and follow the straightforward on-screen instructions to set up WPS Office on your computer.
- 3. Open Your Files: Launch WPS Office and navigate directly to your local OneDrive folder to open and edit your documents without encountering certificate errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Microsoft Office show a certificate error when opening OneDrive files?
This error typically occurs due to a synchronization conflict between the Microsoft Office Upload Center and the OneDrive desktop application. Allowing Office to manage file syncing through OneDrive settings usually resolves the certificate mismatch.
Will running the OneDrive reset command delete my personal files?
No, resetting OneDrive using the /reset command only clears the application's configuration settings and sync state. Your files remain completely safe on your local drive and in your online cloud storage.
What should I do if the reset command cannot find the OneDrive executable path?
Depending on your system's installation (32-bit or 64-bit), the file path may vary. If the localappdata path fails, use the alternative path: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset.
Can I use WPS Office to edit files stored in my local OneDrive folder?
Yes, you can easily open, edit, and save files directly within your local OneDrive folder using WPS Office. OneDrive will automatically detect the saved changes and sync them to the cloud.
