OneDrive File Issues

How to Fix OneDrive PDF Disconnects and Highlighter Problems

Amos Gikunda Oct 8, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user needs to resolve an issue where OneDrive disconnects during offline PDF annotation, resulting in lost work, and fix a bug where the PDF highlighter malfunctions after using the redo function.

How to Fix OneDrive PDF Disconnects and Highlighter Problems

Product: OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Annotating PDF files offline and using the redo action on highlighted text.
Observed behavior: OneDrive unexpectedly disconnects and fails to sync recent annotations. Additionally, the PDF highlighter tool stops functioning correctly after the redo button is pressed.

Before you start

Before attempting any troubleshooting steps, manually save a copy of your annotated PDF files to a local folder on your computer to prevent permanent data loss during the synchronization reset process.

Solution 1Recommended

Reset the OneDrive Sync App

Resetting Microsoft OneDrive clears the sync cache and can resolve persistent disconnection issues and synchronization failures with offline files.

A corrupted sync cache can cause OneDrive to disconnect unexpectedly when handling modified PDF files. Resetting the application restores default sync behaviors without deleting your files.

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 dialog box and press Enter or click OK.

Restart OneDrive manually

Wait a few minutes for the OneDrive icon to disappear and reappear in the system tray. If it does not reappear, open the Start menu, search for OneDrive, and launch it manually.

Safe Reset: Resetting OneDrive will not lose any of your synced data; it only forces the application to re-check all files for synchronization.

Solution 2

Update the Application and Check Account Status

Updating the application patches known bugs with PDF annotation tools, while verifying your account ensures no hidden restrictions are blocking the sync.

Reliable PDF Editing

Annotate and Sync PDFs Seamlessly with WPS Office

Avoid cloud sync disconnects and broken annotation tools by using the robust PDF editor built into WPS Office. It offers a highly stable environment for offline editing with seamless, optional cloud backup.

1. Download and Install: Download WPS Office for free from the official website and complete the installation process.
2. Open Your PDF Document: Launch WPS Office, click on 'Open', and select the PDF file you wish to annotate.
3. Use Annotation Tools: Navigate to the 'Comment' tab to access reliable highlighter, text box, and drawing tools without worrying about redo glitches.
4. Save and Sync Safely: Save your document locally or enable WPS Cloud auto-sync to ensure your annotations are securely backed up without disconnection interruptions.

Stable PDF highlighter, markup, and annotation tools that work reliably offline.Seamless integration with WPS Cloud to prevent file loss and sync errors.Fully compatible with standard PDF formats and Microsoft Office files.Lightweight application that runs smoothly on all major operating systems.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does OneDrive disconnect while I am working on an offline PDF?

Disconnects often occur due to corrupted local cache files, conflicting background synchronization processes, or temporary network drops that confuse the sync client when it tries to upload your offline changes.

How can I recover PDF annotations lost due to a OneDrive sync failure?

You can try checking the local temporary folder of your PDF reader or viewing the Version History of the file on the OneDrive website. However, if the file never synced to the cloud, the data may be unrecoverable, highlighting the importance of manual local backups.

What causes the PDF highlighter to stop working after using the redo function?

This specific behavior is usually caused by a software bug or memory handling error within the PDF reader application itself, rather than a cloud storage issue. Updating the PDF application to the latest version is the best way to resolve this bug.

Can I use an alternative PDF editor to avoid these OneDrive sync issues?

Yes. You can use an alternative like WPS Office to edit your PDFs locally. Editing the file with a stable, dedicated PDF editor and saving it directly to your local drive before allowing OneDrive to sync it can prevent in-app crashes and data loss.

Document & File Issues