OneDrive File Issues

How to Fix OneDrive Sync Errors and Red X Icons After Windows Update

Emma Brown Sep 27, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users are experiencing synchronization issues with OneDrive, marked by red X icons and inaccessible files, immediately following a recent Windows update.

How to Fix OneDrive Sync Errors and Red X Icons After a Windows Update

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Syncing and accessing local files via OneDrive after applying a Windows system update.
Observed behavior: The OneDrive client stops syncing properly, displays persistent red X icons on files or folders, and leaves desktop settings or saved files temporarily unavailable.

Before you start

Before attempting any fixes, log in to OneDrive.com through your web browser to verify that your files are safely stored online and haven't been lost.

Solution 1Recommended

Reset the OneDrive Client and Reconnect Your Account

Resetting the OneDrive client clears the synchronization cache and can resolve the red X icon errors caused by system update conflicts.

This process will not delete any of your files, but it will force OneDrive to re-sync all previously selected folders, which may take some time depending on the size of your storage.

Open the Run Dialog

Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard simultaneously to open the Run dialog box.

Execute the Reset Command

Type %localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset into the text box and click OK. The OneDrive cloud icon in your system tray will disappear and should reappear after a minute or two.

Manually Restart if Necessary

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

Sign In and Re-sync

Sign back in with your Microsoft account credentials and allow the application to scan and re-sync your files, which should clear the red X icons.

Reset the OneDrive Client and Reconnect Your Account

Alternative Command Path: If Windows cannot find the executable in the localappdata path, try running C:\Program Files\Microsoft OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset or C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset instead.

Solution 2

Test with a New Local Administrator Profile

If resetting OneDrive doesn't work, the Windows update might have corrupted your current user profile. Creating a new profile helps isolate the issue.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does the red X icon on my OneDrive files mean?

The red X icon indicates that a file or folder cannot synchronize properly with the OneDrive cloud servers. This is often caused by interrupted network connections, storage limit restrictions, or a corrupted local sync cache following a system update.

Will I lose my files if I run the OneDrive reset command?

No, resetting the OneDrive client only clears the application settings and the synchronization cache. Your actual files remain perfectly safe both locally on your hard drive and remotely on OneDrive.com.

How can I confirm my Windows update caused the OneDrive syncing error?

You can verify this by checking your Windows Update history in Settings > Update & Security. If an update was installed immediately prior to the red X icons appearing, there is likely a system conflict. Resetting the OneDrive client usually resolves these post-update conflicts.

Document & File Issues