SharePoint Document Issues

How to Fix SharePoint Files Not Updating Through OneDrive Sync

John Wilson Oct 14, 2026 868 views

Question details

Users need to resolve an issue where changes made to shared SharePoint files do not synchronize across other users' local File Explorer folders.

How to Fix SharePoint Files Not Updating Through OneDrive Sync

Product: Microsoft SharePoint and OneDrive
Device & OS: Windows 11
Scenario: Collaborating on shared team documents where updates must instantly reflect across multiple users' synchronized local folders.
Observed behavior: Modifications to SharePoint files fail to update locally via OneDrive sync, particularly affecting Excel files after recent OS or OneDrive client updates.

Before you start

Ensure you have a stable internet connection and verify that your Windows operating system and OneDrive application are updated to their latest versions.

Solution 1Recommended

Verify Online Updates and Enable AutoSave

Confirm that the changes are actually being saved to the cloud before troubleshooting the local OneDrive sync client.

Sometimes the issue is not with the synchronization process itself, but rather that the desktop application is failing to push the initial save to the cloud due to disabled AutoSave features.

Check the web version

Open the affected file in SharePoint or Office for the web (e.g., Excel for the web) and confirm whether the latest changes are present online.

Verify desktop AutoSave

Open the same file in the desktop application and ensure the AutoSave toggle in the top-left corner is turned on.

Run a test edit

Make a minor test change in the desktop application and check the web version shortly afterward to see if the edit appears.

Verify Online Updates and Enable AutoSave

AutoSave Dependency: AutoSave must be enabled for real-time collaboration and instant synchronization to function correctly across shared SharePoint documents.

Solution 2

Stop and Restart SharePoint Library Sync

Resetting the specific folder connection can resolve isolated synchronization glitches without affecting your entire OneDrive setup.

Solution 3

Unlink and Reinstall OneDrive

Use this comprehensive fix if all SharePoint libraries fail to update, especially after a major Windows OS update.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Excel AutoSave disabled for my SharePoint files?

AutoSave may be disabled if the file is in an older format (like .xls instead of .xlsx), if it contains features not supported by Excel for the web, or if the local OneDrive sync client is paused or experiencing authentication errors.

Can a recent Windows update break my OneDrive synchronization?

Yes, major operating system updates (such as Windows 11 22H2) can sometimes alter registry keys, firewall settings, or background services, which may temporarily disrupt the OneDrive sync engine. Installing subsequent patch updates usually resolves this.

How can I tell if my SharePoint sync is pending or stuck?

Check the status icons next to your files in File Explorer. A blue cloud means it's available online, a green checkmark means it's downloaded, and a circular arrow means a sync is in progress. If the circular arrow remains indefinitely, the sync is likely stuck.

Does stopping sync delete my SharePoint files?

No. Clicking 'Stop sync' in OneDrive settings only disconnects the local folder from the cloud. The files remain safe online in SharePoint, and locally downloaded copies are kept on your computer until you manually delete them.

Document & File Issues