OneDrive File Issues

How to Fix Thousands of Empty BIN Files in the OneDrive Temp Folder

Chanuka Geekiyanage Sep 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users are encountering thousands of empty .bin files being generated and left behind in the OneDrive Temp folder during the synchronization process.

How to Fix Thousands of Empty BIN Files in the OneDrive Temp Folder

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Caching and synchronizing files to the cloud using the Microsoft OneDrive desktop client.
Observed behavior: OneDrive continuously creates numerous empty .bin files in the Temp folder. Additionally, an extensionless file appears during sync, disappears when sync is paused, and returns when sync resumes.

Before you start

Before manually deleting any temporary files, pause your OneDrive synchronization to prevent the application from actively locking the files or instantly recreating them while you work.

Solution 1Recommended

Safely Delete Empty .BIN Files and Reset OneDrive

Manually remove the unused temporary files and execute a reset command for the OneDrive client to resolve underlying synchronization cache issues.

These empty .bin files are leftover temporary data from caching or synchronization tasks. Deleting them clears up directory clutter, while resetting the OneDrive app ensures the background service stops generating them erroneously.

Pause OneDrive Sync

Click the OneDrive cloud icon in your system tray (taskbar), click on the Gear icon (Help & Settings), and select 'Pause syncing' from the menu.

Delete Empty .BIN Files

Navigate to the OneDrive Temp folder on your computer. Select all the empty .bin files and delete them. Do not delete the file without an extension, as it is actively required by OneDrive.

Reset the OneDrive Client

Press the Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type '%localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset' and press Enter to reset the application.

Restart OneDrive

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

Safely Delete Empty .BIN Files and Reset OneDrive

Important Exception: Always leave the extensionless file inside the Temp folder intact. OneDrive uses this specific file to manage sync states and will automatically recreate it when synchronization resumes.

Solution 2

Check for Software Interference

Determine if third-party security software or background applications are forcing OneDrive to repeatedly recreate temporary files.

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Switch to WPS Office for Seamless File Management

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does OneDrive create .bin files in the Temp folder?

OneDrive generates these temporary .bin files as part of its normal file caching and synchronization process. Typically, they are automatically removed once a sync operation finishes, but system glitches or software conflicts can cause them to accumulate.

Is it safe to delete the contents of the OneDrive Temp folder?

It is generally safe to delete the empty .bin files if they are not currently in use by an active sync. However, you should never delete the extensionless file found in the Temp folder, as OneDrive actively requires it to resume and manage synchronization.

What should I do if resetting OneDrive doesn't fix the .bin file issue?

If a manual reset does not stop the files from appearing, third-party software (such as overly aggressive antivirus scanners) might be interfering. Try performing a clean boot in Windows to identify the conflicting software, or contact Microsoft Support.

Document & File Issues