OneDrive File Issues

How to Stop PowerPoint from Creating TMP Files in OneDrive

Emma Brown Oct 19, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to stop Microsoft PowerPoint from generating and accumulating temporary (.tmp) files in folders synchronized with OneDrive or SharePoint.

How to Stop PowerPoint from Creating TMP Files in a OneDrive Sync Folder

Product: Microsoft PowerPoint
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Editing PowerPoint presentations stored in a OneDrive or SharePoint synchronized folder.
Observed behavior: PowerPoint constantly creates .tmp files in the sync folder that do not automatically delete upon closing the file, cluttering the directory and potentially causing synchronization conflicts.

Before you start

Before you begin, ensure all your PowerPoint presentations are saved and fully closed. Also, verify that your computer has an active internet connection so OneDrive can properly re-sync your files once reset.

Solution 1Recommended

Reset the OneDrive Synchronization Client

Resetting the OneDrive app refreshes its synchronization configuration and often resolves temporary file accumulation issues.

Temporary file issues are frequently caused by caching glitches within the OneDrive desktop client. Forcing a reset clears the application's configuration cache without affecting your actual files, allowing PowerPoint and OneDrive to interact properly again.

Open the Run Dialog

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

Execute the Reset Command

Copy and paste '%localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset' into the box and press Enter. If you receive a 'Windows cannot find' error, try pasting 'C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset' instead.

Restart OneDrive

Open the Windows Start menu, type 'OneDrive' in the search bar, and click the OneDrive desktop app to manually restart the synchronization client.

Reset the OneDrive Synchronization Client

Files Remain Safe: Resetting OneDrive will not delete any of your personal files or cloud data. It only refreshes the background sync processes.

Solution 2

Unlink Your PC and Reinstall OneDrive

If resetting the client does not work, unlinking your account and reinstalling the app can fix deeper configuration issues.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Seamless Presentation Editing

If Microsoft PowerPoint continues to clutter your synced folders with temporary files, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative for viewing and editing your presentations securely, without the constant synchronization glitches.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installer for your operating system.
2. Install and Launch: Run the downloaded file to install the suite, then open WPS Presentation.
3. Open Your Presentation: Open your existing .pptx files directly from your OneDrive folder to continue editing smoothly.

Highly compatible with Microsoft PowerPoint (.ppt and .pptx) formatsLightweight architecture that minimizes local system and sync errorsFree to download and use with a clean, familiar interfaceSeamless integration with major cloud storage providers

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does PowerPoint create .tmp files in my OneDrive folder?

PowerPoint creates temporary (.tmp) files as a backup and auto-save mechanism while you edit a presentation. Normally, these files are hidden and deleted automatically when you close the file, but sync conflicts with OneDrive can prevent their automatic deletion.

Can I manually delete the .tmp files left behind in my sync folder?

Yes, you can safely delete these temporary files manually, provided that the original PowerPoint presentation is fully saved and completely closed. If the file is shared, ensure no other users are currently editing it before deleting the temporary files.

Will resetting OneDrive delete my personal files?

No, executing the OneDrive reset command only restarts the application settings and clears the synchronization state. Your personal files, documents, and folders stored in both the cloud and your local directory will remain intact.

Does this issue happen with Microsoft Word and Excel too?

While temporary files are a standard function across all Microsoft Office applications, the issue of .tmp files stubbornly accumulating in OneDrive or SharePoint folders is most frequently reported with PowerPoint due to how it handles file saves.

Document & File Issues