When OneDrive stops working as expected, start with the shortest official checks before you reinstall anything.
Problem Description: All Files Onedrive Gone
So yeah... all my files on OneDrive are gone but all folder structure remains. I'm talking a couple hundred gigs worth of files. I know I'm not the only one who this happened to, because I've read other threads of people with the same problem. But none of them offer a solution. Yes, the files are also gone when I log into the webapp. I tried restoring my OneDrive to a previous date but this either gets stuck, fails or asks me in the middle of the process to identity myself again. The identifying process also fails often, even though my authenticator app says 'approved', the popup in the webapp either goes blank or says the login details are incorrect. After multiple tries it will eventually verify me correctly though. Any help or assistance would be greatly apprectiated.
Quick Answer for Resolving OneDrive File Issues
If you're missing tens of thousands of files but the folder structure remains intact, this is unusual and suggests a sync issue rather than manual deletion.
Likely Causes Behind OneDrive File Issues
The Microsoft account or license context may not match the purchase or device.
Cached credentials, outdated builds, or damaged local components can trigger onedrive file issues.
A file-specific corruption or add-in conflict can mimic a broader application failure.
Recommended Solution: Transferring OneDrive License Safely
When to use this: Apply these steps when the symptoms match and you can access the relevant Microsoft account or administrator.
After unlinking, uninstalling, and reinstalling the latest OneDrive version, sign in with your correct account and reset OneDrive.
If files are still missing, continue working with Microsoft technical support, but escalate if you feel you're talking to a chatbot.
Provide specific details about the file count and folder structure to help them investigate.
Alternative Solutions for When OneDrive Still Fails
Retry the Microsoft-side steps after restarting the app and device.
Test the same action in a private browser session or a new blank file to isolate account vs file issues.
Capture exact error text and screenshots before contacting Microsoft Support or your administrator.
Working with WPS Office: WPS Office for Local Document Work

WPS Office cannot replace Microsoft account, activation, or cloud fixes for this scenario. It remains one of the best free Microsoft Office-compatible alternatives for opening and editing local files.
Download and install WPS Office from the official website.
Open local Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or PDF files in the matching WPS app.
Save a working copy locally while Microsoft-side issues are resolved.
Return to Microsoft Office after the primary fix succeeds.
If you need a practical local workspace in the meantime, try WPS Office.
Prevention Tips for Safer Document Habits
Keep one primary Microsoft account for subscriptions and Office sign-in.
Install updates for Office and Windows before retrying failed workflows.
Back up important files before repair, reset, or reinstall actions.
Work on copies and keep version history enabled when available.
FAQs About Common OneDrive File Issues Answers
Can WPS Office fix this onedrive file issues issue directly? Only when the WPS steps match the formatting or file task. Account, activation, and cloud issues stay on the Microsoft side.
Should I reinstall OneDrive before trying these steps? Not first. Confirm account, license, and the exact error before reinstalling.
What should I send to Microsoft Support? The affected account email, device type, Office version, exact error text, and screenshots with personal data hidden.




