Why OneDrive Keeps Losing Sync and How to Fix It

This guide walks you through onedrive file issues using Microsoft-supported steps first, with WPS only where it genuinely helps.

Problem Description: After Installing Office365 Sync

We have a multitude of users that are having issues syncing to their respective team accounts with OneDrive. Issues reported: - Auto Save Not Working - Need to Refresh Web to See File Adds/Changes - Multiple Users Editing are not seeing live changes from other users. - Syncing from local machines to cloud not working. - Opening Excel files is taking extreme amounts of time. Actions taken so far: - Signed user out/in to OneDrive App - Ran Reset procedure - Un-linked / re-linked account - Un-installed / Re-installed OneDrive - Rebooted Machine Issues still remain. During the preliminary troubleshooting I found that OneDrive was simply not running on the users' computers. Had them re-start and it would show some files syncing in the status when hovering over the icon in the taskbar. However, when you opened the app it would just show "Signing out" and the application would close after a few moments for no rhyme or reason. I noticed issues when attempting to reset OneDrive in the beginning with users as we would get "Sorry, we were unable to shutdown OneDrive. Please shutdown OneDrive manually and retry your operation." Unfortunately, OneDrive would never shutdown if we tried and rebooting the computer was the only option that would let us move forward.  After rebooting and re-installing a user showed "Processing 83,028 changes"! So, we gave it a while before continuing any troubleshooting. After this the user reported edits being saved on the cloud system, but not on his local system (back to syncing issues). Upon checking, status was stuck on downloading 1 file and never changed.  After rebooting - again - (reset procedure would not work - again - getting the same "unable to shutdown" error as before) we got additional processing messages. It got stuck here and never progressed.  A day later, and the user reports that OneDrive is again presenting "Processing 45,183 changes" and we have made it no further in a fix. I really need a Microsoft support representative that can look at the account with me, but for some reason there is no link to create a support ticket. So, here I am seeking help here! I appreciate anything that anyone can do to assist. Thank you.

Quick Answer for OneDrive File Issues Quick Fix

Given that the issue affects several users and persists despite initial troubleshooting, engage Microsoft Support for a deeper investigation.

Likely Causes Behind OneDrive Failure Patterns

• 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: Repairing OneDrive Startup Issues

When to use this: Apply these steps when the symptoms match and you can access the relevant Microsoft account or administrator.

1. If you are an IT administrator, create a support ticket through the Microsoft 365 admin center under Support > Help & Support.

2. Alternatively, find the appropriate customer service phone number for your region from Microsoft's official list.

Alternative Solutions for Fallback Options for OneDrive File Issues

1. Retry the Microsoft-side steps after restarting the app and device.

2. Test the same action in a private browser session or a new blank file to isolate account vs file issues.

3. Capture exact error text and screenshots before contacting Microsoft Support or your administrator.

Working with WPS Office: Editing Files in WPS During OneDrive File Issues

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.

1. Download and install WPS Office from the official website.

2. Open local Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or PDF files in the matching WPS app.

3. Save a working copy locally while Microsoft-side issues are resolved.

4. 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 Smooth OneDrive Device Transfers

• 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 OneDrive File Issues Help Topics

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.