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OneDrive Error Codes

How to Fix a OneDrive Cloud Icon With a Line Through It

Maira MehtabMaira Mehtab Sep 27, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to identify the cause and resolve the issue when the OneDrive application displays a cloud icon with a line drawn through it.

Product
Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS
not provided
Scenario
Attempting to sync local files to the cloud storage or signing into the OneDrive client application.
Observed behavior
A strikethrough line appears over the OneDrive cloud icon in the system tray, indicating that the application is unable to connect, sync, or authenticate the user's account properly.
Before you start

Verify that your internet connection is active and stable, and check if you are able to sign in to OneDrive through your web browser without encountering any account locks.

Solution 1Recommended

Review Sync Settings and In-App Errors

Check the OneDrive client interface for specific error messages and verify your account type to pinpoint the synchronization blocker.

The OneDrive application usually provides a specific reason when it stops syncing. The line through the icon often points to an account-level issue, such as a full storage quota, a changed password, or a conflict between personal and organizational accounts.

1
Open OneDrive menu

Click the OneDrive cloud icon located in your Windows taskbar notification area or macOS menu bar to open the flyout menu.

2
Identify the error message

Look at the top of the OneDrive panel for any warning banners or red text that explains why synchronization has stopped.

3
Access account settings

Click the gear icon (Help & Settings) and select 'Settings'. Navigate to the 'Account' tab to verify whether you are signed in with a personal or organizational account, and ensure your storage limit hasn't been exceeded.

Consult the OneDrive Icon Guide: Microsoft provides an official OneDrive icon glossary. If the error message is vague, comparing your exact icon to the guide can help identify specific account or file-level warnings.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a red circle with a white cross mean on a OneDrive icon?

A red circle with a white cross indicates that a specific file or folder cannot be synced. This usually happens when a file is open in another program, contains invalid characters in its name, or exceeds the maximum file size limit.

Can I still access my files if the OneDrive icon has a line through it?

Yes, any files that were already synced and downloaded to your local drive remain accessible. However, any new changes you make will not be uploaded to the cloud, and new files from the cloud will not download until the connection is restored.

How do I reset the OneDrive desktop app entirely?

Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog. Type '%localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset' and press Enter. The OneDrive icon will disappear and reappear after a minute or two, effectively resetting the sync engine.

Why does my OneDrive client keep pausing its sync automatically?

OneDrive may automatically pause syncing if your device enters 'Battery saver' mode, connects to a metered network (like a mobile hotspot), or experiences high disk usage. You can disable these automatic pauses in the OneDrive Settings under the 'Sync and backup' tab.