OneDrive Error Codes

How to Fix OneDrive.exe Bad Image Error 0xc0000020 in Windows 11

Maira Mehtab Sep 25, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is encountering a OneDrive.exe Bad Image error (status code 0xc0000020), often referencing FileSyncSqlite3.dll, preventing the application from running properly.

How to Fix OneDrive.exe Bad Image Error 0xc0000020 in Windows 11

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: Windows 11
Scenario: Launching or syncing OneDrive after recently reinstalling or updating Windows 11.
Observed behavior: OneDrive fails to open or sync, displaying a system error dialog stating 'Bad Image' with error code 0xc0000020 and pointing to a broken DLL file.

Before you start

Ensure you are logged in to Windows 11 with an administrator account, as troubleshooting system files and repairing user profiles requires elevated permissions.

Solution 1Recommended

Reset and Reinstall OneDrive from the Official Source

Resetting clears corrupted app configurations, and reinstalling ensures all missing or damaged system files are restored.

The Bad Image error usually means a required DLL file (like FileSyncSqlite3.dll) is corrupted or missing. Resetting the app forces Windows to rebuild the sync environment.

Open the Run Command

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

Execute the Reset Command

Type '%localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset' (without quotes) and press Enter. The OneDrive icon in your taskbar will disappear and should reappear after a minute or two.

Restart OneDrive Manually

If the icon does not reappear automatically, open the Run dialog again, type '%localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe', and press Enter to start the app.

Reinstall if Necessary

If the Bad Image error persists after a reset, visit the official Microsoft OneDrive download page, download the latest installer, and run it to overwrite the damaged files.

Reset and Reinstall OneDrive from the Official Source

Data Safety: Resetting OneDrive will not delete any of your cloud or local files. However, the app will perform a full resync of your data once it starts up again.

Solution 2

Create a New Local Administrator Account

If reinstalling fails, the current Windows user profile might be corrupted. Creating a new admin account isolates and circumvents the profile-specific issue.

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1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation file for Windows.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What causes the Bad Image Error 0xc0000020 in Windows 11?

This error usually occurs due to a corrupted DLL file (such as FileSyncSqlite3.dll), an incomplete software installation, or a damaged Windows user profile after an OS update or reinstall.

Will I lose my personal files if I reset the OneDrive app?

No, resetting the OneDrive application only clears its local configuration and sync settings. Your files stored on your hard drive and in the cloud remain safe, though the app will need to resync your folders upon restarting.

Why do I need to download OneDrive again if it comes pre-installed with Windows 11?

Sometimes the pre-installed version of OneDrive or its associated system files can become severely corrupted during an OS update. Downloading a fresh installer directly from Microsoft ensures you overwrite the damaged components with healthy, up-to-date files.

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