OneDrive Error Codes

How to Fix OneDrive for Business Error 0x8004dec5 After BIOS Update

Maira Mehtab Sep 20, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to resolve an issue where OneDrive for Business displays error code 0x8004dec5 following a recent system BIOS update, while OneDrive Personal remains functional.

Product: OneDrive for Business
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Attempting to sync or sign into OneDrive for Business after completing a hardware BIOS update.
Observed behavior: OneDrive for Business fails to connect and throws error 0x8004dec5, and the user is unable to import troubleshooting registry files.

Before you start

Ensure you are logged into an administrator account on Windows, as resetting the OneDrive application and creating new test profiles require elevated system privileges.

Solution 1Recommended

Reset OneDrive and Relink Your Account

Resetting the OneDrive client clears its local cache and authentication tokens, which can fix sign-in errors caused by hardware identifier changes during a BIOS update.

A BIOS update can sometimes change the hardware identifiers that OneDrive relies on for secure sign-in, invalidating your session. A complete reset forces the app to rebuild these secure connections without deleting your actual files.

Open the Run Command

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

Execute the Reset Command

Type `%localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset` and press Enter. The OneDrive icon in your system tray will disappear and reappear after a minute or two.

Unlink the PC

Once OneDrive restarts, click the OneDrive cloud icon in your taskbar, select the gear icon for 'Help & Settings', and click 'Settings'. Navigate to the 'Account' tab and click 'Unlink this PC'.

Relink Your Account

Follow the on-screen prompts to sign back into your OneDrive for Business account and set up your sync folders again.

Reset Command Not Found: If you see a 'Windows cannot find' error message, try running `C:\Program Files\Microsoft OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset` instead.

Solution 2

Create a New Windows Test Profile

If the reset fails and you still cannot import registry files, creating a new Windows profile helps identify if your current user profile is corrupted.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why did a BIOS update trigger a OneDrive error?

A BIOS update can modify specific hardware identifiers on your motherboard. OneDrive uses these identifiers to validate security tokens. When they change, your cached credentials become invalid, resulting in sign-in errors like 0x8004dec5.

Will unlinking my PC delete my OneDrive for Business files?

No, unlinking your PC simply disconnects your account from the local machine. Your files remain completely safe in your cloud storage, and any files already downloaded will remain in your local OneDrive folder.

Why can't I import registry files to fix the OneDrive error?

This usually occurs if your current Windows user profile lacks the necessary administrative permissions, if the profile itself is corrupted, or if your organization's IT policies have locked the registry to prevent unauthorized modifications.

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