Sign-in & Login Problems

Fix OneDrive Stuck at Signing In After Relinking a PC

Rana Garcia Sep 29, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is unable to complete the sign-in process for OneDrive after unlinking and attempting to relink their computer, resulting in missing cloud folders.

Fix OneDrive Stuck at Signing In After Relinking a PC

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: Windows PC
Scenario: Attempting to relink a PC to a Microsoft account to restore OneDrive folder synchronization.
Observed behavior: The OneDrive sign-in process freezes or remains stuck indefinitely, and local OneDrive folders do not display.

Before you start

Confirm that you are using the correct Microsoft account credentials and check that you have a stable internet connection before attempting to reset the application.

Solution 1Recommended

Reset OneDrive via the Windows Run Command

Resetting the OneDrive application clears its cache and restores default settings, which often resolves freezing issues during the sign-in process.

This method forces OneDrive to refresh its connection status without deleting any of your cloud files.

Quit the OneDrive application

Right-click the OneDrive cloud icon in the notification area (system tray) at the bottom right of your screen and select 'Close OneDrive'. Alternatively, open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), find Microsoft OneDrive, and click 'End task'.

Execute the reset command

Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box. Type '%localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\OneDrive.exe /reset' and press Enter.

Restart and sign in

Wait for about one minute. If OneDrive does not launch automatically, open your Start menu, search for 'OneDrive', and click to open it. Enter your Microsoft account credentials to sign in and relink your PC.

Reset OneDrive via the Windows Run Command

File Safety: Running the reset command will only reset the application settings; it will not delete any files already synced to your cloud storage.

Solution 2

Reinstall the OneDrive Application

If resetting OneDrive does not fix the sign-in loop, reinstalling the app ensures that any corrupted system files are completely replaced.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Experience Hassle-Free File Syncing with WPS Office

If you are tired of dealing with Microsoft Office and OneDrive sync issues, try WPS Office. It is a free, lightweight, and powerful alternative that offers seamless integration with its own reliable cloud storage, ensuring your important documents are always accessible.

1. Download the software: Get the free WPS Office suite from the official website and install it on your PC.
2. Sign in for cloud access: Create a free account and sign in to activate your built-in WPS Cloud storage.
3. Edit and sync seamlessly: Open your existing Microsoft formats or create new ones, and save them directly to WPS Cloud without dealing with external sync clients.

Built-in WPS Cloud storage for reliable and automatic document syncingFully compatible with Microsoft Office formats, including DOCX, XLSX, and PPTXLightweight application that requires minimal system resourcesFamiliar interface design for a smooth and immediate transition

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Will resetting OneDrive delete my local files?

No, resetting the OneDrive application only clears its cache and restores settings to resolve glitches. Your cloud files are completely safe, though it is always good practice to back up unsynced local files before troubleshooting.

Why did my OneDrive folders disappear after unlinking?

When you unlink a PC, OneDrive stops syncing and removes the local shortcut to the cloud directories to protect your data. Relinking the PC will restore access to these folders once the sign-in process is successfully completed.

How do I know if the OneDrive reset command worked?

After entering the reset command, the OneDrive cloud icon in your system tray will disappear and should reappear after a minute or two. If it does not reappear, you can manually launch it from the Windows Start menu.

Login & Account Issues