Sign-in & Login Problems

Fix OneDrive Stuck on Signing In and Missing Files Online

Huma Ashraf Ch Sep 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is unable to sign into OneDrive; the application is stuck on the 'Signing in' screen, and online files appear to be missing even after reinstalling.

How to Fix OneDrive Stuck on Signing In and Missing Files Online

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to log into the OneDrive desktop client and access synchronized cloud files.
Observed behavior: The OneDrive app remains indefinitely stuck on 'Signing in', and logging into the web version reveals an empty account with no files.

Before you start

Verify your internet connection stability and do not delete, move, or modify any local OneDrive files until you can confirm their sync status online to prevent permanent data loss.

Solution 1Recommended

Verify Account and Check OneDrive Web

Ensure you are using the correct Microsoft account credentials and isolate local app issues by checking the web version in a private browser.

This step helps determine if the issue is a local application error or an account-level problem on Microsoft's servers.

Open a Private Browser Window

Launch your preferred web browser and open a private or incognito window to prevent cached credentials from interfering.

Log in to OneDrive Web

Navigate to the official OneDrive website and sign in using your personal Microsoft account credentials.

Check Microsoft Service Status

Visit the Microsoft Service Health portal to see if there are any ongoing server outages affecting OneDrive services in your region.

Preserve Local Files: If your web account appears empty, do not uninstall or delete your local OneDrive folder, as those files might be your only remaining copies.

Solution 2

Create a New Local Administrator Account

Determine if the issue is caused by a corrupted Windows user profile by testing OneDrive on a fresh local account.

Solution 3

Contact Microsoft Support for Account Investigation

If web login fails or files are genuinely missing online, the account itself may be corrupted and requires vendor intervention.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does OneDrive say it is signing in but never completes the process?

This issue is typically caused by temporary Microsoft server outages, a corrupted local OneDrive cache, or underlying authentication token problems within your device's user profile.

Will resetting the OneDrive app delete my local files?

No, resetting the OneDrive app does not delete your local files. It only resets the application's settings and forces a full sync once you are able to sign back in successfully.

What should I do if my OneDrive files are missing online?

First, check the Recycle Bin on the OneDrive website. If the files are not there, verify you are logged into the correct Microsoft account. If the issue persists, the account may be corrupted, and you should contact Microsoft Support.

Login & Account Issues