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How to Fix OneDrive Sync Icons Missing on Box Files in Windows 11

Kushani Nimanthika Oct 8, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to display synchronization status icons on Box files while keeping both OneDrive and Box syncing independently.

How to Fix OneDrive Sync Icons Missing on Box Files in Windows 11

Product: OneDrive and Box
Device & OS: Windows 11
Scenario: Running multiple cloud storage desktop clients simultaneously and trying to monitor file synchronization statuses.
Observed behavior: Sync status icons appear correctly on OneDrive folders but disappear from Box files unless OneDrive is uninstalled, indicating an icon overlay conflict.

Before you start

Ensure both your Box client and OneDrive application are fully updated. Be aware that Windows has a strict system-level limit on how many overlay icons can be displayed simultaneously.

Solution 1Recommended

Manage Windows Registry Overlay Icon Priorities

Adjust the registry to prioritize Box sync icons over OneDrive, resolving the Windows limit of 15 maximum overlay icons.

Windows has a hard limit of 15 overlay icons that can be loaded in File Explorer. Because OneDrive automatically reasserts its registry priority, it often claims these top slots, preventing Box icons from appearing when both are installed.

Open Registry Editor

Press the Win + R keys on your keyboard, type 'regedit' into the Run dialog box, and press Enter.

Navigate to the Overlay Identifiers Key

In the left pane, navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > SOFTWARE > Microsoft > Windows > CurrentVersion > Explorer > ShellIconOverlayIdentifiers.

Rename Box Entries

Locate the Box folders in the list. Right-click them, select 'Rename', and add two or three spaces at the beginning of the name to move them to the top of the alphabetical list.

Restart Windows Explorer

Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), find 'Windows Explorer' in the Processes tab, right-click it, and select 'Restart' to apply the new icon priorities.

Manage Windows Registry Overlay Icon Priorities

Registry Backup Recommended: Modifying the registry can affect system stability. It is highly recommended to export a backup of your registry before making these changes.

Solution 2

Temporarily Pause OneDrive Sync

Temporarily disabling OneDrive can help you check Box sync statuses without needing to uninstall the application.

Solution 3

Seek Support from Microsoft or Box

If registry adjustments do not persist, you may need official technical support for a deeper system investigation.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office for Seamless File Management

Struggling with conflicting cloud storage overlays in Windows 11? WPS Office provides a streamlined, lightweight alternative with integrated cloud features, eliminating the need to juggle multiple conflicting sync clients.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free WPS Office suite for Windows.
2. Enable Built-in Sync: Sign in to activate your free WPS Cloud storage and save documents directly to the cloud without desktop overlay conflicts.
3. Manage Files Seamlessly: Access, edit, and sync your Microsoft Office compatible files seamlessly across all your devices.

Built-in WPS Cloud integration prevents Windows overlay icon conflicts entirely.Fully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formats.Lightweight application that uses minimal system resources.Free and intuitive interface for seamless document creation and syncing.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do my Box sync icons disappear when OneDrive is installed?

Windows has a hard limit of 15 overlay icons. Applications like OneDrive often force their icons to the top of the registry, filling up the available slots and preventing Box's sync icons from being displayed.

Can I merge OneDrive and Box folders to share the same sync icon?

No, OneDrive and Box are distinct cloud services that manage their own file locations, servers, and synchronization protocols. They cannot share or redirect sync icon overlays to each other.

Will uninstalling OneDrive restore my Box icons?

Yes. Uninstalling OneDrive completely removes its overlay icon identifiers from the Windows registry. This frees up the limited slots, allowing your Box sync icons to load and display correctly.

Does Windows 11 handle sync icons differently than Windows 10?

The underlying 15-icon registry limit remains the same across both operating systems. However, changes in how Windows 11 File Explorer refreshes and prioritizes these overlays can make conflicts between OneDrive and Box more persistent.

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