How to Fix OneDrive Not Working?Updated a month ago

Microsoft OneDrive is a widely used cloud storage service that allows individuals and businesses to store, share, and synchronize files across multiple devices. It seamlessly integrates with Windows, Mac, and mobile platforms, making it easy to access and manage your data. Despite its benefits, OneDrive users may sometimes face issues with the app or service not working as expected.

When OneDrive isn't working properly, it can cause significant disruptions, especially when you rely on it to store and sync important files. Fortunately, there are several troubleshooting steps that can help you resolve common issues and get OneDrive working again. In this article, we’ll walk you through potential reasons why OneDrive may not be working and how to fix them, ensuring you can return to using the service without hassle.

1. Ensure You Are Connected to the Internet

Before diving into more technical solutions, it’s important to ensure that your device has a stable internet connection. OneDrive requires an active internet connection to sync files, back them up to the cloud, and let you access them remotely.

How to check your internet connection:

1. Wi-Fi or Ethernet Connection: If you're using Wi-Fi, check whether your Wi-Fi is turned on and if you have a stable connection. Try opening a website or streaming a video to confirm that your internet connection is functional. If you're using Ethernet, ensure the cable is securely plugged into both your device and the router.
2. Network Status: If you notice that other devices or apps are also experiencing connectivity issues, it might be worth restarting your router or checking with your internet service provider (ISP) for outages.

What to do if the internet connection is not stable:

1. Restart your modem or router. Unplug the device, wait for about 30 seconds, and then plug it back in. After rebooting, check if your internet connection has improved.
2. Switch to a different network. If you're experiencing issues with your current Wi-Fi network, try switching to another network, like mobile data or a different Wi-Fi connection.

Once you've confirmed that your internet connection is stable, check if OneDrive starts syncing or working properly.

2. Check OneDrive Service Status

Sometimes, OneDrive issues arise not from your device but from server-side problems. Microsoft occasionally experiences outages or issues with their cloud services, which may affect the performance of OneDrive. If OneDrive isn’t working, it could be because Microsoft’s servers are temporarily down or experiencing problems.

How to check the OneDrive service status:

1. Open your browser and visit the official Microsoft 365 Service Health website.
2. Look for the OneDrive service status. If there's an issue, Microsoft typically provides updates on when the issue will be resolved.

What to do if there’s a service outage:

If a service outage is the cause of OneDrive not working, the best course of action is to wait for Microsoft to resolve the issue. Microsoft usually provides estimated timelines for resolution. You can also check the Microsoft Twitter account or other support channels for real-time updates.

3. Restart OneDrive

If OneDrive isn't syncing or working as expected, restarting the application is often the easiest solution. This can help clear minor glitches that may be affecting the app’s performance.

Steps to restart OneDrive:

1. Windows:
2. Right-click the OneDrive icon in the system tray (located at the bottom-right corner of your screen).
3. Click on Close OneDrive or Exit to close the app.
4. Open the Start menu and type OneDrive. Click on the OneDrive app to restart it.
5. Mac:
6. Find the OneDrive icon in the top menu bar.
7. Click on the icon and select Quit OneDrive.
8. To restart it, go to your Applications folder, locate OneDrive, and double-click it to open the app.

Check if restarting resolves the issue: After restarting OneDrive, check whether the sync is functioning and if the app responds properly. If this simple fix doesn’t solve the problem, proceed to the next troubleshooting steps.

4. Ensure You’re Signed In to OneDrive

A common issue that may cause OneDrive not to work is being signed out of your Microsoft account. If you're not logged in, OneDrive will not be able to sync files or connect to your cloud storage.

How to sign in to OneDrive:

1. Open the OneDrive application on your device.
2. If you’re not signed in, you’ll be prompted to log in with your Microsoft account. Enter the email address and password associated with your OneDrive account.

If you have multiple accounts, ensure that you're signing in with the correct Microsoft account linked to your OneDrive storage.

5. Check for Available Storage Space

If you’re running low on storage space on either your device or your OneDrive account, it could prevent OneDrive from syncing files. OneDrive offers a certain amount of free storage, but if you exceed the free storage limit, the app will stop syncing and may not function correctly.

How to check your OneDrive storage:

1. Windows:Right-click on the OneDrive icon in the system tray.
2. Click Settings and go to the Account tab. There, you’ll be able to see how much storage you’ve used and how much is available.
3. Mac:Click on the OneDrive icon in the menu bar, select Preferences, and navigate to the Account tab to see your storage usage.

How to fix storage issues:

1. Free up space on OneDrive: Delete unnecessary files or move them to an external drive to free up space.
2. Purchase more storage: If you need additional space, you can upgrade your OneDrive plan through Microsoft’s website.

If your device is low on local storage, free up space by deleting or moving large files that you no longer need.

6. Update OneDrive

Outdated versions of the OneDrive app may lead to compatibility issues, causing the app to malfunction or fail to sync files. Ensuring that you're using the latest version of OneDrive is crucial for optimal performance.

How to check for updates:

1. Windows:
2. Right-click the OneDrive icon in the system tray and select Settings.
3. In the About tab, you’ll see whether your OneDrive is up to date or if an update is available.
4. Mac:
5. Open the Mac App Store and search for OneDrive. If an update is available, it will appear in the app’s page.

How to update OneDrive:

1. If you're using a Microsoft Store version of OneDrive on Windows, open the Microsoft Store, click on Get Updates, and let the app update.
2. If you have the standalone OneDrive app on your Mac, simply check the Mac App Store for any available updates.

7. Reset OneDrive

If OneDrive still isn't working after trying the above steps, you might need to reset the app. Resetting OneDrive deletes the app’s cached data and can fix issues with syncing or loading files.

How to reset OneDrive:

1. Windows:
2. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
3. Type onedrive.exe /reset and press Enter.
4. If the OneDrive icon doesn't appear after a few minutes, open the Start Menu, search for OneDrive, and launch it.
5. Mac:
6. Open the Terminal app and enter the following command.

Once OneDrive is reset, it will start syncing files again. This process may take a little time depending on the number of files that need to be synced.

8. Check for System Updates

Outdated operating systems can cause compatibility issues with OneDrive, especially if you’re running an older version of Windows or macOS. Updating your system can help resolve potential issues with OneDrive not working.

How to check for updates:

1. Windows:
2. Open Settings and go to Update & Security.
3. Click Check for updates to ensure your system is up to date.
4. Mac:
5. Go to the Apple menu and select System Preferences.
6. Click Software Update to see if any updates are available for your macOS.

9. Reinstall OneDrive

If none of the above solutions work, reinstalling OneDrive may be your best option. Reinstalling ensures that you’re using a fresh version of the app, which may resolve any issues caused by corrupted files or settings.

How to reinstall OneDrive:

1. Windows:
2. Open Control Panel and go to Programs > Uninstall a Program.
3. Find OneDrive in the list and click Uninstall.
4. After uninstalling, download and install the latest version of OneDrive from the official website.
5. Mac:
6. Open the Applications folder and drag OneDrive to the Trash.
7. Visit the Mac App Store and reinstall the OneDrive app.

Conclusion

OneDrive is a reliable cloud storage service, but like all software, it may encounter occasional issues. Whether it's connectivity problems, outdated versions, or syncing troubles, the solutions outlined above should help you troubleshoot and fix most common issues with OneDrive.

By following the steps in this guide, you can resolve problems such as app crashes, syncing failures, login issues, and more. If you continue to experience issues after trying these solutions, it may be time to contact Microsoft support for further assistance. Regardless of the issue, one thing is certain: with patience and the right steps, OneDrive can be back to working smoothly in no time.