When OneDrive stops syncing properly, files may fail to upload, download, or update across your devices. These issues are often caused by connectivity problems, account settings, storage limitations, or application errors. The steps below can help restore normal syncing and keep your files up to date.

1. Verify Your Internet Connection.

   Make sure your device is connected to a stable internet connection. OneDrive requires an active connection to upload and download files.

2. Confirm OneDrive Is Running.

   Check whether OneDrive is currently running on your device.

   Locate the OneDrive icon:

   • Windows: Look for the OneDrive cloud icon in the system tray at the bottom-right corner of the screen.
   • Mac: Look for the OneDrive cloud icon in the menu bar at the top of the screen.

   If the icon is not visible, open OneDrive from the Start menu (Windows) or the Applications folder (Mac).

3. Pause and Resume Syncing.

   Restarting the sync process can often clear temporary issues.

   1. Click the OneDrive cloud icon.
   2. Select Pause syncing.
   3. Wait approximately 10 seconds.
   4. Select Resume syncing.
4. Review Sync Error Notifications.

   Select the OneDrive icon and check for any error messages or alerts.

   Common issues include:

   • Duplicate files
   • Unsupported file names
   • Permission or access errors

   Resolve any reported errors and check whether syncing resumes.

5. Verify Your OneDrive Account.

   Ensure you are signed in to the correct account.

   1. Click the OneDrive icon.
   2. Open Settings.
   3. Select the Account tab.
   4. Confirm that your account is active and connected.
6. Check File Name and Size Requirements.

   OneDrive may not sync files that contain unsupported characters or exceed file size limitations.

   Avoid using the following characters in file or folder names:

   " * : < > ? / \ |

   Also verify that the file size falls within OneDrive's supported limits.

7. Restart the OneDrive Application.

   Restarting OneDrive can refresh the sync service.

   1. Close OneDrive completely.
   2. Reopen it from the Start menu (Windows) or the Applications folder (Mac).
8. Restart Your Device.

   A system restart can resolve temporary software or operating system issues that may interfere with syncing.

9. Update OneDrive.

   Install the latest version of OneDrive to ensure you have current bug fixes, security updates, and performance improvements.

Warning: Check for unsynced files before resetting or reinstalling OneDrive. These actions can interrupt uploads or downloads that are currently in progress.

Keep the following recommendations in mind:

• Avoid moving or renaming files while syncing is active to prevent conflicts or duplicate files.
• Large files may take longer to sync, particularly on slower internet connections.
• Ensure your device has enough local storage for files configured to sync.
• Verify your account credentials before signing out or reconnecting your OneDrive account.

1. Reset the OneDrive Sync Client.

   Windows only: The reset procedure below applies to Windows devices.

   Resetting OneDrive can resolve persistent synchronization errors.

   1. Press Windows Key + R.
   2. Type:
   onedrive.exe /reset
   3. Press Enter.
   4. If OneDrive does not restart automatically, open it manually from the Start menu.
2. Check Available OneDrive Storage.

   Syncing may stop if your storage quota has been reached.

   1. Open OneDrive.
   2. Go to Settings > Account.
   3. Review your available storage space.
   4. Delete unnecessary files or upgrade your storage plan if needed.
3. Shorten Long File Paths.

   Excessively long folder paths can prevent files from syncing correctly.

   1. Locate the file or folder that is not syncing.
   2. Move it closer to the main OneDrive directory.
   3. Allow OneDrive to attempt syncing again.
4. Review Selective Sync Settings.

   Selective Sync controls which folders are available on your device.

   1. Click the OneDrive icon.
   2. Open Settings > Account.
   3. Select Choose folders.
   4. Verify that the required folders are selected.
5. Check Firewall and Antivirus Settings.

   Security applications can sometimes block OneDrive connections.

   1. Open your firewall or antivirus settings.
   2. Verify that OneDrive is allowed through the security software.
   3. Save any changes.
   4. Restart OneDrive and check whether syncing resumes.
6. Reinstall OneDrive.

   If other troubleshooting steps do not resolve the issue:

   1. Uninstall OneDrive from your device.
   2. Restart your computer.
   3. Install the latest version of OneDrive.
   4. Sign in again and allow your files to resync.

Most OneDrive sync issues can be resolved by checking your connection, reviewing sync errors, confirming account settings, or resetting the sync client. If the issue persists after completing these steps, contact Swazzy Support for further assistance.