How to Reset OneDrive in Windows 11

Resetting OneDrive in Windows 11 clears the app’s local cache and re-establishes its connection to your Microsoft account, which can fix sync errors, stuck uploads, or a OneDrive that won’t open. This process does not delete any files stored in the cloud or on your PC, but it will pause syncing until you sign in again. You’ll need your Microsoft account password and a stable internet connection.

What You’ll Need

Your Microsoft account credentials (email and password)
Administrator access to the Windows 11 PC (usually the account you’re already using)
A stable internet connection

Step-by-Step

Close OneDrive completely. Look for the OneDrive cloud icon in the system tray (bottom-right corner, near the clock). Right-click it and select Exit. If you don’t see the icon, click the small upward arrow to show hidden icons. If OneDrive is still running, you can also open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), find “Microsoft OneDrive” under Processes, right-click it, and choose End Task.
Open the Run dialog. Press Windows key + R on your keyboard. This opens a small text box in the bottom-left corner of your screen.
Type the reset command. In the Run dialog, type or paste exactly this: %localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset (if you’re using the Microsoft Store version of OneDrive, use onedrive.exe /reset instead). Press Enter or click OK.
Wait for the reset to complete. A command prompt window may flash briefly, and the OneDrive icon will disappear from the system tray. This can take a few seconds. Don’t open OneDrive manually yet.
Restart OneDrive. Press Windows key + R again, type onedrive (without quotes), and press Enter. Alternatively, click the Start button, type “OneDrive,” and click the app icon.
Sign in again. The OneDrive setup window will appear. Enter your Microsoft account email and password, then click Sign in. If you use two-step verification, complete that prompt as well.
Choose your sync folder. You’ll be asked where to store your OneDrive files. The default location is C:\Users\YourName\OneDrive. You can keep this or click Change location to pick a different folder. Then click Next.
Select folders to sync (optional). If you want to sync only certain folders, click Choose folders and uncheck the ones you don’t need. Otherwise, click Next and then Open my OneDrive folder.
Let sync finish. OneDrive will start syncing your files. The cloud icon will reappear in the system tray. Watch it for a few minutes to ensure it’s working normally.

Common Mistakes

Not closing OneDrive first. If you run the reset command while OneDrive is still running, it may not work. Always exit the app completely before running the reset.
Using the wrong path. The reset command differs slightly between the standard version and the Microsoft Store version. If the first command doesn’t work, try the other one.
Forgetting to sign in again. After resetting, OneDrive won’t sync until you sign in. Some users think the reset failed because they didn’t sign back in.
Deleting files accidentally. The reset command does not delete any files, but if you manually delete the OneDrive folder or files during the process, they could be removed from the cloud. Don’t touch your files while resetting.
Ignoring the “Files On-Demand” setting. After resetting, OneDrive may revert to downloading all files. If you prefer to save space, re-enable Files On-Demand in OneDrive settings after signing in.

Tips

Run the reset as a troubleshooting step. It’s a good first fix for sync errors, but if the problem persists, check your internet connection and make sure your Microsoft account is not locked.
Use the “Backup” feature. After signing in, you can go to OneDrive settings > Sync and backup to back up your Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders. This can be a good time to enable it.
Keep OneDrive updated. An outdated OneDrive app can cause issues. Check for updates in the Microsoft Store if you’re using the Store version, or via the app’s settings.
Reset only when necessary. Resetting OneDrive is safe, but it temporarily stops syncing. If you’re in the middle of uploading important files, wait until they finish.

Troubleshooting

OneDrive doesn’t restart after the reset command. If the OneDrive icon doesn’t reappear after you run the reset, try launching OneDrive manually from the Start menu or by typing “OneDrive” in the Run dialog. If it still doesn’t open, restart your PC and try again.

The reset command gives an error. This usually means the path is wrong. Make sure you’re using the correct command for your version. If you installed OneDrive from the Microsoft Store, use onedrive.exe /reset without the full path. If that doesn’t work, try reinstalling OneDrive from the Microsoft Store or from the OneDrive website.

OneDrive opens but shows “Sign in” repeatedly. This can happen if your Microsoft account credentials are incorrect or if the account has been compromised. Go to account.microsoft.com to verify your account and reset your password if needed.

Files are not syncing after reset. First, check that you’re signed in. Then check the OneDrive icon’s status—it should show a green checkmark or a spinning circle. If it shows a red X, click it to see the error message. Common issues include file name length limits (over 255 characters) or files that are open in another program.

OneDrive uses too much CPU or memory. If OneDrive is stuck on “Processing changes,” it might be scanning a large number of files. Wait a few hours. If it doesn’t resolve, try pausing sync from the OneDrive icon menu, then resume it. As a last resort, you can unlink your account (OneDrive settings > Account > Unlink this PC) and link it again—this is a more thorough reset.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will resetting OneDrive delete my files? No. The reset command only clears the app’s local cache and settings. Your files remain in the cloud and on your PC.

Do I need to be an administrator to reset OneDrive? Usually not, but if you’re using a work or school account, your organization may have restrictions. If the reset command doesn’t work, contact your IT admin.

How long does the reset take? The reset itself takes only a few seconds. The subsequent sync can take longer depending on how many files you have and your internet speed.

Can I reset OneDrive on Windows 10 using the same steps? Yes, the steps are essentially the same for Windows 10 and Windows 11.

What if I don’t see the OneDrive icon in the system tray? Click the upward arrow (^) to show hidden icons. If it’s not there, OneDrive may not be running. Open it from the Start menu or search for “OneDrive” in the taskbar search.

Does resetting OneDrive affect my other Microsoft apps (like Outlook)? No, it only affects the OneDrive app. Other Microsoft apps will continue to work normally.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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