OneDrive Not Syncing — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Your OneDrive files are not uploading or updating to the cloud. This is usually caused by a paused sync, a sign-in problem, or a file that OneDrive cannot process. Most cases fix themselves with a restart or a quick account check.

Affected Models

Microsoft OneDrive for Windows
Microsoft OneDrive for Mac
OneDrive on the Web

Common Causes

Sync was manually paused or paused automatically on a metered internet connection
OneDrive is not signed in or the account session has expired
A file has an invalid name, character, or is too large to sync
OneDrive storage is full and cannot accept new files
A Windows or macOS update disrupted the OneDrive background service

How to Fix It

Check if sync is paused. Click the OneDrive cloud icon in your taskbar. If it says 'Sync paused', click 'Resume syncing'. Sync may have been paused automatically.

OneDrive pauses sync on metered connections (mobile hotspots) to save data.
Check that you are signed in. Click the OneDrive cloud icon in the taskbar and look at the top of the panel. If you see a 'Sign in' button, click it and log in with your Microsoft account.

An expired session looks like a sync problem but is really just a login issue.
Check your OneDrive storage. Go to onedrive.live.com and check how much storage you have used. If it is full (5GB for free accounts), you cannot sync new files until you free up space.

Delete old files or purchase more storage from Microsoft.
Check for problem files. Click the OneDrive icon in the taskbar and look for any files listed with an error icon. Files with special characters in their name (like : * ? /) cannot sync.

Rename the problem file to remove any special characters, then let OneDrive try again.
Restart OneDrive. Right-click the OneDrive cloud icon in the taskbar and choose 'Close OneDrive'. Then open the Start menu and search for 'OneDrive' to relaunch it.

A fresh start often clears a stuck sync queue. Give it a few minutes after restarting.

When to Call a Professional

If OneDrive sync keeps failing on a work or school account, contact your IT department. They may need to check your OneDrive storage quota or account permissions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my files are actually backed up to OneDrive?

Files with a green checkmark are synced and safely backed up. Files with a blue sync arrow are still uploading. A red X means there is a problem with that file.

Can I use OneDrive files when I have no internet?

Yes, if you have them set to 'Always keep on this device'. Right-click a file or folder in OneDrive and choose that option to make it available offline.

Will OneDrive delete my files if I run out of storage?

OneDrive will not delete existing files, but it will stop syncing new ones. You will need to free up space or upgrade your plan to continue syncing.