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How Do I Fix Problems with OneDrive?

How Do I Fix Problems with OneDrive?

OneDrive is an online cloud storage platform from Microsoft. It is a tool that allows you to back up and share your data easily while protecting your business from cyber threats. Document and file security has become a key aspect of companies for many years. This is simply because no business wants to see its bottom line drop, or lose face in the eyes of its customers, and see productivity plunge as a result.

According to Statista, the global average cost per data breach in 2022 was $4.35 million, and will likely increase in the coming years. This shows how important it is for businesses to prioritize file security and collaboration through cloud solutions, hence the need for OneDrive.

However, like other cloud storage platforms, OneDrive isn’t without flaws. Users may occasionally suffer common problems like OneDrive not starting, crashing, or files failing to download or upload. 

If you are also experiencing these issues, this article is for you. Read on to learn how to troubleshoot and fix the problem. But before diving in, let’s take a look at some benefits of using OneDrive.

Benefits of Using OneDrive

Here are some benefits of using OneDrive:

  • Easy and unlimited file accessibility.
  • Makes files available for collaboration from any location.
  • Lifetime data storage.
  • Data and file sharing.
  • Data recovery and backup.
  • Securely stores data and sensitive information.

Common OneDrive Problems and Effective Solutions

Below are common OneDrive problems and how to fix them:

OneDrive Not Syncing Files

This is the most often encountered issue among OneDrive users. Users cannot sync their files with their accounts due to this problem. There are several reasons why OneDrive is not synchronizing. These include using outdated OneDrive versions, connection problems, and insufficient space or memory on the cloud.

Whatever syncing issue you might have encountered, you can fix it by following the following steps:

Step 1: Reinstall or restart OneDrive

Step 2: Check the account connection.

  • Open window settings (Windows Key + I)
  • Click account

Step 3: Select the folder manually.

Step 4: Check that there is enough storage.

  • In the notification area, left-click on the OneDrive app icon. 
  • Click “view online.” This will display the online dashboard with the amount of free space (you may need to log in).

Step 5: Check and resolve issues. It will notify you if you have any current issues on the OneDrive app. Click the app icon, and then click the notification for issues so that you can check what’s wrong and resolve them. 

Step 6: Reset OneDrive. You can reset your OneDrive by following these steps:

  • Launch a run dialog window (Windows key + R).
  • Copy and paste this (%localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset), press OK, and reopen the OneDrive app.
  • Missing Files in Your Account

If you uploaded a file and cannot find it in your OneDrive account, there are some common causes. The good news is you can fix them with these simple steps:

Step 1: Log in to the OneDrive website.

Step 2: Use the search function to look for the file.

If that doesn’t work, please check your account recycle bin; you might find your file there.

Can’t Open Word Files in Online Word App

There’s an easy way to fix the issue of not being able to open documents and files with the online Word app. Just change how you open the file, and you should be able to launch selected files with the Word online app successfully.

Below are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Open the directory containing the Word file and click on it to select it

Step 2: Choose the Open option followed by Open in Word Online from the menu bar. Your selected file will launch the Word program without error.

Unable to Upload Files to OneDrive 

If you are trying to upload some files to the OneDrive website, follow these steps:

Step 1: Check your internet connection. Make sure your Windows Computer has a stable internet connection. This is vital, especially if you want to upload large files.

Step 2: Upload your files. Use the OneDrive desktop program on your computer to upload large and numerous files.

OneDrive Not Starting 

If OneDrive refuses to start on the window software, restart your device. Restarting your device helps you to refresh the system and clear any temporary issues or errors.  

If the problem persists, try to uninstall and reinstall the software. This procedure is the most viable solution. Sometimes when there are problems or system issues, a quick reinstall can clear all issues. Although the software is pre-installed on most Windows PCs, the steps to delete and reinstall are straightforward. 

The process of uninstalling your OneDrive include:

Step 1: Open settings (Windows Key + I).

Step 2: Click on the “App” option or “installed app” setting.

Step 3: Click on the three dots button for the Microsoft OneDrive app, and click Uninstall.

To reinstall your OneDrive, take the following steps.

Step 1: Go to the OneDrive website.

Step 2: Click on the “Download OneDrive for Windows” link.

Step 3: Save the OneDrive installer to your desktop.

Step 4: Launch the installer.

Step 5: When the OneDrive installation has finished, sign in and set up your account as you like.

You will discover that all your stored files are still safe.

OneDrive Can’t Download Files

If you are unable to download OneDrive files on your PC, you can fix this by following these three steps:

Step 1: Check your internet connection. This issue might be a result of a slow or interrupted internet connection.

Step 2: Check file permission. Ensure the file is available for everyone to download, and remember to grant access.

Step 3: Try downloading the file again. Re-try downloading from OneDrive.

Increase Your Productivity with Skyline IT Management

Experiencing problems with OneDrive when securing your data can be a common issue, but that doesn’t have to happen. Skyline IT Management is equipped with the expertise and support you need. We increase your productivity by providing top-notch IT services. Book a call today to learn more about our solutions.