If OneDrive stops syncing, shows errors, or behaves unexpectedly, resetting the sync client is often the fastest fix. A safe reset disconnects all sync relationships without deleting your local files or cloud data. This article explains the exact steps to reset OneDrive for Business and what happens to your files during the process. You will learn the correct command to use and how to confirm the reset worked.
Key Takeaways: Resetting OneDrive Sync Without Data Loss
- Run the reset command from Run (Win+R): Type
%localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe /resetto clear the sync cache without deleting files. - Wait for automatic re-launch: OneDrive restarts itself after reset; if it does not, run
%localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exemanually. - Reconfigure sync folders after reset: Open OneDrive settings > Account > Choose folders to re-select which folders sync to your PC.
Why Resetting the OneDrive Sync Client Is Needed
OneDrive sync can stall or break due to corrupted cache files, interrupted network connections, or conflicts from large file operations. The reset command clears the local sync database and stops all active sync processes. It does not delete your local files in the OneDrive folder or remove files from the cloud. After a reset, OneDrive rebuilds the sync database from scratch and re-syncs only the metadata. This action is equivalent to a clean restart of the sync engine.
The reset process is safe for all OneDrive for Business users. It fixes many common errors including “Sync pending,” “Changes from another device,” and “We can’t sync this file or folder.” The reset does not affect your Microsoft 365 license or tenant settings. You must sign in again after the reset completes.
Steps to Reset OneDrive Sync Client Safely
- Close all Office applications and OneDrive
Save your work and close Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Right-click the OneDrive cloud icon in the system tray and select Pause syncing > 2 hours. Then right-click again and select Exit. - Open the Run dialog
Press Win + R on your keyboard. The Run window opens. - Type the reset command
Copy and paste this exact path into the Open field:%localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset
Do not add spaces or extra characters. Click OK. - Wait for the command to execute
A command window flashes briefly. OneDrive closes completely. The sync cache is cleared. No files are moved or deleted. - Verify that OneDrive restarts
After a few seconds, OneDrive should relaunch automatically. If it does not, open the Run dialog again and type:%localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe
Click OK. OneDrive starts and shows the sign-in window. - Sign in to OneDrive for Business
Enter your work or school email address and password. Complete multi-factor authentication if prompted. - Confirm your sync folders
After signing in, the “Set up OneDrive” screen appears. Click Next to accept the default folder location. Then open OneDrive settings by right-clicking the cloud icon and selecting Settings. Go to the Account tab and click Choose folders. Select only the folders you want to sync to this PC. Click OK.
What to Do If OneDrive Does Not Restart After Reset
OneDrive is not installed correctly
If the reset command returns an error or OneDrive does not start, the sync client may be missing or corrupted. Download the latest OneDrive sync client from the Microsoft 365 admin center or directly from onedrive.live.com/about/en-us/download. Run the installer and follow the prompts. After installation, repeat the reset steps.
Reset command path is wrong
The OneDrive executable location differs if you installed OneDrive from the Microsoft Store. In that case, use this command instead:%localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset
If you still see an error, open File Explorer and browse to %localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive. Look for onedrive.exe in that folder. Right-click it and select Run as administrator.
Files are not syncing after reset
After reset, OneDrive downloads file metadata but not the actual file content until you open a file. If files appear with a cloud icon, they are online-only. Right-click a file or folder and select Always keep on this device to force a full download. If syncing still does not start, check that your internet connection is active and that your Microsoft 365 subscription is valid.
Reset vs Unlink vs Reinstall: What Each Action Does
| Item | Reset | Unlink | Reinstall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clears sync cache | Yes | No | Yes |
| Removes local files | No | No | No |
| Requires sign-in again | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Fixes corrupted database | Yes | No | Yes |
| Fixes missing files | No | No | No |
| Time to complete | 2-5 minutes | 1 minute | 10-20 minutes |
Reset is the safest and fastest option for most sync problems. Unlink only removes the connection between your PC and OneDrive but leaves the cache intact. Reinstall is needed only if the sync client itself is broken.
You can now reset the OneDrive sync client without worrying about losing your files. Use this method whenever sync stops or behaves strangely. For persistent issues, try the Files On-Demand setting in OneDrive settings > Sync and backup > Advanced settings to control how files appear on your PC. An advanced tip: after reset, open OneDrive settings and enable Files On-Demand to save disk space while keeping all your files visible in File Explorer.