How to Reset OneDrive in Windows 11 and Windows 10: Full Guide

How to Reset OneDrive in Windows 11 and Windows 10

Resetting OneDrive is an effective troubleshooting step when you encounter issues such as syncing errors, missing files, or the app not opening correctly. This process clears the OneDrive cache, reinitializes sync connections, and re-registers the app with your Microsoft account — without deleting any of your stored cloud data.

Below is a detailed, step-by-step guide for performing a OneDrive reset safely and correctly.

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When to Reset OneDrive

Before resetting, it’s important to understand when this action is appropriate. A OneDrive reset helps fix issues such as:

• Files not syncing between the cloud and your device
• OneDrive stuck on “Processing changes” or “Sync pending”
• Missing or duplicate folders in File Explorer
• The OneDrive icon missing from the taskbar
• Error messages like “OneDrive can’t connect to Windows”
• The app freezing or not launching properly

A reset removes all local OneDrive configuration files but does not delete files stored in your OneDrive cloud account.

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Option 1: Reset OneDrive Using the Command Line

This is the most direct and recommended method. It forces OneDrive to clear cached settings and reconnect to Microsoft 365 or your personal account.

Step 1: Close OneDrive

1. Right-click the OneDrive cloud icon on the taskbar.
2. Select Close OneDrive or Quit OneDrive.
   • If you don’t see the icon, click the Show hidden icons (^) arrow on the taskbar.

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Step 2: Run the Reset Command

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type one of the following commands depending on your Windows version: %localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset
3. Press Enter or click OK.

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Step 3: Wait for OneDrive to Restart

• After running the command, the OneDrive icon should disappear briefly and then reappear within a few minutes.
• If it doesn’t restart automatically, run this command manually in the Run dialog: %localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe

This will relaunch OneDrive and start re-syncing your files.

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Option 2: Reset OneDrive via PowerShell or Command Prompt

You can also run the reset command directly through PowerShell or Command Prompt with administrative privileges.

Steps:

1. Press Start, type PowerShell, and select Run as administrator.
2. Enter: %localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset
3. Wait for the command to complete, then restart OneDrive manually if needed.

This method is ideal for automation or remote administration, especially in enterprise environments managed with Intune or Group Policy.

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Option 3: Unlink and Reconnect OneDrive

If a full reset seems unnecessary, unlinking and re-establishing the connection may solve minor sync or login problems.

Steps:

1. Right-click the OneDrive icon → select Settings.
2. Go to the Account tab → click Unlink this PC.
3. Sign out of OneDrive.
4. Restart your PC and reopen OneDrive from the Start menu.
5. Sign back in with your Microsoft account or Entra ID credentials.

This refreshes authentication tokens and folder mappings without removing your local sync files.

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Option 4: Reset OneDrive Using Registry Cleanup (Advanced)

In rare cases, OneDrive may not reset properly through the standard command. A registry cleanup can help restore OneDrive completely.

⚠️ Warning: Editing the registry incorrectly can cause system issues. Always create a restore point before proceeding.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\OneDrive
3. Right-click the OneDrive key and select Delete.
4. Restart your PC.
5. Open the Run box and execute: %localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe This reinstalls OneDrive using default settings.

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Option 5: Reinstall OneDrive from Microsoft Store or Installer

If resetting doesn’t resolve the issue, reinstalling OneDrive ensures you have the latest version.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + I → Apps → Installed Apps.
2. Find Microsoft OneDrive → click the three-dot menu → Uninstall.
3. Download the latest version from the OneDrive download page.
4. Run the installer and follow the setup prompts.
5. Sign in and allow synchronization to complete.

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Option 6: Intune or Group Policy Deployment (Enterprise Environments)

For enterprise-managed devices, administrators can remotely reset or reconfigure OneDrive using Microsoft Intune or Group Policy.

Through Intune:

• Deploy a PowerShell script with the reset command: %localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset
• Configure Device Configuration Profiles to reapply OneDrive sync settings after the reset.
• Monitor sync health using the OneDrive Sync Admin Reports in Microsoft 365 Admin Center.

Through Group Policy:

• Navigate to:
  Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → OneDrive
• Enable policies such as:
  • “Prevent users from changing the location of their OneDrive folder”
  • “Silently sign in users to the OneDrive sync app with their Windows credentials”
• Use these to ensure consistent OneDrive setup after reset.

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Troubleshooting After Reset

After resetting, OneDrive will start fresh and re-sync all files. Keep in mind:

• Your files remain safe in the OneDrive cloud.
• Sync may take time depending on the amount of data.
• Check for missing icons or sync errors after setup.
• Ensure you’re using the same Microsoft or Entra ID account as before.

If sync still fails after reset, review:

• Windows Update (install latest patches).
• Network connectivity or firewall settings.
• Storage quotas in OneDrive for Business or Microsoft 365.

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Key Takeaways

• Resetting OneDrive clears configuration issues but keeps your data safe in the cloud.
• Use the Run or PowerShell command %localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset.
• Reinstall or unlink OneDrive if reset doesn’t work.
• Intune and Group Policy can automate OneDrive resets across enterprise devices.
• Always ensure devices are updated to the latest version of Windows and OneDrive for optimal performance.

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