Why is my desktop in OneDrive

Before fixing OneDrive sync issues

Make sure you have Windows 10 and OneDrive installed with the latest update. You can check for a Windows update on Settings > Update & security > Windows Update.

Restart the OneDrive sync client app on your PC

1. If OneDrive isnt syncing any file or folder, you should attempt to reset the desktop sync client app.
2. On the notification area, right-click the OneDrive [cloud] icon. [If you dont see the icon, click the Show hidden icons up arrow button on the far-left side of the notification area.]
3. Click the Exit option.
4. On the dialog box prompt, click the Close OneDrive button.
5. Open the Start menu, do a search for OneDrive, and open the desktop app. [This will open the OneDrive folder indicating that the app is running.]

Check if your OneDrive account is connected to Windows 10

1. When OneDrive isnt syncing, you want to make sure your account is connected to Windows 10, and you also want to ensure youre using the correct Microsoft Account.
2. Use the Windows key + I keyboard shortcut to open the Settings app.
3. Select Settings > Accounts > Your email and accounts
4. If the account is not connected, click the Sign in with a Microsoft account instead option.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to switch to your Microsoft Account.
6. If youre not using the same Microsoft Account associated with your OneDrive account, you may want to create a new account using the correct credentials related to the cloud storage service.

Make sure you select OneDrive folders to sync

1.] In Windows 10, Microsoft has moved to selective sync; this means that you have to select manually the files and folders you want to sync before you can download or upload a file.

2.] You can select the files and folders you want to sync using the following instructions:

• On the notification area, right-click the OneDrive [cloud] icon. [If you dont see the icon, click the Show hidden icons up arrow button on the far-left side of the notification area.]
• Select the Settings option.
• Click on the Account tab.
• Click the Choose folders button.
• Select either the Sync all files and folders in my OneDrive or select the files and folders you want to sync to your computer.
• Click OK to save the new changes.

Note: Keep in mind that if you dont choose to sync all your OneDrive folders when someone else shares a new folder or file, the new content wont sync with your computer until you manually select it to do so.

Complete the OneDrive setup process

In case youre on a brand new computer, your files may not be syncing because you probably havent finished the OneDrive configuration.

1. Use the Windows key + E keyboard shortcut to open Explorer.
2. Click the OneDrive [blue] folder from the left pane to open the wizard.
3. Select the files and folders you want to sync to complete the setup.

Keep file paths short in OneDrive

Another factor that can cause OneDrive not to sync data is the length of the path. According to Microsoft, the path, including the filename, should not exceed 255 characters.

Long file path example: C:\Users\Your_User_Name\Pictures\EveryYear\2016January\Holiday\Christmas\Home\This_is_my_picture_with_a_long_name.jpg

Note: You can try making the file name shorter and avoid having too many subfolders, inside of subfolders, by bringing folders closer to the root directory.

Check your PCs available storage space

1. OneDrive no longer offers placeholders to indicate content that is only available with an internet connection, which means that your computer must have [at least] the same amount of available space as the storage youre using in OneDrive. Otherwise, if you dont have enough available local storage, OneDrive wont sync your files.
2. To make more room on your computers hard drive, move or delete some of your files on your computer.
3. Check the amount of storage youre currently using on OneDrive and compare it to the available hard drive space in your computer.
4. Click on [Start], search for OneDrive to open the desktop client sync app.
5. Follow the instructions to select the files you want to sync to your computer and choose the location to sync your personal files.

Check for conflicting files or folders in the same location

You may come across conflicts if you are making changes to a folder with files trying to sync, or when you try to upload multiple files using the OneDrive web experience. If you notice conflicting content, rename the files or folders, and try syncing one more time.

Unlink OneDrive and start over

There could be an issue with your account settings on your computer that is preventing OneDrive to sync your files. If this is the case, you can unlink your account and go through the setup wizard one more time.

1. On the notification area, right-click the OneDrive [cloud] icon. [If you dont see the icon, click the Show hidden icons up arrow button on the far-left side of the notification area.]
2. Select Settings.
3. Click the Unlink OneDrive button.
4. The desktop sync app will launch and follow the instructions to select the files you want to sync to your computer and choose the location to sync your personal files.

When nothing else is working, reset OneDrive

When you have tried the previous steps and theyve yet help to fix the sync issue, you can reset the OneDrive desktop client sync app.

1. Use the Windows key + X keyboard shortcut to open the Power User menu, and select Command Prompt [Admin].
2. Type the following command: %localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset and hit Enter.
3. Make sure the OneDrive icon is no longer visible in the taskbars notification area [bottom right corner] to verify the command worked.
4. According to Microsoft, the icon should re-appear after two minutes. If it doesnt re-appear, open Start, do a search for OneDrive and hit Enter to restart the desktop sync app.

How To Get Help

If you still need further assistance with this application, please contact the Technology Support Center at 309-438-4357 or by email at