How To Restart OneDrive

Introduction

Microsoft OneDrive is a powerful cloud storage service that plays a vital role in enabling seamless access, sharing, and backup of your files and folders. Whether you’re using OneDrive for personal use, part of a Microsoft 365 subscription, or as part of an enterprise environment with OneDrive for Business, maintaining sync reliability is essential. However, sync issues, performance slowdowns, and conflicting settings can occur. In such cases, restarting or resetting the OneDrive app can often resolve problems such as syncing issues, file conflicts, or corrupted OneDrive files without data loss.

This blog explores a variety of methods to restart the OneDrive Sync app, from simple restarts via the system tray to advanced reset commands using Command Prompt. You’ll also learn how to identify syncing issues, ensure your sync engine is functioning correctly, and understand how factors such as disk space, system resources, and network connectivity influence OneDrive performance.

Understanding OneDrive Sync Issues

OneDrive sync issues can manifest in several ways:

• Files and folders not syncing or updating
• Sync connections failing intermittently
• The cloud icon displaying error codes or a red “X”
• File names and paths causing upload errors due to special characters

These problems can be caused by:

• Network connectivity issues
• Windows updates or changes to system resources
• A metered connection interfering with sync operations
• Incorrect file path, lack of disk space, or corrupted OneDrive files

Resolving these issues often starts with restarting or resetting the OneDrive app and checking your OneDrive settings and Windows Search configuration.

Simple Methods to Restart OneDrive

Method 1: Using the System Tray (Windows 10 / Windows 11)

1. Locate the OneDrive Cloud icon in your system tray (bottom right corner).
2. Right-click the cloud icon and select “Pause Syncing”, then choose a duration.
3. Right-click again and select “Quit OneDrive” to stop the Sync app.
4. Press the Windows key, type “OneDrive”, and hit Enter to relaunch it.

Method 2: Restart Your Computer

Sometimes a system reboot is all it takes to reset system resources and resolve minor sync issues.

• This method refreshes all OneDrive sync connections, restarts the OneDrive app, and reinitializes full sync operations.

Advanced Restart Methods

Force Stop on Mobile Devices (iOS & Android)

Android (via Google Play version)

1. Go to Settings > Applications > Manage Applications.
2. Locate OneDrive app and tap on it.
3. Select Force Stop and confirm.
4. Clear storage & cache if syncing issues persist.

iOS Device (via App Store version)

1. Open multitasking (swipe up or double-press Home).
2. Swipe away the OneDrive app to close it.
3. Reopen via the App Store or Search (Command + Spacebar on Mac).

Restarting via Command Prompt (Windows)

Using Reset Commands

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog or Run window.
2. Type cmd and press Enter.
3. Type the following command:

   taskkill /f /im OneDrive.exe

4. Restart OneDrive:

   start OneDrive.exe

   This ensures the OneDrive sync engine is refreshed.

Resetting OneDrive (When Restart Doesn’t Work)

Built-in Reset via Command Line

1. Open the Run dialog using Windows + R.
2. Type this reset command:

   %localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset

3. Wait a few moments. If OneDrive doesn’t restart:

   %localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe

Unlinking & Reconnecting Your Microsoft Account

1. Right-click the OneDrive cloud icon.
2. Go to Settings > Account tab.
3. Select Unlink this PC and re-sign in using your Microsoft account.

File System & Manual Reset

1. Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc).
2. End all OneDrive.exe tasks under the Processes or CPU tab.
3. Navigate to:
   • %localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive
   • Delete files and folders not syncing (e.g., corrupted DAT file or log file)
4. Ensure File Explorer displays hidden files to access full document libraries.

Platform-Specific Instructions

macOS (Monterey / macOS 13)

1. Open the Applications folder.
2. Control-click on OneDrive app > Show Package Contents.
3. Navigate to Contents > Resources folder.
4. Use the Terminal application to run reset commands (advanced):

   /Applications/OneDrive.app/Contents/Resources/ResetOneDriveApp.command

5. Restart using Finder or Spotlight (Command + Spacebar).

iOS Device

• Use the multitasking screen to close OneDrive.
• Reopen via App Store.
• Check syncing location permissions and iCloud access.

Android Device

• Reinstall via Google Play if corrupted.
• Adjust storage & cache settings.
• Confirm Google Drive isn’t conflicting with Sync and backup settings.

Troubleshooting After Restart

• Check sync status via the cloud icon.
• Confirm syncing location in OneDrive settings is correct.
• Ensure sufficient disk space and no metered connection.
• Use Microsoft Support or the Service Health portal to confirm no broader issues.
• Investigate firewall settings and OAuth Authorization System access in enterprise environments.

FAQs

Will I lose my files when restarting or resetting OneDrive?
No. Files stored in cloud storage remain safe. However, ensure local files are backed up with tools like Time Machine, SysTools Backup and Restore, or File History.

Can I automate restarts?
Yes. Use Task Scheduler for Windows or cron jobs on macOS. Ideal for enterprise environments.

How do I fix error codes or file conflicts?
Refer to Microsoft Support. Many issues stem from incorrect sync settings, file types, or Shared Folders permissions.

What’s the difference between the Windows Store version and desktop version?
The Windows Store version integrates more tightly with Windows updates and Microsoft Office Online Services.

Can OneDrive sync slow due to CPU or memory issues?
Yes. Use Task Manager or Activity Monitor to observe usage by the Sync app.

Conclusion

Restarting or resetting Microsoft OneDrive is often the key to resolving syncing issues, performance slowdowns, and file path errors. Whether you’re using OneDrive for Business, OneDrive for work or school, or for personal use, these techniques—from system tray access to Run window reset commands—can maintain the performance and reliability of your cloud storage service.

For persistent problems, consult Microsoft Support, check the Support Services portal, or use the Health dashboard to identify service-wide sync issues. By keeping your OneDrive app running optimally, you’ll ensure your document libraries, Shared Folders, and cloud-stored files remain accessible and secure across Windows 10, Windows 11, macOS, and mobile platforms.

Step-by-Step Visual Guide

1. Find OneDrive Cloud Icon: Located in the system tray.
2. Pause or Quit OneDrive: Right-click > Pause Syncing or Quit OneDrive.
3. Restart via Start Menu or Command Prompt.
4. Verify Syncing Location: Use OneDrive settings to check.
5. Check File Explorer: Ensure all files and folders appear correctly.

By following this guide, you can confidently maintain your sync engine and avoid cloud storage disruptions, keeping your Microsoft Office, Azure AD, and enterprise cloud workflows running smoothly.