Use this process if OneDrive is not syncing properly, missing files, or behaving unexpectedly.
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Exit OneDrive:
Click the OneDrive icon in the taskbar (cloud icon: white for personal, blue for business).
Click the gear icon ⚙️ > Quit OneDrive.
Confirm when prompted.
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Restart OneDrive:
Press
Windows + S, type OneDrive, and press Enter.Alternatively, go to Start > Programs > OneDrive
📊 Understanding OneDrive Status Icons
Each file and folder in OneDrive shows a sync status icon. Here's what they mean:
| Icon | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ☁️ Cloud Only | File is online-only. It doesn’t take up space and downloads when opened. |
| ✅ Green Tick (Outlined) | File is locally available and opens without internet, but can be made online-only. |
| ✅ Solid Green Tick (White check on green) | File is marked as “Always keep on this device.” It stays local permanently. |
| 🔄 Circular Arrows | File/folder is syncing. Changes are being uploaded/downloaded. |
| ❌ Red X | File failed to sync. Click the icon for more info or resolve manually. |
| 🚫 Blocked Icon | Item isn’t allowed to sync (unsupported file type, permissions issue, etc). |
| 🔍 Greyed Out | OneDrive is paused or disconnected. Check the app icon in the taskbar/menu bar. |