🔧 OneDrive Troubleshooting

Use these steps if OneDrive is not syncing, files will not open, or OneDrive keeps freezing or closing.

1. Download Files to Your Computer

Helps when files will not open or OneDrive is causing the computer to freeze.

1. Select the OneDrive cloud icon. If it is not visible, open the OneDrive application.
2. Select Open Folder.
3. Right-click a file and select Always keep on this device.
4. Repeat for two or three files to see whether syncing resumes.

2. Pause and Resume Syncing

Helps with general syncing problems.

1. Select the OneDrive cloud icon. If it is not visible, open OneDrive.
2. Select the Settings (gear) icon.
3. Choose Pause syncing, then select 2 hours.
4. Open Settings again and select Resume syncing.

3. Reconnect OneDrive

Try this if the previous steps have not resolved the issue.

Important: Before disconnecting OneDrive, confirm that your important files are available in OneDrive online. If you have files that have not finished syncing or are unsure whether your files are backed up, contact Cedarville IT before continuing.

1. Select the OneDrive cloud icon.
2. Select the Settings (gear) icon.
3. Choose Settings/Preferences > Account > Unlink this PC/Mac > Unlink Account.
4. Open OneDrive and sign in again using your Cedarville account.
5. Follow the prompts. If prompted to use your existing OneDrive folder, select Use This Folder.

4. Remove Shared Folder Shortcuts

May help when large shared folders are causing syncing problems.

Important: Obtain the user's permission before removing a shortcut. Removing a shortcut should not delete the original shared folder, but be sure to select Remove shortcut, not Delete.

1. Select the OneDrive cloud icon.
2. Select View Online.
3. Find the shared folder shortcut.
4. Select the three dots beside the shortcut.
5. Choose Remove shortcut.

5. Move Problem Files Temporarily

May help when individual files are not syncing correctly.

Important: Moving files outside OneDrive can interrupt syncing or create duplicate files. Before proceeding, confirm that the files are safely backed up. If you are unsure, contact Cedarville IT for assistance.

1. Make note of the original file location.
2. Move the affected files to a folder outside OneDrive.
3. Wait for OneDrive to finish syncing.
4. Move the files back to their original location.
5. Check whether they sync successfully.

If the files still do not sync, they may need to remain stored locally until the issue is resolved.