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OneDrive sync troubleshooting

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OneDrive sync troubleshooting

A diagnostic ladder for OneDrive sync issues on Windows and macOS — common causes and how to fix them.

Solving Microsoft 365 · www.solvingmicrosoft365.com/guides/onedrive-sync-troubleshooting

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01

Quick first checks

Before deep troubleshooting:

Solving Microsoft 365 · www.solvingmicrosoft365.com/guides/onedrive-sync-troubleshooting

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02

Sign-in problems

The OneDrive client requires sign-in. Common patterns:

Solving Microsoft 365 · www.solvingmicrosoft365.com/guides/onedrive-sync-troubleshooting

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03

Sync stuck or slow

If files aren't uploading or downloading:

Solving Microsoft 365 · www.solvingmicrosoft365.com/guides/onedrive-sync-troubleshooting

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04

File conflicts

When the same file is edited by two devices offline, OneDrive creates a conflict file — the original name plus -DESKTOPNAME or similar. Both versions are preserved; user picks which to keep.

Solving Microsoft 365 · www.solvingmicrosoft365.com/guides/onedrive-sync-troubleshooting

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05

Known Folder Move issues

KFM redirects Desktop, Documents, and Pictures into OneDrive. Common issues:

Solving Microsoft 365 · www.solvingmicrosoft365.com/guides/onedrive-sync-troubleshooting

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06

SharePoint library sync failures

For users syncing SharePoint libraries (rather than just their OneDrive):

Solving Microsoft 365 · www.solvingmicrosoft365.com/guides/onedrive-sync-troubleshooting

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07

Reset and rebuild

When all else fails:

Solving Microsoft 365 · www.solvingmicrosoft365.com/guides/onedrive-sync-troubleshooting

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