How to Reset OneDrive Without Losing Files

Resetting OneDrive can fix stubborn sync problems without deleting the files stored in your OneDrive account. It is one of the most useful troubleshooting steps when OneDrive is stuck on “Processing changes,” files refuse to download, the cloud icon keeps showing an error, or OneDrive repeatedly stops syncing on Windows 11 or Windows 10.

The important part is using the correct reset method. Current Microsoft guidance first has Windows users run wsreset.exe, then use the OneDrive reset command if syncing still does not recover.

Resetting OneDrive is also different from unlinking your account, reinstalling OneDrive, or using Restore your OneDrive. Those actions solve different problems, so I will explain when each one makes sense.

Most importantly, resetting OneDrive on your computer does not delete your OneDrive files or cloud data. Microsoft says the reset disconnects your sync connections and OneDrive performs a full sync again afterward.

Quick Answer: How to Reset OneDrive on Windows

Press:

Windows + R

Type:

wsreset.exe

and select OK.

A blank Command Prompt window may briefly appear and close, and Microsoft Store may open. You can close the Store window.

If OneDrive still is not syncing, press Windows + R again and enter:

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

Select OK.

If Windows says it cannot find OneDrive, try:

C:\Program Files\Microsoft OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset

If that also fails, try:

C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset

After the reset, open Start, type OneDrive, and launch the OneDrive desktop app if it does not restart automatically.

Microsoft’s current Reset OneDrive instructions use this sequence.

Does Resetting OneDrive Delete Files?

No. Resetting the OneDrive sync app on your computer does not delete the files stored in your OneDrive account.

Microsoft states that you will not lose files or data by resetting OneDrive.

A reset does affect the sync relationship on the computer. OneDrive resets settings, disconnects sync connections, and performs a full sync again.

You may notice:

OneDrive rechecking many files
Files showing Sync pending
Temporary changes to sync icons
Higher disk or network activity
Personal and work or school accounts reconnecting
Folder-selection preferences needing to be configured again

If you previously selected only certain OneDrive folders to sync to the PC, Microsoft says you may need to choose those folders again after syncing completes.

What Does Resetting OneDrive Actually Do?

A OneDrive reset is not the same as deleting your OneDrive account or wiping the OneDrive folder.

Microsoft explains that the reset process rebuilds OneDrive’s local synchronization state. During a reset, OneDrive can reset application settings, disconnect current sync connections, rebuild its local synchronization database, recheck files against the cloud, and perform a full sync.

This is why resetting OneDrive can solve problems that survive an ordinary restart.

A normal restart closes and opens the application. A reset forces OneDrive to rebuild the information it uses to track synchronization.

When Should You Reset OneDrive?

I would consider resetting OneDrive when simpler fixes have failed and the problem appears to involve the sync client rather than a single file.

Common situations include:

OneDrive is stuck syncing
“Processing changes” never finishes
Files remain on Sync pending
OneDrive stops downloading cloud files
OneDrive does not upload new files
Cloud files refuse to open locally
OneDrive repeatedly crashes or closes
File Explorer shows incorrect OneDrive sync status
OneDrive synchronization becomes inconsistent after an update
The OneDrive icon disappears or stops responding
OneDrive reports cloud-file errors

Resetting OneDrive is particularly relevant to OneDrive error 0x80070194, where the cloud file provider can unexpectedly stop responding.

It can also be useful after working through the targeted steps for OneDrive error 0x80070184 or OneDrive error 0x80070185.

Do not reset OneDrive automatically for every problem. A single file with an invalid name, a full disk, an account-storage limit, or a permissions problem may require a more specific fix.

Before You Reset OneDrive

A reset is generally safe, but a few checks make the process easier.

Check OneDrive on the Web

This confirms that the cloud copy exists before you change the local sync client.

If a file exists only on the computer and has never finished uploading, keep a separate copy before troubleshooting.

Check for Unsynced Local Files

Look at OneDrive status icons in File Explorer.

Pay particular attention to files showing:

Red X
Sync pending
Upload error
A status that has remained unchanged for a long time

Copy irreplaceable local-only files outside the OneDrive folder temporarily if you are unsure whether they reached the cloud.

Close Important Files

Save and close documents that are currently open from the OneDrive folder.

This reduces the chance of applications holding files open while OneDrive rebuilds its sync state.

Know Which Account You Use

OneDrive can contain a personal Microsoft account, OneDrive for work or school, or both.

Microsoft says a reset disconnects all sync connections, including personal and work or school connections.

Method 1: Run wsreset.exe First

Microsoft’s current Windows reset page starts with wsreset.exe.

Press Windows + R, enter:

wsreset.exe

and click OK.

A blank Command Prompt window can appear briefly. Microsoft Store may then open. That behavior is normal.

Close Microsoft Store if you do not need it and check whether OneDrive begins syncing normally.

Microsoft says that if OneDrive still does not sync afterward, continue with the OneDrive sync-app reset command.

Method 2: Reset OneDrive With the LocalAppData Command

Press Windows + R, then enter:

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

Select OK.

You may not see a large confirmation window. OneDrive may disappear from the notification area while the reset is happening.

Wait briefly and check whether it restarts.

If it does not, open Start, search for OneDrive, and launch the OneDrive desktop app manually.

Method 3: Use the Program Files Reset Command

Some OneDrive installations are not found under the LocalAppData path.

If Windows displays a message similar to Windows cannot find OneDrive, try:

C:\Program Files\Microsoft OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset

Then open OneDrive from Start if it does not reopen automatically.

Method 4: Try the 32-Bit Program Files Path

If the previous command also fails, try:

C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset

This covers another possible installation location.

If none of Microsoft’s documented paths can find onedrive.exe, the OneDrive sync app may not be installed correctly.

At that point, reinstalling OneDrive may make more sense than repeatedly trying reset commands.

How to Restart OneDrive After Resetting It

A reset can close OneDrive without reopening it immediately.

To start it manually:

Open Start.
Type OneDrive.
Select the OneDrive desktop app.
Sign in if requested.
Wait for the cloud icon to appear.
Allow synchronization to resume.

Do not assume the reset failed simply because the cloud icon disappeared briefly.

What to Expect After Resetting OneDrive

OneDrive performs a full sync after the reset.

A full sync does not necessarily mean every cloud file will be downloaded again. With Files On-Demand, many files can remain as placeholders until opened or explicitly kept on the device.

During the rebuild, you may see:

Sync arrows on folders
Processing changes
Files being rechecked
Temporary CPU or disk activity
Network activity
Temporary changes in File Explorer status icons

Let OneDrive finish before deciding the reset did not work.

Recheck Choose Folders After a Reset

Microsoft warns that users who previously chose to sync only some folders may need to make those selections again.

After synchronization has settled:

Select the OneDrive cloud icon.
Open OneDrive settings.
Review the account and sync options.
Check which folders are selected.
Reapply your preferred folder selection if needed.

Do this separately for personal and work or school OneDrive accounts when applicable.

Reset the Microsoft Store OneDrive App

Windows can have more than one OneDrive-related app.

Microsoft notes that the Microsoft Store OneDrive app is not the same thing as the normal desktop sync client used to back up and synchronize files.

To reset the Store app using Microsoft’s current instructions:

Open Start.
Enter:

apps:onedrive

Open App settings.
Scroll down.
Select Reset.

For ordinary Windows file synchronization, make sure you are troubleshooting the desktop OneDrive sync application.

Reset OneDrive vs Restart OneDrive

These actions are not equivalent.

Restart

Restarting simply closes and launches the application again.

Use it for a temporary freeze, an unresponsive cloud icon, or a short-lived sync glitch.

Reset

Resetting rebuilds the synchronization state and settings.

Use it when restarting did not help, sync remains stuck, the local sync state appears damaged, cloud-file errors continue, or the client repeatedly fails to reconcile local and cloud data.

Reset OneDrive vs Unlink This PC

Unlinking OneDrive is another safe troubleshooting method, but it works differently.

Microsoft’s current unlink and re-link instructions say unlinking temporarily disconnects local folders from the cloud and does not delete OneDrive data.

To unlink OneDrive on Windows:

Select the OneDrive cloud icon.
Open Help & Settings.
Select Settings.
Open the Account tab.
Select Unlink this PC.
Confirm Unlink account.
Sign back in.
When prompted about the existing OneDrive folder, select Use this folder if appropriate.

Microsoft’s current sign-in cleanup instructions also use:

%localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\settings

and removal of:

PreSignInSettingsConfig.json

when following that specific unlink/relink troubleshooting path.

Use unlink/relink when the problem looks more account or connection-related. Use reset when OneDrive’s synchronization engine appears stuck or corrupted.

Reset OneDrive vs Reinstall OneDrive

Reinstalling is a bigger step.

Consider reinstalling OneDrive when:

None of the reset commands can find onedrive.exe
OneDrive will not launch
The installation appears damaged
Reset and unlink/relink both fail
The executable is missing
The app repeatedly crashes immediately after launch

Microsoft says uninstalling the OneDrive sync app does not delete cloud files.

Do not reinstall OneDrive just because one file refuses to sync.

Reset OneDrive vs Restore Your OneDrive

These names sound similar but describe completely different features.

Reset OneDrive

Resets the synchronization application on your computer.

It is used to repair sync behavior.

Restore Your OneDrive

Rolls OneDrive file activity back to an earlier time.

Microsoft’s Restore your OneDrive feature is intended for situations such as many files being accidentally deleted, overwritten, corrupted, or changed by malware.

Eligible Microsoft 365 subscribers can restore OneDrive activity from within the previous 30 days.

Do not use Restore your OneDrive simply because the desktop sync client is stuck.

Reset repairs the sync application. Restore changes file history.

How to Reset OneDrive on a Mac

Microsoft’s current Mac procedure is different from Windows.

Select the OneDrive cloud icon in the menu bar.
Open Preferences.
Pause syncing and quit OneDrive.
Open Applications in Finder.
Control-click OneDrive.
Select Show Package Contents.
Open:

Contents > Resources

Double-click:

ResetOneDriveApp.command

or:

ResetOneDriveAppStandalone.command

Start OneDrive again.
Complete setup.

When selecting the OneDrive location, Microsoft recommends choosing the previous sync location so unchanged files do not have to be downloaded again.

If you previously synced only selected folders, configure them again after synchronization.

Important Mac Caution

Microsoft has separate guidance for some macOS Files On-Demand problems that warns a reset can remove local content and that anything not synced to the cloud may be lost.

For that reason, verify that important files have reached OneDrive online before doing a Mac-specific reset when OneDrive is already malfunctioning.

How to Reset OneDrive on Android

Microsoft’s current Android guidance uses a stronger app reset.

The general sequence is:

Open Settings.
Open Applications or Apps.
Find OneDrive.
Force stop the app.
Clear app data and cache.
Uninstall OneDrive.
Reinstall it from Google Play.
Sign in again.

Android menu wording varies by manufacturer and version.

Clearing app data signs the app out and removes local app state. Make sure pending local uploads have completed first.

How to Reset OneDrive on iPhone

Microsoft’s current OneDrive instructions provide an in-app reset option on iOS.

Open OneDrive and go to:

Profile > Settings > Account

Select the relevant account if more than one is configured.

Then select Reset.

If the problem remains, Microsoft recommends reinstalling the OneDrive app.

Removing the app does not delete files already stored in OneDrive online.

OneDrive Is Still Not Syncing After Reset

A reset cannot fix every synchronization problem.

Check Internet Connectivity

Open several websites and make sure the computer has a stable connection.

Check OneDrive Storage

A full OneDrive account can stop new uploads.

Check Local Disk Space

Files marked for offline availability need local storage.

Check File Names and Paths

Invalid names, unusually long paths, or unsupported file conditions can block individual files.

Check Whether One File Is Blocking Sync

If OneDrive consistently stops at the same file, move that file temporarily outside the OneDrive folder and test again.

Check Microsoft Service Status

A widespread OneDrive or Microsoft 365 service problem cannot be repaired by resetting your local client.

Check Work or School Policies

Organizations can apply OneDrive policies, storage rules, permissions, and conditional-access requirements. On a managed computer, contact IT before making major account changes.

OneDrive Reset Command Does Nothing

The reset command does not always display a confirmation dialog.

If nothing appears:

Wait briefly.
Check the OneDrive cloud icon.
Open Task Manager and see whether OneDrive restarts.
Search for OneDrive from Start and launch it manually.
Check whether synchronization begins rebuilding.

The absence of a success pop-up does not automatically mean the command failed.

“Windows Cannot Find OneDrive” During Reset

Use Microsoft’s alternative paths in this order:

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

then:

C:\Program Files\Microsoft OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset

then:

C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset

If all three fail, verify whether the OneDrive desktop sync application is installed.

OneDrive Does Not Start After Reset

Open Start and search for OneDrive.

Launch the desktop app manually.

If nothing happens:

Restart Windows.
Search for OneDrive again.
Check installed apps.
Reinstall OneDrive if the application is missing or damaged.

Do not delete the OneDrive folder manually in an attempt to force the app to start.

OneDrive Is Syncing Everything Again After Reset

That is expected.

Microsoft says OneDrive performs a full sync after reset, so it rechecks the local and cloud synchronization state.

This does not necessarily mean every file will consume local disk space again. Files On-Demand can preserve cloud-only placeholders.

OneDrive Says Processing Changes After Reset

Some Processing changes activity is normal immediately after a reset.

If it remains stuck for an unusually long period:

Check whether the file count is changing.
Check the OneDrive activity panel.
Look for a specific file error.
Check disk space.
Check network stability.
Restart OneDrive.
Consider unlinking and relinking if the account connection appears broken.

Repeatedly resetting OneDrive while the first full sync is still running can make diagnosis harder.

Can Resetting OneDrive Fix Error 0x80070194?

Yes, it can be an appropriate fix.

Error 0x80070194 is associated with the cloud file provider unexpectedly exiting.

Use the complete error-specific steps in How to Fix OneDrive Error 0x80070194 if that is the message on your PC.

Can Resetting OneDrive Fix Error 0x80070184?

It can help when error 0x80070184 is caused by a stuck or damaged synchronization state, but first confirm that the cloud file exists online and test the affected file individually.

See How to Fix OneDrive Error 0x80070184 for the diagnostic order.

Can Resetting OneDrive Fix Error 0x80070185?

A reset can help when OneDrive error 0x80070185 appears because the local sync client cannot complete a cloud operation.

However, update OneDrive and Windows and check whether the file opens online before assuming the entire sync client needs rebuilding.

See How to Fix OneDrive Error 0x80070185 for the full troubleshooting sequence.

What Not to Do When Resetting OneDrive

Do not:

Delete the entire OneDrive folder as your first fix
Delete unknown OneDrive database files manually
Run random Registry cleaners
Remove work or school management settings without permission
Assume cloud-only files are broken because they are not stored locally
Repeatedly reset OneDrive while it is performing its first full sync
Use Restore your OneDrive when you only need to repair synchronization
Delete local-only unsynced work without making a copy
Follow outdated reset commands without checking current Microsoft guidance

Best Order for Fixing a Broken OneDrive Sync Client

For most persistent OneDrive sync problems:

Confirm important files appear on OneDrive online.
Save a separate copy of any clearly unsynced local-only files.
Restart OneDrive.
Restart Windows.
Run wsreset.exe.
Run the OneDrive /reset command.
Restart OneDrive manually.
Allow the full sync to complete.
Recheck selected folders.
Update OneDrive and Windows.
Unlink and relink the account if necessary.
Reinstall OneDrive if the application itself appears damaged.
Contact an administrator for work or school accounts when policies or permissions are involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I reset OneDrive on Windows 11?

Press Windows + R, run wsreset.exe, and check whether OneDrive begins syncing. If the problem remains, press Windows + R again and run:

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

Then launch OneDrive manually from Start if it does not restart.

How do I reset OneDrive on Windows 10?

Microsoft’s current Windows reset procedure uses the same sequence: run wsreset.exe first, then use the OneDrive /reset command if necessary.

Will resetting OneDrive delete my files?

No. Microsoft says resetting OneDrive on your computer does not delete files or data. It disconnects sync connections and causes OneDrive to perform a full synchronization again.

What is the OneDrive reset command?

The primary Microsoft-documented Windows command is:

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

Microsoft also provides Program Files alternatives when Windows cannot find that executable.

Why does Microsoft say to run wsreset.exe before resetting OneDrive?

That is part of Microsoft’s current published OneDrive reset flow. If running wsreset.exe does not restore syncing, Microsoft tells users to continue with the OneDrive sync-app /reset command.

Why is OneDrive not opening after the reset?

The app may not restart automatically. Open Start, search for OneDrive, and launch the desktop app manually.

How long does a OneDrive reset take?

The command itself is usually quick, but the subsequent full synchronization can take longer depending on the number of files, network connection, account type, and computer performance.

Why is OneDrive syncing thousands of files after reset?

OneDrive performs a full sync after a reset, so it rechecks the local and cloud synchronization state. This is expected.

Is reset the same as unlinking OneDrive?

No. Reset rebuilds the sync client’s local state. Unlinking temporarily disconnects the computer from the OneDrive account and lets you sign in and connect it again.

Is reset the same as reinstalling OneDrive?

No. Reinstalling removes and installs the application again. It is more appropriate when the OneDrive installation itself is missing or damaged.

Is Restore your OneDrive the same as resetting OneDrive?

No. Restore your OneDrive rolls file activity back to an earlier point in time. Resetting repairs the sync application.

Reset OneDrive Before Reinstalling It

A OneDrive reset is one of the best middle-ground troubleshooting steps when restarting does not fix synchronization but you do not yet have evidence that the application needs to be reinstalled.

Start with Microsoft’s current wsreset.exe step. If OneDrive still will not sync, run:

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

Use the Program Files alternatives if Windows cannot find the executable, then start OneDrive manually and allow the full sync to finish.

Your cloud files are not supposed to be deleted by the reset. The main changes happen to the local synchronization state and connections.

If the reset does not solve the problem, use the symptom to choose the next step. Account-connection problems point toward unlink/relink. A missing or damaged application points toward reinstalling. A specific cloud-file error should be handled with its dedicated troubleshooting steps.