"OneDrive cannot connect to Windows" error when accessing files in OneDrive
Applies ToOneDrive for Business Microsoft 365 admin OneDrive (work or school) OneDrive (home or personal) OneDrive (work or school) operated by 21Vianet OneDrive for Windows

Last Updated: 17 November 2021

ISSUE

After enabling Files on Demand in OneDrive, some customers may see the following error when trying to access items in your OneDrive folder.

  • OneDrive cannot connect to Windows. Files On-Demand requires a connection to Windows in order to show your files without taking up space on this device. OneDrive can keep trying to connect to Windows or you can choose to download all your files. You won't be able to use online-only files until this is fixed.

All your OneDrive files and folders are safe, and you can access them through the OneDrive website or the OneDrive mobile app.

RESOLUTION

Please ensure that Windows and OneDrive are up to date.

  1. Open Windows Update and download and install all available updates.

    Open Windows Update

  2. Download and install the latest version of OneDrive.

    Get OneDrive

  3. Restart your computer.

Read more

Learn about OneDrive Files On-Demand

Fixes or workarounds for recent issues in OneDrive

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Contact Support For help with your Microsoft account and subscriptions, visit Account & Billing Help.

For technical support, go to Contact Microsoft Support, enter your problem and select Get Help. If you still need help, select Contact Support to be routed to the best support option.

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Admins Admins should view Help for OneDrive Admins, the OneDrive Tech Community or contact Microsoft 365 for business support.

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