What do the OneDrive error codes mean?

We’re sorry you’re having problems with OneDrive. Select your error message or error code from the lists below to learn more. 

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.

STATUS: WORKAROUND

Read more about how to resolve the error when accessing files in OneDrive.

If you can't access the store, try these tips:

  1. Ensure you have the latest Store app, and are signed in with an account that has permissions to buy or download apps.

  2. Buy your subscription online at https://onedrive.live.com/about/plans/

To help you add your folder, read more about when you're not signed in.

This can be because you are signed in with a different Microsoft account. Check which account is on your mobile device:

  1. Open the OneDrive app.

  2. Tap your profile picture or the icon.​​​​​​​

  3. Your account name is at the top of the screen underneath Me. If your work or school account is shown, tap OneDrive work or school account icon to see other account options, or select + Add account to add your personal Microsoft account.

After deselecting a folder from the list of folders you choose to sync, you may see an error: "The file or folder already exists on OneDrive."

Workaround options:

Option 1: Delete it from the PC.

Note: It’s safe to delete the file because it’s still available in OneDrive online. If you don’t want to have the folder in OneDrive and only have the folder on your PC, move the folder out of the PC’s OneDrive folder (see option 2 below).

Option 2: Remove the file or folder from OneDrive.

Note: With the file included in your list of folders to sync, move the folder to another place outside the OneDrive folder structure. This will delete the files and folder from OneDrive.com and make them only available on your PC.

ISSUE

This issue can occur if you have signed in to a Microsoft 365 app with an account that doesn't have permission to upload files to OneDrive.

SOLUTION

Reset windows settings app which was signed in with my work account, reinstall OneDrive app and it resolved the issue.

  1. Follow the steps listed to add OneDrive as a service.

If that doesn't help, you may need to clear old OneDrive credentials by following the steps below.

Some users may have issues signing in to OneDrive with credentials that have expired on the computer.

ISSUE

A duplicate file is created with your computer name added to the filename, for example:

  • book1.xlsx

  • book1-desktop-computer.xlsx

WORKAROUND

Windows:

  1. Press the Windows key + R to open a "Run" dialog.

  2. Enter the path %localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\settings and select OK.

  3. Delete the PreSignInSettingsConfig.json file.

Mac:

  1. From Spotlight search type “keychain” and select "Keychain Access”. If it's not visible in Spotlight, go to the Utilities folder and open Keychain Access from there.

  2. Search for “OneDrive.”

  3. Delete “OneDrive Cached Credential.”

  4. Run OneDrive.

If these workarounds don't resolve the issue, please uninstall and reinstall OneDrive:

Note: You won't lose files or data by disabling or uninstalling OneDrive on your computer. You can always access your files by signing in to OneDrive.com.

It can take up to 24 hours for your subscription to become visible.

  1. Go to Manage storage and check if your subscription and storage is visible.

  2. If this issue persists after 24 hours, please contact support.

ISSUE

When you try to add your account to OneDrive for Mac, you may receive the error: "You're already syncing this account."

STATUS: WORKAROUND

  1. From Spotlight search type “keychain” and select " Keychain Access”. If it's not visible in Spotlight, go to the Utilities folder and open Keychain Access from there.

  2. Search for “OneDrive.”

  3. Delete “OneDrive Cached Credential.”

  4. Go to /Users/<username>/Library/Group Containers/

  5. Find and delete UBF8T346G9.OneDriveSyncClientSuite.plist and UBF8T346G9.OfficeOneDriveSyncIntegration.plist

  6. Restart OneDrive.

ISSUE

You are unable to sign in to OneDrive and the "You're syncing a different account" error appears. This may occur after you have changed your Microsoft Account password.

STATUS: WORKAROUND

For more details on the workarounds, read OneDrive shows "You're syncing a different account" error.

This file can't be synced

If you see the OneDrive error message "This file can't be synced" you may need to do one or more steps to get the file syncing again, depending on the error. Learn more.

Files with this icon won't sync

You may see this icon if you sign in to OneDrive with a work or school account. It means your admin has blocked the sync of certain file types. It's most common to block Outlook data files. Learn how to move Outlook data files.

If you also sign in to OneDrive with a personal account, the same restrictions will apply.

"Can't open file" error in OneDrive

If Windows displays an error message saying "Can't open file", make sure OneDrive is running. See "Can't open file" error in OneDrive for more details.

ISSUE

Some users may see error message "you do not have access permissions to the item" when trying to use OneDrive.

RESOLUTION

The file may be in use elsewhere, but to ensure file permissions are not the cause, follow these steps:

  1. Open File Explorer and browse to the file you need to change permissions for.

  2. Right-click the file and select Properties.

  3. Select the Security tab.

  4. Under Groups or user names, choose Edit.

  5. Select each listed user or group to view and change permissions.

  6. Ensure that Full control Allow option is checked.

  7. Click Apply and then OK.

  8. Restart your computer.

If you are trying to open an online-only file in OneDrive and see the following error:

OneDrive error: Couldn’t start Files on Demand Please restart your computer and try again. Error codes: <error code>

Couldn’t start Files on Demand

Please restart your computer and try again.

This may be because the Files on Demand service is being blocked from starting by legacy filters on some antivirus software. To address this issue, try the following:

Solution 1: Update and restart your computer

Install the latest Windows and Office updates and restart your computer. For more information, see Update Windows and Install Office updates.

You should also ensure that OneDrive itself is updated to the latest version. Here's how:

  1. Open OneDrive settings (select the OneDrive cloud icon in your notification area, and then select the OneDrive Help and Settings icon then Settings.)

  2. Go to the Sync and back up tab and expand the Advanced settings.

  3. Under Files On-Demand, select either Free up disk space  or Download all files .

On the OneDrive release notes page that opens, check that number against the latest release at the top of the page, and select Download OneDrive for Windows if the latest release is a higher number.

Solution 2: Update your antivirus software

Updating your antivirus software may update the filters that cause this issue. For more details, contact your software manufacturer.

Learn more

More fixes for recent OneDrive issues

What do the OneDrive icons mean?

Need more help?

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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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