Unlink and re-link OneDrive

Unlinking and re-linking your computer to OneDrive can help solve some sync problems.

You can also use these same steps to move your OneDrive to a new location, such as an external disk drive.

No data will be lost by unlinking and re-linking your OneDrive, your local folders are just disconnected from the cloud for a short while. Any changes made while you're unlinked will be synced once re-linking is complete.

Unlink your OneDrive account

Unlink-Relink image alternate text

  1. Select the OneDrive cloud in your notification area to show the OneDrive pop-up.Blue and white OneDrive icons

  2. Select the OneDrive Help and Settings icon  then select Settings.

  3. Go to the Account tab.A screenshot showing the Account tab in OneDrive settings.

  4. Select Unlink this PC.

Clear sign in credentials

  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.

Sign in again to re-link your account

  1. Sign in when prompted.

    If OneDrive doesn't open, press the Windows key , type OneDrive then select the OneDrive app.

  2. When you sign in, OneDrive will prompt you that a folder already exists: select Use this folder.

    Select Choose new folder if you want to move your OneDrive to a new location.

  3. OneDrive will now sync your files and folders back to your computer. OneDrive won't download all your files, (just their placeholders to save space, learn more), but this will still take some time.

  4. Once your files have re-synced, you can clean up your Computer folder view and choose which folders to sync to your PC.

  5. If you still have OneDrive sync issues, try resetting OneDrive.

Unlink your OneDrive account

  1. Click the OneDrive cloud icon up in your Menu bar, click the three dots  to open the menu, and select Preferences.

  2. Go to the Account tab.

  3. Select Unlink this PC.

Clear sign in credentials

  1. Open the Keychain Access app on your Mac. If your keychains aren’t visible, choose Window > Keychain Access.

  2. Select a keychain in the Keychains list.

  3. Choose File > Delete Keychain [OneDrive/Office/MS].

  4. Click Delete References.

Sign in again to re-link your account

  1. Sign in when prompted.

  2. When you sign in, OneDrive will prompt you that a folder already exists: select Use this folder.

    Select Choose new folder if you want to move your OneDrive to a new location.

  3. OneDrive will now sync your files and folders back to your computer. OneDrive won't download all your files, (just their placeholders to save space, learn more), but this will still take some time.

  4. Once your files have re-synced, you can clean up your Computer folder view and choose which folders to sync to your PC.

  5. If you still have OneDrive sync issues, try resetting OneDrive.

Need more help?

Contact support icon

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.

Work or school badge

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

Need more help?

Want more options?

Explore subscription benefits, browse training courses, learn how to secure your device, and more.

Communities help you ask and answer questions, give feedback, and hear from experts with rich knowledge.