Files won't sync and don't show as being in the cloud when I open a folder

Joe Meehan Sr 0 Reputation points
2026-08-20T15:12:42.1033333+00:00

My desktop and now my laptop will not sync files in one drive, I get a message it is missing an SPO file. I tried logging in again. My cloud has a line through it. I am running an update that has been running for over an hour, Any suggestions

Microsoft 365 and Office | OneDrive | For home | Windows
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  1. TaoLi 105.6K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-08-21T16:20:12.7033333+00:00

    Try not to wait for the update to finish, as the missing SPO file error is usually caused by a corrupted OneDrive cache or a broken sync connection.

    First, reset OneDrive:

    Press Win + R, enter:

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

    Wait a few minutes, then open OneDrive again.

    If the cloud icon still has a line through it, go to OneDrive Settings > Account > Unlink this PC, then sign in again.

    Official steps:https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/onedrive/reset-onedrive?

    If the issue remains, reinstall the latest OneDrive version: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/onedrive/download

    After reinstalling, sign in and allow some time for the files to sync completely.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-08-20T15:12:56.87+00:00

    A crossed-out OneDrive cloud usually means OneDrive is not running or is not signed in properly. If files do not show as in the cloud and sync is not working, use this order:

    1. Check whether OneDrive is running.
      • Look for the OneDrive cloud icon in the taskbar notification area.
      • If it is missing, open Start, type OneDrive, and open OneDrive.
      • Check whether it shows Signed in, Syncing, or Sign in required.
    2. If OneDrive is running but stuck, pause and resume sync.
      • Select the white or blue OneDrive cloud icon.
      • Select More or Pause syncing and choose 2 hours.
      • Then select Resume syncing.
      • This can restart a stuck sync process.
    3. Check whether too many files are being synced.
      • Open File Explorer.
      • Right-click the OneDrive folder and select Properties.
      • If the Contains count is over 300,000 files, sync can take a long time.
      • If so, reduce the number of files being synced.
    4. If one file is blocking sync, move it out and back.
      • Right-click the OneDrive cloud icon and select Close OneDrive.
      • In File Explorer, move the problem file to a folder outside OneDrive, such as **C:**.
      • Start OneDrive again from Start.
      • Wait until OneDrive shows Up to date.
      • Copy the file back into OneDrive.
    5. If a file shows a sync error, check whether it is open or missing permissions.
      • Close any file that is open in another app.
      • For a specific file, right-click it in File Explorer > Properties > Security.
      • Make sure Read and Write are allowed for the current account.
    6. If File Explorer still incorrectly shows items as syncing, rebuild the Windows Search index.
      • Select Start, type Indexing, and open Indexing Options.
      • Select Advanced > Rebuild.
      • This can take a long time, so run it outside active hours.

    Do not delete files from File Explorer until OneDrive is running again and the sync status is clear. A crossed-out cloud can prevent Windows from downloading or copying online-only files.

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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