How to Reset OneDrive on Windows With the /reset Command

Resetting OneDrive disconnects every sync connection and rebuilds them, which clears most stubborn sync failures without deleting your files.

Why: A reset wipes OneDrive’s broken sync state but leaves your data alone. After it runs, OneDrive re-syncs from the cloud and your local folder reconnects to its files.

Fix 1: Run the reset command

1. Press Win + R to open the Run box.
2. Paste this exactly and press OK:

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

A blank command window flashes and closes, then the OneDrive tray icon disappears for a minute or two while it resets.

Fix 2: Use a full path if you get “Windows cannot find…”

If the command above errors, the app is installed elsewhere. Try these in order, pressing OK after each:

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

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

Fix 3: Restart OneDrive if it doesn’t come back

The tray icon usually returns on its own. If it hasn’t after a few minutes:

• Select Start, type OneDrive, and open the OneDrive app to relaunch it.
• Sign in if prompted, and let the full sync finish.

After the reset

• You won’t lose files — reset only disconnects sync, it doesn’t delete data.
• It performs a full sync afterward, so syncing may take a while.
• If you previously synced only some folders, you’ll need to choose those folders again once sync completes.

FAQ

Will I lose anything by resetting? No. Reset disconnects sync connections (personal and work or school) but keeps your files.

Reset isn’t fixing a “Processing changes” hang — why? A reset can mask the real cause when one bad file is blocking sync. Find the blocker first — see OneDrive stuck on “Processing changes”.

Sources: Microsoft Support — Reset OneDrive