How to Reset OneDrive on Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / September 18, 2025

If OneDrive on your Windows 11 PC is not syncing, crashing, or behaving oddly, a reset is often the quickest fix. Resetting clears OneDrive’s cache and settings, forcing it to re-sync files without deleting your actual data.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to reset OneDrive on Windows 11 step by step, why you might need to do it, and what to check before and after the reset.

Key Takeaways (Quick Summary)

  • Resetting OneDrive fixes common sync and performance issues.

  • You can reset OneDrive via a Run command, Command Prompt, or PowerShell.

  • Resetting does not delete files stored in the cloud.

  • After a reset, you may need to sign back in and choose folders to sync.

  • As a last resort, you can reinstall OneDrive if resetting doesn’t work.

Why Reset OneDrive on Windows 11?

Resetting OneDrive is like giving it a fresh start. You might need this if you’re experiencing:

  • Files not syncing properly.

  • OneDrive not opening or constantly crashing.

  • Sync conflicts and error codes (e.g., “0x8004de40”).

  • The OneDrive icon missing from the taskbar.

  • Excessive CPU or memory usage from OneDrive.

Before You Reset OneDrive

Resetting won’t delete your files stored in the cloud (on OneDrive.com), but it will:

  • Unlink your PC from OneDrive.

  • Clear local OneDrive app settings.

  • Require you to sign back in.

  • Force OneDrive to re-sync your folders.

👉 Make sure you know your Microsoft account credentials and have a stable internet connection before you begin.

How to Reset OneDrive on Windows 11

There are three main ways to reset OneDrive. Let’s go through them step by step.

Method 1: Reset OneDrive via Run Command

This is the quickest method.

Steps:

  1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.

  2. Copy and paste the following command:

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

  3. Press Enter.

  4. Wait a few moments — the OneDrive icon will disappear from the taskbar, then reappear once the reset is complete.

👉 If it doesn’t reappear, type this into Run and press Enter:

%localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe

Method 2: Reset OneDrive via Command Prompt

For users who prefer the command line:

Steps:

  1. Press Win + S, type cmd, and select Run as administrator.

  2. In the Command Prompt window, enter:

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

  3. Press Enter and wait for OneDrive to restart.

Method 3: Reset OneDrive via PowerShell

Another alternative is using PowerShell.

Steps:

  1. Right-click the Start menu and select Windows Terminal (Admin).

  2. Type:

    Start-Process "$env:LOCALAPPDATA\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe" -ArgumentList "/reset"

  3. Press Enter and wait for the reset to complete.

What to Do After Resetting OneDrive

Once OneDrive resets, follow these steps:

  • Sign back in with your Microsoft account.

  • Choose folders you want to sync (you can select all or specific ones).

  • Wait for syncing to complete (large libraries may take time).

  • Verify that the OneDrive icon appears in the taskbar again.

What If Resetting OneDrive Doesn’t Work?

If OneDrive is still not functioning properly, try these additional fixes:

  1. Update Windows 11 – Outdated system files can cause sync errors.

  2. Update OneDrive – Get the latest version from the Microsoft OneDrive website.

  3. Unlink and relink OneDrive – Go to Settings > Accounts > OneDrive > Unlink this PC, then set it up again.

  4. Reinstall OneDrive –

    • Press Win + I, go to Apps > Installed Apps.

    • Find Microsoft OneDrive, select Uninstall.

    • Download and reinstall it from the Microsoft Store.

Common Errors Fixed by Resetting OneDrive

  • OneDrive stuck on “Processing changes”.

  • Error code 0x8004de40 (connection issues).

  • Error code 0x8004de85 (sign-in issues).

  • OneDrive missing files or folders after updates.

  • OneDrive consuming high CPU usage continuously.

Best Practices to Prevent OneDrive Issues

  • Keep Windows and OneDrive updated.

  • Avoid installing too many third-party sync tools.

  • Regularly check your storage quota.

  • Use a stable internet connection when syncing large files.

  • Sign out and sign back in occasionally to refresh sync settings.

Conclusion

Resetting OneDrive on Windows 11 is one of the fastest ways to resolve common syncing and performance issues. Whether you use the Run dialog, Command Prompt, or PowerShell, the reset process is quick, safe, and effective.

Remember: a reset doesn’t delete your cloud files — it just refreshes the app. If resetting doesn’t fix the issue, updating or reinstalling OneDrive is the next step.

With this guide, you now have all the tools to keep OneDrive running smoothly on your Windows 11 PC.

FAQs

1. Will resetting OneDrive delete my files?

No, your files stored in OneDrive cloud remain safe. Only local settings are reset.

2. How long does a OneDrive reset take?

Usually just a few minutes, depending on the size of your synced folders.

3. Why is OneDrive not restarting after reset?

Run the command %localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe manually to relaunch it.

4. Do I need admin rights to reset OneDrive?

No, but reinstalling OneDrive may require admin privileges.

5. Can I reset OneDrive without losing selective sync settings?

No, after a reset you’ll need to reconfigure which folders you want to sync.

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