Is the OneDrive application not working? Follow the below steps to fix the problem of OneDrive not starting in Windows 11 & 10.
OneDrive is one of the most popular cloud services with several features like file on-demand, backing up PC folders, Office 365 integration, and many more, designed specifically for Windows users. As such, most Windows users, especially those working as professionals or in organizations, depend on OneDrive to backup and share files. For example, I use OneDrive to share and sync all my work-related files.
That being said, recently, I got hit by a strange issue where the OneDrive is not starting. That is, when I open OneDrive from the Start menu, the OneDrive folder opens but the application won’t start or run. That means I’m unable to sync files with the cloud. So, I did some troubleshooting and found that the problem was pretty easy to fix.
Like me, if you too are facing the same problem, follow the below methods and steps to fix the OneDrive not starting issue on Windows 11 and Windows 10. Let’s get started.
Good to know: How to sync any folder to OneDrive
Before You Begin
- You require administrator rights to fix the OneDrive not starting problem.
- The method and steps below are tested to work on Windows 11 & Windows 10.
Methods to fix the problem:
- Restart your PC
- Ensure OneDrive sync is not disabled in the Group Policy
- Ensure OneDrive sync is not disabled in the Registry Editor
- Reinstall OneDrive
1. Restart Your Computer
I know it sounds basic, but trust me, a simple restart often fixes a lot of problems. If some app or process is preventing OneDrive from opening, a restart will usually take care of it. And remember, I mean restart, not just shutting down and turning it back on.
So, close all the programs and reboot your computer. To do that, right-click on the Start button on the taskbar and select “Shut down or sign out” > “Restart“.
After rebooting, try launching OneDrive by searching for it in the Start menu. If the application launches normally, it’s good and you’ve successfully fixed the problem. Otherwise, follow the next steps.
2. Ensure OneDrive sync is not disabled in the Group Policy
Note: This method only works for those using Pro or Enterprise editions. If you are using the Home edition, follow the 3rd method.
If the “Prevent the usage of OneDrive for file storage” policy is enabled, it will prevent OneDrive from opening. Even if you did not enable it, there are several ways it can be enabled automatically or accidentally. So, it is better to check and disable the policy to make the OneDrive app start working again. Here’s how you can do it:
- Open the Run dialog using “Windows key + R”.
- Type “gpedit.msc” and click “OK“.
- Go to the “Computer Configuration” > “Administrative Templates” folder.
- Open the “Windows Components” > “OneDrive” folder.
- Double-click on the “Prevent the usage of OneDrive for file storage” policy.
- Select the “Not configured” option.
- Click “OK“.
- Close the Group Policy window.
- Restart your computer.
After restarting, open the OneDrive application. It should run normally. If not, follow the 4th method.
3. Ensure OneDrive sync is not disabled in the Registry Editor
Note: Before proceeding, please back up the registry. The backup lets you restore it if something goes wrong.
In the Registry, if a value called “DisableFileSyncNGSC” is set to “1”, it stops OneDrive from running or syncing. Changing it to “0” fixes the problem and OneDrive will start normally. Here’s how to do it.
- Open the Start menu.
- Type “Registry Editor” and click “Open“.
- Go to the following folder in the Registry Editor.HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\OneDrive
- On the right panel, double-click the “DisableFileSyncNGSC” value.
- Type “0” in the “Value Data” field.
- Click “OK“.
- Close the Registry Editor.
- Restart your system.
Note: If you cannot find the “DisableFileSyncNGSC” value, there is no need for any changes.
After restarting, try to launch OneDrive. If the registry value is the culprit, the OneDrive application will open normally.
4. Reinstall OneDrive
If the above methods did work to fix the problem, you can reinstall OneDrive as a nuclear option. Reinstalling definitely fixes the problem but you might have to reconfigure the app settings. Here’s how to do it
Though OneDrive is a built-in application, you can still uninstall it like any other application. To do that follow the below steps:
On Windows 11:
- Open the Settings app by pressing “Windows key + I”.
- Go to the “Apps” > “Installed Apps” page.
- Click the “three dots” next to “Microsoft OneDrive”.
- Click “Uninstall“.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to uninstall OneDrive.
- Restart your computer.
- Follow these steps to reinstall OneDrive.
On Windows 10:
- Open the Settings app by pressing “Windows key + I”.
- Go to the “Apps” > “Apps & features” page.
- Click on “Microsoft OneDrive“.
- Click “Uninstall“.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to uninstall OneDrive.
- Restart your computer.
- Follow these steps to reinstall OneDrive.

Wrapping Up: Fixing OneDrive Not Starting Problem
As you can see, if OneDrive is not starting in your system, you have four ways to fix the problem. In most cases, restarting your system (the first method) fixes the problem. If not, ensure OneDrive is not configured to disable syncing by following the second or third methods. If those also didn’t work, as a nuclear option, you can uninstall and reinstall OneDrive. The fourth and final method works in all cases and fixes the problem.
If you have any questions or need help, comment below. I’ll be happy to assist.
I just want to say thank you for this.
This has been a life saver my issue was the the Registry issue and has been driving me mad for some time.
I’m glad it worked out for you. Have a good day and see you around 🙂
Point 3 solved my problem. Thank you.
Same here, Also Thanks
I have OD, not OD for business. I have done all your steps. Installing the client works fine, then sign-in and the onedrive is starting. The icon on the taskbar turn on and after a while it disappear again. The onedrive folder remain empty. There is no problem to sync the onedrive to another computer. Any idea?
Thank you! After a thousand posts, yours saved me. My registry was set, for some reason, to 1. Thank you again!
Thanx a LOT!!! Enabling OneDrive in GroupPolicy did the trick for me 🙂
I just want to say thank you for this.
This has been a life saver my issue was the the Registry issue and has been driving me mad for some time.