SOLVED: How to Fix OneDrive Not Starting in Windows 10

If the OneDrive application is not starting in Windows 10, you can fix it quite easily. Follow these steps to fix OneDrive not starting in Windows 10.

OneDrive is one of the most popular cloud services out there. Since the OneDrive application is built into Windows 10, most Windows users depend on it to backup and share files. In fact, I myself use OneDrive on daily basis to sync work and project files between devices. Since OneDrive is part of my workflow, it vital to me that the OneDrive application in Windows 10 works properly. Put simply, having a working OneDrive application to sync files is very important.

That being said, recently, I got hit by a strange issue where the OneDrive is not starting. That is, when I try to open OneDrive from the Start menu, the OneDrive folder is opening but the OneDrive application is not starting or running. As such, I’m unable to sync files with the cloud. Thankfully, the OneDrive not starting problem is pretty easy to fix.

Follow the methods and steps show below to quickly fix the problem in Windows 10.

Fix OneDrive Not Starting in Windows 10

Follow the below steps/methods one after the other to fix OneDrive not starting in Windows 10.

• Restart the Windows 10 PC
• Make sure OneDrive is not disabled in Group Policy
• Make sure OneDrive is not disabled in Registry Editor
• Reinstall OneDrive

1. Restart the Windows 10 PC

I know this sounds very basic, but trust me, restarting the system will fix a wide range of issues. If an application or process is blocking OneDrive from opening, restarting will unlock it and fix the issue. So, close all the programs and reboot Windows 10. After rebooting, try to launch OneDrive. If the application launches as it should, it is good and you’ve successfully fixed the problem. Otherwise, follow the next steps.

2. Make sure OneDrive is not disabled in Group Policy

If a group policy called “Prevent the usage of OneDrive for file storage” is enabled, it will prevent OneDrive from opening. So, setting the policy to “Not configured” or “Disabled” will remove the restriction and lets you use the OneDrive app.

1. Open the Run window. You can do that by pressing the “Win + R” shortcut.
2. Type “gpedit.msc” and click “Ok“.
3. After opening the Group Policy Editor, go to the “Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → OneDrive” folder.
4. Double-click on the “Prevent the usage of OneDrive for file storage” policy.
   
5. Select “Not configured” or “Disabled” option.
6. Click the “Apply” and “Ok” buttons.
   
7. Close the Group Policy Editor.
8. Restart Windows 10.

After restarting, try to launch OneDrive. If the group policy is the culprit, the OneDrive application will open normally.

3. Make sure OneDrive is not disabled in Registry Editor

If there is a value called “DisableFileSyncNGSC” in the Windows Registry Editor, it will block you from opening or using the OneDrive application. So, you should either change its value data or delete it. Here’re the steps you should follow.

1. Open the Start menu.
2. Type “Registry Editor” and press “Enter“.
3. Now, paste the below path in the Registry Editor’s address bar and press Enter

   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\OneDrive

4. Double-click the “DisableFileSyncNGSC” value. You will find it on the right panel.
   
5. Type “0” in the Value Data field.
6. Click “Ok” to see the Value Data field.
   
7. Close the Registry Editor.
8. Restart Windows.

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

Though OneDrive is built into Windows 10 and you can still uninstall it like any other application. If the OneDrive is not opening, uninstalling and reinstalling the application should fix the issue no matter what. Before uninstalling OneDrive, make sure to back up any files that a yet to be synced with OneDrive cloud.

You can uninstall the OneDrive application from the “Control Panel → Programs & Feature” page or from the “Settings → Apps → Apps & features” page. After uninstalling OneDrive, follow the instructions on the linked page to reinstall OneDrive.

That is all. It is that simple to “fix OneDrive not opening” problem in Windows 10. If you are stuck or need some help, comment below and I will try to help as much as possible.