Clearing the OneDrive cache can help resolve issues with syncing files, improve performance, and free up storage space.
Having too much cache data can slow down your computer and make it difficult to access your files.
To clear the OneDrive cache, you can try deleting the cache folder manually.
This method is a bit more involved, but it can be effective in removing any corrupted or duplicate files that may be causing issues.
Troubleshooting OneDrive Issues
If you're having trouble signing into OneDrive, it could be due to an outdated OneDrive version, an unstable or no internet connection, or running an older Windows version.
One of the possible reasons you can't log in is an outdated OneDrive version.
To troubleshoot OneDrive issues, you can try resetting the app without losing your files. This can be done using the Command Prompt.
To reset OneDrive, open Windows Terminal and switch to Command Prompt.
In the Command Prompt window, type the following command to reset OneDrive: %localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset.
After executing the command, wait a few moments for OneDrive to reset. You should see the OneDrive icon reappear in your system tray, indicating that it is restarting and re-syncing.
If OneDrive doesn’t restart automatically, you can manually start it by typing the following command: %localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe.
Clear the Cache
To clear the cache, you'll need to access the OneDrive folder on your computer. Open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Users\Username\AppData\Local\Microsoft\OneDrive, replacing Username with your actual user account name.
If AppData isn't visible, make sure to enable Hidden items from the View ribbon. Alternatively, you can open the command prompt with admin access and type %localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset in the text field, then hit Enter.
Once you're in the OneDrive folder, press Ctrl + A to select all items and hit the Delete key. This will reset all OneDrive settings on your computer, including stored sign-in information.
You can also clear the cache on your desktop by following these steps. Open OneDrive, click on the OneDrive icon on your taskbar or system tray, and select the Help & Settings option.
Click on Settings, then navigate to the Advanced tab and select the “Files On-Demand” section. From there, hit “Choose Folders” and a fresh window will appear, displaying the folders currently synced to your device.
Press the “Clear Cache” button to wipe cached data off your device. After clearing the cache, tap “OK” to lock in your changes.
Here are the steps to clear the cache in OneDrive on your desktop and mobile devices:
Desktop:
1. Open OneDrive
2. Click on the OneDrive icon on your taskbar or system tray
3. Select the Help & Settings option
4. Click on Settings
5. Navigate to the Advanced tab
6. Select the “Files On-Demand” section
7. Hit “Choose Folders”
8. Press the “Clear Cache” button
Mobile:
Unfortunately, the article does not provide clear instructions on how to clear the cache on mobile devices.
Resetting OneDrive
Resetting OneDrive is a reliable way to resolve sync problems and reset the app without losing your files. It's a method that's been around for a while, and it's still effective today.
There are several reasons why you might need to reset OneDrive, including outdated software, faulty installations, and incorrect credentials. An outdated OneDrive version, for example, can cause issues with syncing.
To reset OneDrive, you'll need to open Windows Terminal and switch to Command Prompt. This will give you access to the Command Prompt window where you can enter the reset command.
The reset command is: %localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset. Press Enter to execute the command, and OneDrive will reset and clear any cached settings.
After executing the command, wait a few moments for OneDrive to reset. You should see the OneDrive icon reappear in your system tray, indicating that it's restarting and re-syncing.
If OneDrive doesn't restart automatically, you can manually start it by typing the following command in Command Prompt: %localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe. Press Enter, and OneDrive should now be fully reset and functioning.
Here are the possible reasons you can't log in to OneDrive:
- An outdated OneDrive version.
- An unstable or no internet connection.
- You're running an older Windows version.
- There are corrupted cache files within OneDrive.
Platform-Specific Solutions
To clear the OneDrive cache, you'll need to follow different steps depending on your device's operating system.
For Android users, accessing the Settings menu is the first step. Choose Apps & notifications from the menu, then select All apps. This will allow you to launch OneDrive and access its Storage settings.
Selecting Storage within OneDrive will give you the option to Clear cache and data. Wait for the cache to be cleared, which may take a few minutes. Once the cache is cleared, you’ll see a notification confirming that the process is complete.
The process of clearing the cache is straightforward and takes only a few minutes to complete.
Sources
- https://www.makeuseof.com/cant-sign-in-to-onedrive-windows/
- https://www.sorcim.com/blog/how-to-clean-up-onedrive-cache-and-files
- https://winbuzzer.com/2024/09/05/how-to-reset-onedrive-in-windows-11-or-windows-10-xcxwbt/
- https://www.poremsky.com/office/clear-onedrive-onedrive-business-cache/
- https://www.cloudduplicatefinder.com/blog/onedrive-cache-location-clearing-cache-and-getting-more-free-storage/
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