OneDrive - Stop Sync and Reset Computer Link

Owned by Dan Jakubiak
Last updated: Sept 09, 2024
2 min read

Students, faculty, and staff may follow this guide to stop a current synchronization task, fix issues, and then create a fresh connection to OneDrive. Follow this guide if your computer is stuck synchronizing your data due to an attempt of synchronizing too many files. Example: you added a shortcut to a SharePoint site and the shortcut is carrying over way too many files.

Skipping steps or otherwise deviating from this guide will result in data loss. If needed, reach out to techsupport@uconn.edu for help before following this guide.

Unlink computer and fix issue

  1. Open OneDrive from the taskbar. Click on the settings wheel and then click on Settings.

    image-20240909-185845.png

  2. In the “Account” tab, click on Unlink this PC.

    image-20240909-191035.png

    You must “unlink” this computer; simply signing out of the app or closing the app will result in data loss.
    Depending on the number of files, this “unlink” process may take 15 minutes or longer.

  3. While you are waiting for the app to unlink, visit s.uconn.edu/onedrive and make sure your OneDrive is setup the way you wish it to be. Example: remove the problematic folder or delete problem files.
    Remember that your computer mimics what you see in your web browser.

  4. When the app is done unlinking, it will present you with a log in screen. Do not log in yet.

  5. Open File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (macOS) and navigate to your OneDrive files.

    1. The app should have removed all of your OneDrive files from your computer. If any files remain, manually delete them. This manual deletion may take 15 minutes or longer.

    2. If there were files/folders that you designated as “Always keep on this device”, those files may have remained on your computer. Be sure to remove them.
      Remember that your computer is unlinked from OneDrive, so your changes here cannot affect your cloud files.

  6. Once all the files have been removed, sign into the OneDrive app.
    The app is now pulling down a fresh copy of your OneDrive onto your computer!

  7. If you are asked about a pre-existing OneDrive folder, click Use this folder. You should not create a new folder; you cleaned up your OneDrive in Step 3.

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