Buzz
OneDrive is a tool that ensures the safety of personal data and facilitates file sharing across multiple devices. However, during usage, many users complain that OneDrive sometimes prevents them from accessing stored files. If you're facing similar issues, read the following article for guidance on how to resolve them.
1. Check file permissions on OneDrive
Firstly, double-check the access rights to your files on OneDrive. The reason could be that the file owner has revoked viewing permissions for your account, but the file still appears in OneDrive.
Before anything else, access a folder in OneDrive and right-click on the folder you cannot open. Then, go to OneDrive and select 'Manage access'. A Manage Access menu will appear. If you don't see your name in the list, it means you don't have access permissions.
2. Reset OneDrive
Resetting OneDrive ensures that all shared files are retained so users need not worry. Follow the steps below:
Step 1. Press Win+R to access the Run dialog box.
Step 2: In the dialog box, paste the command line from %localappdata%MicrosoftOneDriveonedrive.exe /reset then press Enter.
Step 3. Windows will display the message 'Windows could not find...'. In the Run dialog, paste C:Program Files (x86)Microsoft OneDriveonedrive.exe /reset then press Enter.
Step 4. Access the OneDrive application on your computer again.
3. Check if files are set to On-Demand mode.
On-Demand feature in OneDrive allows users to save storage space on both mobile devices and computers.
This feature displays files that users have access to but won't download unless opened. If OneDrive encounters an On-Demand file error, it means you need an Internet connection to access the file.
If you want to set a file to be available offline, first go to the folder, then right-click and select 'Always keep on this device'. Depending on the file size and Internet connection, wait times may vary.
4. Configure Storage Sense settings
Storage Sense is a built-in feature in Windows that optimizes storage space on devices. When Storage Sense is activated, OneDrive adjusts online viewing mode for files not accessed in the last 30 days. Without an Internet connection, you may not access certain files.
Therefore, the best solution is to turn off Storage Sense.
Step 1. Press Windows key + I to launch Windows Settings.
Step 2. Go to System and then select Storage.
Step 3. In Storage management, toggle the switch to enable or disable Storage Sense.
5. Guide to check OneDrive settings
Step 1. Firstly, open OneDrive and go to Help & Settings > Settings.
Step 2. Select the Sync and backup tab.
Step 3. Proceed to disable the Automatically pause sync when this device is in battery save mode feature.
6. Disable Controlled Folder Access feature
Controlled Folder Access feature protects files by preventing modifications. However, this security feature may sometimes block users from opening OneDrive files. Therefore, turn off this feature.
Step 1. Firstly, right-click on the Start button and then select Settings.
Step 2. Go to Privacy & Security and then select Windows Security.
Step 3. Open Virus & threat protection.
Step 4. Click on Manage ransomware protection.
Step 5. Toggle off Controlled folder access using the switch below.
7. Disable VPN connection
One of the reasons OneDrive may block users from accessing files could be due to network changes detection. If users have set up a VPN connection, disable it and then restart OneDrive to check if this issue persists.
Here are the troubleshooting steps for unable to access files on OneDrive that you need to know. Save it for reference and application. Don't forget to follow Mytour for quick updates on the most useful information.
