How to Clear the OneDrive Cache on Windows and Mac

OneDrive keeps local data on your device to support syncing and make files available. Clearing or resetting that data can help when the app is stuck, shows outdated information, or repeatedly reports sync problems. It is not the same as deleting files from OneDrive online.

Before you start, make sure the OneDrive icon shows that syncing is complete. If you have files marked as pending, recent edits, or files available only on this device, wait for them to sync or make a separate copy. Menu names and options can vary slightly by OneDrive version and operating system.

What You’ll Need

A Windows PC or Mac with OneDrive installed
Access to the account that runs OneDrive
An internet connection to sync files again after the reset
Time to let OneDrive rebuild its local data and check the sync

Step-by-Step

Check sync status. Select the OneDrive cloud icon in the notification area on Windows or the menu bar on Mac. Look for a message that syncing is up to date. If syncing is paused or an error appears, resolve it first if possible. Copy any important unsynced files to another folder or an external drive before proceeding.
Close OneDrive. Select the cloud icon, open its menu, and choose the option to quit or close OneDrive. If you cannot find it, use the app’s menu or the operating system’s normal quit controls. Closing the app helps prevent it from using files while its local data is being reset.
Reset OneDrive on Windows. Press Windows key + R to open Run. Paste %localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset and press Enter. If Windows says it cannot find the path, try C:\Program Files\Microsoft OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset, then C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset. These paths depend on where OneDrive is installed.
Wait, then reopen OneDrive on Windows. The cloud icon may disappear while the app resets. Give it a moment, then open OneDrive from the Start menu. If it does not restart on its own, launch it manually. The app may need to check your account and rebuild its local sync information.
Reset OneDrive on Mac. Open Finder, go to Applications, and locate OneDrive. If the app includes a reset script in its package, open the app’s context menu, choose Show Package Contents, and look in Contents > Resources for a file named ResetOneDriveApp.command or a similarly named reset script. Open it and follow any prompts. The precise script name and location can differ by version; do not run an unfamiliar file from another source.
Restart OneDrive on Mac. Open OneDrive from Applications or the Dock. If prompted, sign in using the account you normally use. The app may ask you to choose the OneDrive folder or confirm its location. Choose the existing folder if it is the one containing your synced files, and follow the on-screen instructions.
Let syncing finish. Keep the device online and allow OneDrive time to scan and sync. A large library can take a while to show as current. Check that your files appear in the OneDrive folder and that the cloud icon no longer reports an error.

On some devices, especially phones or tablets, OneDrive may not offer a separate cache-clear command. Use the app’s settings to clear its cache if that option is available, or sign out and back in only after confirming that important files are synced. Avoid deleting the OneDrive folder or removing app data through system settings unless you understand whether that could remove local-only files.

Common Mistakes

Clearing before checking sync: A reset does not normally erase cloud files, but edits that have not uploaded may not be recoverable from the cloud. Check status and back up anything important first.
Deleting the OneDrive folder: This is not a cache-clearing step. Deleting synced files can delete them online too, depending on your settings and sync status.
Using the wrong command or script: Windows installation paths vary, and Mac reset script names can vary. Use the correct option for your system and do not download scripts from unofficial sources.
Expecting the first sync to be instant: Resetting makes OneDrive rebuild local tracking information. A busy or large folder can take time to scan and show current status.
Resetting repeatedly: Repeating the process is unlikely to help if the cause is an account sign-in problem, lack of storage, a network issue, or a file-name conflict.

Tips

Keep OneDrive updated through the normal update channel for your device; updated versions may have different menus or reset steps.
Check OneDrive on the web before resetting if you are unsure whether a file has synced. Compare its latest version and modification time with your local copy.
After restarting, open the OneDrive menu and review any specific sync error before making more changes.
If you use multiple OneDrive accounts, make sure you are resetting and reopening the account that has the problem.
Use Files On-Demand or your device’s storage controls to manage space; clearing cache is not a reliable way to remove files you have chosen to keep available offline.

Troubleshooting

The reset command is not recognized on Windows: Confirm the command is entered in the Run box, not a browser search field. Try the alternate installation paths listed above. If none work, search for OneDrive in Start and use Microsoft Support’s current reset instructions for your installation.

OneDrive does not reopen: Start it from the Start menu on Windows or Applications on Mac. If it still does not open, restart the computer and try again. Check whether your organization manages the app or blocks it from launching.

Files appear to be missing: Do not delete or move the OneDrive folder. Check OneDrive on the web, the local Recycle Bin or Trash, and the account shown in the app. If a file was only stored locally and not synced, look for a backup or contact your organization’s support team.

Sync remains stuck: Check your internet connection, available device storage, account sign-in, and any error shown beside the affected file. Some characters, names, or locations can prevent a file from syncing. Address the specific warning rather than clearing the cache again.

The Mac reset script is missing: Do not guess at a Terminal command. Update or reinstall OneDrive using Microsoft’s official instructions, or consult Microsoft Support for the reset method that matches your version.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does clearing the OneDrive cache delete my files?

A reset is intended to rebuild OneDrive’s local sync data, not delete files stored in the cloud. However, unsynced edits or files stored only on the device may be affected, so back them up before resetting.

Will I need to sign in again?

Possibly. OneDrive may ask you to sign in or confirm the location of its folder after a reset. Use the correct account and existing folder when prompted.

How long does a OneDrive reset take?

The reset itself may be brief, but rebuilding the file list and syncing can take longer, especially with a large library or a slow connection. Keep OneDrive open and online until its status is current.

Can I clear OneDrive cache on an iPhone or Android phone?

Mobile app options vary by device and version, and there may not be a separate cache-clear button. Check OneDrive’s app settings; avoid clearing all app data unless important local files are safely synced or backed up.

Should I reset OneDrive if one file will not sync?

Not as a first step. Check the error for that file, its name and location, your connection, and available storage. Resetting is more useful when the app’s local sync state appears broadly stuck or outdated.

Further reading: Microsoft Support. Details can change, so check the official page for anything that matters to you. Spotted a mistake? Tell us. How we write an answer.