one drive on my laptop computer

Try these steps in order to get OneDrive syncing again on the laptop:

1. Confirm OneDrive is running
   • In the taskbar notification area, look for the OneDrive cloud icon.
   • If it is not there, select Start, type OneDrive, and open it so the sync app starts.
2. Check for common sync blockers
   • Make sure the Microsoft account is not over its storage quota; if storage is exceeded, new files will not upload or sync.
   • Close any files stored in OneDrive that are currently open in apps (Word, Excel, Outlook .pst, etc.), because files in use cannot be synced.
3. Fix “This file can’t be synced” issues
   • If specific files show a “This file can’t be synced” message:
     • Close the file’s app if it is open.
     • In File Explorer, right‑click the file > Properties > Security tab and ensure the user account has Read and Write allowed. If not, select Edit and grant Read/Write.
     • If the problem persists, temporarily move the file out of the OneDrive folder (for example to **C:**), wait until OneDrive shows Up to date, then move the file back into OneDrive.
4. Resolve continuous or stuck sync
   • If OneDrive shows it is constantly syncing or “processing changes” and never finishes:
     • Check for issues such as:
       • Too many items in a library.
       • A file that is too large for OneDrive’s limits.
       • Invalid characters in file or folder names.
       • Very long paths (over 260 characters from the drive root, e.g., C:\...).
     • Also ensure there is enough free disk space on the laptop for OneDrive to process files.
5. Move a file out of the sync folder to clear a stuck state
   • Select the blue OneDrive cloud icon in the notification area.
   • Choose Pause syncing (for example, 2 hours).
   • In File Explorer, move one file from a OneDrive sync folder to a non‑OneDrive folder (for example, C:\Users\<name>\).
   • Resume syncing from the OneDrive icon.
   • When sync completes, move the file back into OneDrive.
6. Repair or re‑establish the sync connection
   • If sync still fails, stop and re‑establish the connection:
     • Right‑click the OneDrive icon in the notification area and choose to stop syncing the problematic folder/library.
     • Confirm stopping sync; files already downloaded remain on the PC.
     • Then set up OneDrive sync again so it creates a fresh sync folder and reconnects.

If these steps do not resolve the issue, follow the guidance in the OneDrive sync troubleshooting articles referenced below for more specific error messages or scenarios.

References:

• Fix OneDrive sync problems
• OneDrive shows "This file can't be synced"
• A OneDrive file or folder never finishes synchronization
• Repair sync connections in OneDrive for work or school
• Fix SharePoint Online sync problems