A window has opened on my screen that I am unable to remove. The contents are as follows: Microsoft OneDrive We can't sync your "OneDrive" folder Sorry, we can't add your "OneDrive" folder right now. Please try again. Close.

Richard Bowler 0 Reputation points
2026-11-02T19:34:28.8066667+00:00

When I click on close, it goes back to a window containing the following: Microsoft One Drive We couldn't find your "OneDrive on SPO" folder in C:\OneDrive Make sure this folder still exists in this location and click "Try again," or click "Set up OneDrive to set up your "OneDrive on SPO" folder again. If I click Try again, it goes back to the other screen. I am not comfortable with clicking "Set up OneDrive".

I have been using OneDrive for years on this computer. What does this all mean and why does it insist on staying on my screen.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Display and graphics

2 answers

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  1. Jeronimo Fuerte 48,525 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-11-02T22:45:55.2933333+00:00

    I'm glad you were able to locate the original OneDrive folder and select "Use this folder." This is the correct option when reconnecting OneDrive to an existing folder. Regarding how long it takes, there is no fixed timeframe. It may take several minutes or considerably longer depending on the number of files, their size, and your computer's performance and internet connection. Even when the files already exist locally, OneDrive needs to compare them with the cloud and rebuild its synchronization information. Microsoft confirms that this process can take some time, particularly when there are many files. For now, I recommend allowing the process to continue without moving, deleting, or renaming anything in the OneDrive folder. You can find more information in Microsoft's OneDrive reconnection guidance.

    https://support.microsoft.com/onedrive/unlink-and-re-link-onedrive

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  2. AI answer

    2026-11-02T19:35:18.3666667+00:00

    Stop using Try again and choose Set up OneDrive to reconnect the account, because OneDrive can no longer find the local sync folder it was configured to use at C:\OneDrive.

    The window remains because OneDrive starts automatically and repeatedly attempts to reconnect that missing folder. “SPO” commonly labels an organization’s SharePoint/OneDrive connection; the message alone does not establish why the folder became unavailable.

    Before selecting Set up OneDrive

    1. Open File Explorer → This PC.
    2. Look for C:\OneDrive and any other folder whose name begins with OneDrive.
    3. If necessary, search This PC for the name of a file that you know was stored in OneDrive. Microsoft documents this whole-computer search method for locating missing files.^1^
    4. If you can access OneDrive through a web browser, verify that important files appear there before changing the connection.
    5. Do not delete or move any OneDrive folders while checking.

    Reconnect OneDrive

    1. On the message, select Set up OneDrive.
    2. Sign in with the same Microsoft or work/school account previously used.
    3. When OneDrive asks where to create its folder:
      • If you found the original folder and it contains your files, select that location and choose Use this folder.
      • If C:\OneDrive truly no longer exists, select a new local folder and allow OneDrive to synchronize from the cloud.
    4. Wait for the OneDrive cloud icon in the notification area to finish processing.

    Microsoft’s documented relink procedure confirms that Use this folder is the correct choice when the folder already exists. Unlinking and relinking does not delete data; it briefly disconnects the local folders, and changes synchronize after reconnection.^2^

    If OneDrive setup itself cannot complete, perform the full relink:

    1. Select the OneDrive cloud icon near the clock.
    2. Select Help & Settings → Settings → Account.
    3. Select Unlink this PC → Unlink account.
    4. Press Windows+R, enter:
         %localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\settings
      
    5. Delete only PreSignInSettingsConfig.json.
    6. Open Start, type OneDrive, and launch it.
    7. Sign in and select Use this folder when prompted for the existing location.^2^

    If relinking still returns to the same error

    Reset the OneDrive sync app. A reset does not delete files, but it resets OneDrive settings, disconnects sync relationships, and then performs a full synchronization.^3^

    1. Press Windows+R.
    2. Run:
         %localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\OneDrive.exe /reset
      
    3. If Windows cannot find it, run:
         C:\Program Files\Microsoft OneDrive\OneDrive.exe /reset
      
    4. If that also cannot be found, run:
         C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft OneDrive\OneDrive.exe /reset
      
    5. Open Start, search for OneDrive, and start the app again.

    If this is a work or school OneDrive and setup still fails, contact the organization’s IT helpdesk because the account, SharePoint location, or device policy may need administrative attention. For a personal account, use Microsoft’s OneDrive support troubleshooter.^4^


    References

    1. Find lost files after upgrading Windows | Microsoft Support
    2. [Windows](https://support.microsoft.com/onedrive/unlink-and-re-link-onedrive)
    3. Reset OneDrive
    4. [Personal accounts](https://support.microsoft.com/onedrive/fix-onedrive-sync-problems)
    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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