A Microsoft file hosting and synchronization service.
Reset the OneDrive desktop sync app, then complete sign-in and restore the folder selections for each applicable account; the crossed-out gray cloud means OneDrive is not signed in or its setup is incomplete.^1^
1. Reset OneDrive
Since reopening the app has already failed, proceed to a reset. This does not delete files, but it disconnects the current sync connections and triggers a full synchronization afterward.^2^
- Press Windows key + R.
- Enter:
wsreset.exe - Select OK. A Command Prompt window may briefly appear, followed by Microsoft Store; close the Store window.
- Press Windows key + R again.
- Enter:
%localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset - If Windows reports that it cannot find OneDrive, try this instead:
C:\Program Files\Microsoft OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset - If that is also not found, try:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset - Wait a few minutes, then open Start, search for OneDrive, and select the OneDrive desktop app.
The expected result is a normal OneDrive cloud icon or a sign-in/setup prompt rather than the crossed-out gray icon.
2. Restore the missing locations in File Explorer
First identify what the three missing locations actually are, because they are not necessarily three separate OneDrive accounts:
- Three folders inside one OneDrive account: Sign in once. Then select the OneDrive cloud icon → Help & Settings → Settings → Account → Choose folders, select the required folders, and choose OK.^3^
- Different accounts: Complete setup only for each account that OneDrive offers through Settings → Account. Do not assume each missing folder requires another account.
- SharePoint or Teams libraries: These are separate library sync connections rather than ordinary folders within a personal OneDrive. If that describes any of the three locations, note their library names before further troubleshooting; the folder-selection screen only manages folders already included in that OneDrive account.^3^
After the reset and sign-in, allow time for File Explorer to rebuild the OneDrive entries. Files On-Demand may initially show placeholders rather than downloading every file, which is normal.
3. If OneDrive still shows the crossed-out icon
Unlink and reconnect the affected account:
- Select the OneDrive cloud → Help & Settings → Settings.
- Open Account and select Unlink this PC → Unlink account.
- Press Windows key + R, enter:
%localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\settings - Delete
PreSignInSettingsConfig.json. - Start OneDrive and sign in.
- When told that the OneDrive folder already exists, select Use this folder.
Unlinking temporarily disconnects the local folders but does not delete their cloud data.^4^
4. If none of the reset commands finds OneDrive
The desktop sync app is not installed at one of its standard locations. Install the latest OneDrive app from Microsoft’s OneDrive installer, open it from Start, and complete setup.^5^
If reset, reconnection, and installation all fail, use Contact Microsoft Support for a personal account; for a work or school account, contact the organization’s IT administrator.^6^
References
- What do the OneDrive icons mean? | Microsoft Support
- Reset OneDrive | Microsoft Support
- Choose which OneDrive folders you want to sync on Windows or macOS
- Unlink and re-link OneDrive
- OneDrive isn't running | Microsoft Support
- [Personal accounts](https://support.microsoft.com/onedrive/fix-onedrive-sync-problems)