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Fix: OneDrive Is Missing from File Explorer in Windows 10

Issues with syncing or a bug in the OS can cause this problem

9 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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OneDrive is one of the most important parts of Windows, especially for those who use Office apps a lot. But, Microsoft’scloud storage clientcan sometimes cause some trouble, as many reported that OneDrive is missing in File Explorer in Windows 10.

This is a strange issue that doesn’t happen quite often, but if it happens to you, things will surely get annoying. Though there are several ways to fix things if the OneDrive icon is missing in File Explorer.

Why is OneDrive not showing in File Explorer on Windows?

IfOneDrve has sync issues, it might not appear properly in Windows. This isn’t the only problem, many reported thatOneDrive status icons are missingon their PC.

There are multiple reasons for this, most notably bugs in the system, and a quick update should fix that. Alternatively, restarting the necessary services might help.

That’s not the only issue, and many reported thatOneDrive doesn’t show thumbnails, but you might be able to fix that by waiting for the files to sync properly.

This can occur for several reasons, such as issues with your Microsoft or user account. Missing updates can also cause issues with certain components, leading to OneDrive missing from File Explorer in Windows 10.

In some instances, you might be having problems with your registry or policy settings that are preventing OneDrive from working properly.

Users typically create the same local file on their PCs after uploading it to the cloud. Typically, it is stored on the following path:

C:\Users[username]\OneDrive

Please substitute your exact username for[username].

As more files are uploaded to the cloud over time, local files may be formed.

So, we gathered a few possible solutions for this problem, and we hope at least one of them will be helpful to you. Check out those solutions below.

What can I do if OneDrive is missing from File Explorer?

Before heading to the slightly complex solutions, try these quick ones:

If these two don’t work, get to the solutions listed next.

1. Make sure your PC is synced with OneDrive

If your computer isn’t fully synced with the cloud, the OneDrive folder will be missing in File Explorer in Windows 10. So, before you try anything else, ensure everything is synced correctly.

If you notice any issues in this regard, find out what to do if theOneDrive account isn’t synced properlyin Windows 10.

Alternatively, you can switch to another, more reliable cloud-sharing service such asSyncand avoid all these problems.

2. Save an image to OneDrive

A quick workaround shared by one of our readers was to capture a screenshotusing Snip and Sketchand upload it to OneDrive, which would automatically get the cloud service to appear in File Explorer, and it will no more be missing in Windows 10.

3. Switch to a Local Account

If you run into any issues, find out how to fix things whenunable to log in with the Microsoft account in Windows.

4. Make sure the file path isn’t too long

OneDrive allows only 440 characters-long file paths, so if a path of your specific file or folder is longer, it won’t be shown, so be sure to change it.

5. Remove all OneDrive entries from your registry

6. Modify your registry

According to users, sometimes you might be able to fix the problem by modifying your registry. Once you make these changes, OneDrive should not be missing from File Explorer in Windows 10 anymore.

7. Make changes to your Group Policy

If OneDrive is missing from your PC, the problem might be your group policy. Sometimes certain policies can be set that will prevent OneDrive from working properly. However, you can always manually disable these policies.

After doing that, OneDrive should start working again, and you won’t have any issues with it.

8. Run the OneDriveSetup.exe file

After running theOneDrive.exefile is missing in File Explorer, the other methods here should get things up and running.

How do I add OneDrive to File Explorer on Windows 11?

Once done, OneDrive should appear in File Explorer and will not be missing anymore in Windows.

Is OneDrive free to use?

Yes, when you sign up with a Microsoft account, you get 5GB of cloud storage for free. However, if you need more space, you’ll need to purchase a subscription.

But even in the free version, OneDrive offers enough space for basic needs, so it’s worth checking out.

Is OneDrive available on all versions of Windows?

This used to be the case, but Microsoft has plans to drop support for older versions up to 10. Only Windows 10 and 11 users will have the OneDrive app available.

However, the web version will continue to work regardless of the platform you’re using, so you won’t lose your files.

So, if OneDrive is not showing in the File Explorer navigation pane in Windows 11, you can now easily add it.

That’s about it, we hope this article helped you to solve the problem when OneDrive is missing in File Explorer in Windows 10 and 11. Also, find out what to do if youcan’t access the OneDrive account.

If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, just let us know in the comment section below.

Fix: OneDrive Is Missing from File Explorer in Windows 10#

Why is OneDrive not showing in File Explorer on Windows?#

What can I do if OneDrive is missing from File Explorer?#

1. Make sure your PC is synced with OneDrive#

2. Save an image to OneDrive#

3. Switch to a Local Account#

4. Make sure the file path isn’t too long#

5. Remove all OneDrive entries from your registry#

6. Modify your registry#

7. Make changes to your Group Policy#

8. Run the OneDriveSetup.exe file#

How do I add OneDrive to File Explorer on Windows 11?#

Is OneDrive free to use?#

Is OneDrive available on all versions of Windows?#

How do I add OneDrive to the Explorer navigation pane?#