14 tips to help you fix OneDrive sync problems on Windows 10

How-to
By Mauro Huculak
last updated

When you're facing OneDrive syncing issues, it's likely to be a problem with the desktop client. In this guide, we'll show you the steps to troubleshoot and fix the problem.

11. How to fix sync problems with OneDrive disabling security

It doesn't happen often, but sometimes, the antivirus and firewall can prevent OneDrive from syncing your files correctly. If you suspect that this is the case, you may want to disable these security features temporarily to confirm the issue.

Important: Although the risks of leaving your device temporarily unprotected are relatively low, it's assumed that you understand the consequences that it's never recommended to use a computer without protection.

Disabling Windows Defender Antivirus

To temporarily disable Windows Defender Antivirus, use these steps:

  1. Open Windows Security.
  2. Click on Virus & threat protection.
  3. Under the "Virus & threat protection settings" section, click the Manage settings option.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)
  1. Turn off the Real-time protection toggle switch.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)

After you complete the steps, confirm if OneDrive is working correctly, and don't forget to re-enable the "Real-time protection" on step No. 4 or by restarting your computer.

Disabling Windows Defender Firewall

To disable Windows Defender Firewall, use these steps:

  1. Open Windows Security.
  2. Click on Firewall & network protection.
  3. Click the Private network option (or the one set as active).

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)
  1. Turn off the Windows Defender Firewall toggle switch.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)

Once you complete the steps, confirm if OneDrive is syncing your files, and then re-enable the "Windows Defender Firewall" on step No. 4.

If you're using a third-party antivirus or firewall, make sure to consult your software vendor support website for specific details on how to disable the security feature.

Disabling proxy settings

OneDrive doesn't support authentication through proxies. If this is your situation, you want to temporarily disable this feature to see if it fix the syncing problem with these steps:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on Network & Internet.
  3. Click on Proxy.
  4. Under the "Automatic proxy setup" section, turn on the Automatically detect settings toggle switch.
  5. Turn off the Use setup script toggle switch.
  6. Under the "Manually proxy setup" section, turn off the Use a proxy server toggle switch.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)

After you complete the steps, the sync client should start syncing your files to the cloud and across devices.

Mauro Huculak
Mauro Huculak

Mauro Huculak is technical writer for WindowsCentral.com. His primary focus is to write comprehensive how-tos to help users get the most out of Windows 10 and its many related technologies. He has an IT background with professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, and CompTIA, and he's a recognized member of the Microsoft MVP community.