OneDrive is a popular cloud-based storage platform developed by Microsoft that allows users to store and access their files and documents from anywhere, anytime.
However, despite its many benefits, some users have reported encountering an error message that reads One Drive is full when trying to upload new files or sync existing ones. This error can be frustrating, especially for those who rely heavily on OneDrive for their work or personal projects.
In this article, we will explore five significant fixes for the One Drive is full error, so you can get back to using this powerful tool without hassle.
Also, check out this other article to know how to easily fix OneDrive sync issues on Windows.
Why is OneDrive not freeing up space?
There are various reasons for this problem. Some of them include the following:
- Files are still being synced: OneDrive may not be freeing up space because your deleted files are still being synced to the cloud. This means that they are still taking up space on your OneDrive account.
- Deleted files are in the recycle bin: When you delete them from OneDrive, they are moved to the recycle bin, where they continue taking up space.
- Shared files are taking up space: If you have shared files or folders with other users, these files will also take up space on your OneDrive account, leading to this error.
- OneDrive is not set to automatically delete files: By default, OneDrive does not automatically delete files that have been deleted from your local computer. If you delete files from your computer, they will still be available on OneDrive and take up space.
- OneDrive storage plan is full: It is possible that your OneDrive storage plan is simply full, ultimately resulting in this problem.
How can I fix OneDrive full error on a Windows PC?
1. Change the sync folder on your device
- In the notification area, right-click on the OneDrive icon and select Settings.
- Click the Account tab, then choose the Unlink this PC button.
- Log in with your details.
- Choose another location for the local OneDrive folder and the files you want to sync.
2. Unlink your account
- In the notification area, right-click on the OneDrive icon and select Settings.
- Click the Account tab and click the Unlink this PC button.
- Input your sign-in information.
- Choose the location of the OneDrive folder.
3. Reinstall OneDrive on your PC
- Hold the Windows + I keys to launch the Settings app then select Apps.
- On the left side of your screen, choose Apps & features.
- In the search bar on the right-hand side of your screen, type OneDrive, click the relevant option, and choose Uninstall.
- Next, navigate to this path.
C:Users:Your Username:AppDataLocalMicrosoftOneDriveUpdate
- Double-click on the OneDriveSetup.exe file and install it.
- After running the installation, log in and check if the problem has been fixed.
4. Reset OneDrive
- Hold the Windows + R keys to launch the Run dialogue.
- In the command line, input the following command and press OK.
%localappdata%MicrosoftOneDriveonedrive.exe /reset
- Right-click the OneDrive icon in the notification area and open Settings.
- Sign in again.
5. Temporarily use the browser version of OneDrive to access files
Temporarily using the browser version of OneDrive to access your files can be a helpful solution to fix the One Drive is full error on a Windows PC.
By accessing your files through the browser version, you can free up space on your local hard drive without losing access to your files.
However, it is essential to note that this is only a temporary solution, and you will still need to address the root cause of the OneDrive full error to prevent it from happening again.
You may need to adjust your OneDrive settings to save files only online and not locally.
Does wiping a computer delete OneDrive files?
Wiping a computer will erase all the data and programs stored on its hard drive, including locally synced OneDrive files.
However, your OneDrive files will still be accessible and available from the cloud-based storage after you’ve wiped your computer, as long as you have a backup of your files in OneDrive.
When you sign in to OneDrive on your wiped computer, you can resync your files to the computer from the cloud-based storage.
Note that any changes you made to locally synced files not uploaded to OneDrive before wiping your computer will be lost.
We recommend a regular backup of essential files to OneDrive to ensure that you have a copy of your files.
Following the steps outlined in this article, you can get your OneDrive back up and running quickly. We recommend trying different solutions till you find the one that works for you.