Why are my files not opening on OneDrive?

Microsoft OneDrive, formerly known as SkyDrive, is a file hosting and synchronization service that helps back up, protect sync and access photos and files across all devices. For most users, its a useful tool.

Unfortunately, some Windows users have reported that they cannot open files in OneDrive and only get a notification window:

This file cannot be opened.

Make sure that OneDrive is working on your PC and then try again.

If you run into the same problem, dont worry because there are solutions. You dont have to try them all. Go from the list to the list until you fix the problem. Now lets get down to troubleshooting.

Whats causing the Onedrive error?

• Microsoft may have restricted your access to OneDrive (as a security measure) because of a recent network change, especially if youre using a VPN client (or accessing OneDrive from another country) to connect to the Internet.
• Your OneDrive may exhibit current behavior when OneDrive syncing is paused, as this can cause the file to become inaccessible, which causes the problem.
• The Files on Demand feature helps users save network bandwidth and hard drive space. However, this feature can be the cause of the current problem because files are not available locally, and a network failure can prevent a file from being downloaded.
• The problem is likely caused by the improper installation of OneDrive. In this case, reinstalling the OneDrive application may solve the problem. Be sure to back up your important data.

How do I fix this Onedrive error?

Launch the OneDrive troubleshooter

To solve this problem, you need to download and run the OneDrive Troubleshooter to see if it can fix the problem.

Disable the Files on Demand feature

If Files on Demand is enabled, you need to disable it to see if that helps.

1. Right-click the OneDrive icon (if its not there, click the chevron to see the hidden icons) in the notification area/taskbar and select Settings from the menu.
2. Select the Settings tab.
3. Now uncheck the Save space and download files when in use option.
4. Click OK.

Make sure that OneDrive is set to start when you turn on your computer

1. Right-click the OneDrive icon (if its not there, click the chevron to show hidden icons) in the system tray/notification area and select Settings from the menu.
2. Select the Settings tab.
3. Now enable the option Start OneDrive automatically when I log in to Windows (if it is not already enabled).
4. Click OK.

Make sure that you are logged into OneDrive under your account

Make sure that you are logged into OneDrive with your Microsoft account and that you have a password set for it. Your device should have enough space to store and sync your files.

1. Right-click on the C drive or partition where OneDrive is installed.
2. Select Properties and check the available storage space.
3. If you run out of space, you can move OneDrive to another partition.
4. In the notification area on the far right of the taskbar, right-click the OneDrive icon and select Settings.
5. On the Account tab, click Unlock this PC.
6. Log in with your credentials.
7. Select a different location for your local OneDrive folder and the files you want to sync.
8. If you have a large number of files, syncing may take some time, depending on their size and bandwidth.

Frequently Asked Questions