Fixing OneDrive Performance Issues on Windows 11 PCs

Key Notes

  • Pause syncing when performance drops.
  • Use Files On-Demand to free up space.
  • Consider reinstalling if issues persist.

How to Optimize OneDrive Performance on Your Windows 11 PC

Is OneDrive slowing down your PC? While it’s a popular cloud storage service integrated into Windows, it can sometimes lead to performance issues. This guide explores effective solutions to enhance your PC’s speed and resolve OneDrive-related slowdowns.

Solutions to Prevent OneDrive from Slowing Down Your PC

Step 1: Perform Some Preliminary Checks

Start by identifying any other potential causes of your computer’s slowdown. Here’s what to check:

  • Close unwanted background applications via the Task Manager.
  • Run a malware scan using Windows Security or another antivirus tool.
  • Ensure you have a stable and fast internet connection as OneDrive relies on upload speeds.
  • Remove unnecessary large files from OneDrive that may be taking excessive bandwidth.

Step 2: Temporarily Pause Syncing

By pausing syncing, you can check if it helps your PC speed up. Follow these steps:

  • Right-click the OneDrive icon in your system tray.
  • Select Help & Settings, then click on Pause syncing.
  • Choose how long you want to pause syncing for.

Step 3: Completely Close and Restart OneDrive

Close OneDrive entirely to refresh its functions:

  • Click the OneDrive icon from the system tray.
  • Select Help & Settings, then expand the Pause syncing options.
  • Click Quit OneDrive.
  • Wait a moment and then restart the app from the Start menu.

Temporarily unlinking OneDrive can clear up resources:

  • Access the OneDrive icon in the system tray and go to Help & Settings > Settings.
  • Under the Account tab, click Unlink this PC.
  • Follow the prompt to confirm, then restart OneDrive and log in again.

Step 5: Sync Files When the PC is Idle

Syncing during idle times, like overnight, can prevent interruptions during work.

Step 6: Disable OneDrive from Starting at Boot

Prevent OneDrive from launching on startup:

  • Open Task Manager using Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
  • Navigate to the Startup apps tab.
  • Select OneDrive and click Disable.

Step 7: Enable Files On-Demand

Utilize the Files On-Demand feature:

  • Right-click the OneDrive icon and go to Help & Settings > Settings.
  • Under Sync and backup, expand Advanced settings.
  • Activate Files On-Demand by clicking Free up disk space.

Step 8: Reset OneDrive

To reset OneDrive, use the following command:

Press Win + R, then enter:

%localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset

Step 9: Delete Cache Files

Clear out potentially corrupt cache files:

  • Close OneDrive via Task Manager.
  • Open the Run dialog with Win + R and type %LocalAppData%.
  • Navigate to the following path: Microsoft > OneDrive > setup > logs.
  • Delete UserTelemetryCache.otc and UserTelemetryCache.otc.session.

Step 10: Reinstall OneDrive

If all else fails, uninstall and reinstall OneDrive to rectify underlying issues.

Summary

This guide provides an array of practical solutions for users facing performance issues with OneDrive on Windows 11, aiming to restore speed and efficiency to your PC.

Conclusion

By implementing these strategies, users can effectively prevent OneDrive from slowing down their PCs and ensure a smoother workflow. Don’t hesitate to revisit these steps if performance declines again.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Why is OneDrive so slow in Windows 11?

OneDrive’s performance can be affected by a sluggish internet connection, too many background running applications, or limited sync settings.

Can I turn off OneDrive in Windows 11?

You can disable OneDrive by unlinking your account through Help & Settings > Settings > Account where you can select Unlink this PC, or you can uninstall the app entirely.