Multiple users have frequently come across the error that says, “Make sure OneDrive is running on your PC, then try again.” Well, the reason for this could be anything, but you can fix the issue and use OneDrive again as you need it. The issue has been mostly encountered while trying to open a file from OneDrive on the PC. So, we tried multiple fixes and created this guide that might help you out.
To fix the issue, there are multiple methods you can try. You can start by checking whether the OneDrive syncing is currently working or has been paused. For this, you can click on the OneDrive icon on your desktop. Now, on your Windows system, click on the Help and Settings option below and choose Resume Syncing.
This is only of the methods you can look for. However, other fixes might also help you out if the above does not work. Here is a detailed guide.
Make sure onedrive is running on your pc then try again
We have already read about one of the methods or fixes you can try to resolve the issue above. However, it may not work for everyone. Hence, you can try other methods as well, given below.
1. Resume Syncing
The first method you can look into is simply resuming the syncing process for OneDrive, which might be on hold. This could be a reason why your OneDrive is showing certain errors. Follow the steps below for the steps.
- Click on the OneDrive icon on the taskbar.
- Now, select the Gear icon.
- Select the Resume Syncing option from the list menu.
As soon as you do this, all the files will sync on your system. You can retry and open the file you and see if the issue is resolved. If this method does not work, you can look at other methods.
2. Log In Again on your PC
There might be an error with your account that you are unaware of. Hence, you can unlink the account and log in again to resolve this issue. This might take only a few simple steps, and you are good to go.
- Click on the OneDrive icon on the taskbar.
- Now, select the Gear icon on the top.
- Open Settings and go Accounts Section.
- Click on Unlink this PC.
- To confirm, click on Unlink Account in the dialog box.
- Now, log in again with your ID and password to your Microsoft account.
- Once the sync is completed, head over to the OneDrive folder on your system and try opening the files.
You will see that the system no longer shows such error messages. Make sure you remember your credentials or recreating a password will take another 4-5 minutes.
Read How to Download a File from OneDrive
3. Quit OneDrive
You might need to quit your OneDrive and restart it to fix the error you have been getting currently. A lot of users might have already tried it, but if you haven’t yet, this is how you can do it.
- Click on the OneDrive icon on the taskbar.
- Now, tap on the Gear icon in the top-right corner to open options.
- Choose Quit OneDrive.
OneDrive will shut down and sync as well. Now, you can open the app again and wait for all the files to sync.
4. Use a Web Browser
Instead of using the app, you can open the OneDrive file using any web browser. Simply go to the official OneDrive website and log in to your account. From here, you can open the files you want.
- Open a new tab on your browser.
- Now, open the official OneDrive website and log in to your account.
- Double-click on the file you wish to open.
If everything works fine, you might have to reinstall the app on your system since the issue might be particularly with the app and not the file.
5. Open OneDrive on Sign In Automatically
Since the error asks you to make sure OneDrive is running on your PC, you can change the settings and ensure that the app directly opens as soon as you open your PC. For this, you cna follow the steps below.
- Click on the OneDrive icon on the taskbar.
- Now, select the gear icon on the top and choose Settings.
- Under the Settings menu option, check the box beside Start OneDrive Automatically When I sign in to Windows.
- To save the settings, click on OK to confirm.
Restart your PC, and you will now see OneDrive will start automatically. Try opening the files again to check if the issue is now resolved.
Read OneDrive Not syncing on Mac
6. Disable Firewall or any VPN Services
Even if it may not have happened before, your VPN services often might interfere with the app you are currently using. The same might be the case with the OneDrive app as well. So, you might have to disable any services you are currently using so that there is no chance of such interference.
- Simply open the VPN app on your system.
- Now, go to the dashboard.
- Click on the Off button or disable the VPN option.
- Also, quit the app.
Now, to save the changes made to the internet connection, you can either restart your PC or simply reconnect with your Wifi or hotspot you are currently using.
7. Quit all the Background Applications
Another important thing you can try is to quit all the apps that might be running in the background, along with the OneDrive app. Here is what you can do.
On your Mac:
For users who have been using the OneDrive app on their MacBooks, the steps below might help you to quit the apps you cannot shut down.
- Go to your desktop and click on the Apple icon in the top-left corner.
- Now, select Force Quit.
- Here, you can press Command and select as many apps as you want that you want to quit.
- Now, choose Force Quit.
As soon you do this, all the apps you have selected will close immediately. You can even do this for the OneDrive app when it needs to be fixed. After this, you can restart your Mac or try using OneDrive again.
On your Windows 11:
Since OneDrive is a Microsoft application, it will already be installed on your system. You can quit other apps so that it does not interfere with the functions of OneDrive. Here is how.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager
- Select the apps you want to quit and click on End Task.
All the apps will close as soon as you press the end task button. Make sure you have saved your work before doing this. Now, try using OneDrive again and check if it works.
Read How to Sync Documents to OneDrive
Frequently Asked Questions
OneDrive is free for everyone when you create a new account. You get 5GB of free storage where you can upload and download files anytime you wish. Moreover, you can sync all the files from your devices to OneDrive when needed. Once the free storage is exhausted, you can buy more or delete the files you do not need to get more space.
You can pause the process to stop the syncing, which will immediately stop syncing the files. Or else, you can also quit the app, which will eventually stop the process. You can follow the same process and resume syncing on both your Mac and Windows whenever you wish to resume.
Conclusion
Here we are with all you need to know on how you can fix when you receive the error message that says, “make sure OneDrive is running on your PC.” From the above guide, we can conclude that you should start with simple methods such as restarting your PC, restarting your OneDrive app, closing all the background apps, and trying again.
The above basic methods are most likely to work in every condition. However, if these do not work, you can always try to try other methods, as mentioned. Or else, reinstall the app on your PC and then log in with your credentials.
Do let us know which method worked for you in the comment section below!
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I am Kirithika and a senior technical content writer expertise in using various Microsoft and Google tools like OneDrive, Outlook Online, Word Online, Microsoft Forms, Microsoft teams, Google Drive, etc. I love to share how-to tutorials, tips, and tricks on these tools. From last 5 years, I am trying to serve various clients across the United States of America. Check out more on About me page.