How to fix OneDrive Files On-Demand on Windows 10 version 2004

Microsoft has a troubleshooter to fix syncing problems with OneDrive Files On-Demand after installing Windows 10 version 2004 (May 2020 Update).

According to the company, after the upgrade, some older devices or devices with apps which happen to use the legacy file system filter drivers are not able to connect to OneDrive causing problems downloading files on-demand, or even opening that were previously synced on the device.

In some cases, Windows 10 users may see the error: “OneDrive cannot connect to Windows. Files On-Demand require a connection to Windows in order to show your files without taking up space on this device. OneDrive can keep trying to connect to Windows or you can choose to download all your files. You won’t be able to use online only files until this is fixed.”

In this guide, you’ll learn the steps to resolve the OneDrive issue after upgrading to Windows 10 May 2020 Update.

• Fix OneDrive syncing using troubleshooter
• Fix OneDrive syncing using Command Prompt

Fix OneDrive syncing using troubleshooter

Microsoft has released a troubleshooter to resolve the issue on version 2004 automatically. However, you want to check to make sure the troubleshooter has already run, or if you still need to run it.

To confirm the troubleshooter fixed the OneDrive problem, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.

2. Click on Update & Security.

3. Click on Troubleshoot.

4. Click the View troubleshooting history option.

   

5. If the troubleshooter has run, you will see a recommended troubleshooter with the Files On-Demand troubleshooter title and description “You may have lost access to your Files On-Demand. This troubleshooter restores access or prevents the loss of access from happening in the near future. Important: Please reboot your device once the troubleshooter is finished.”

6. If the OneDrive problem was fixed, you’ll see the Successfully ran on (date) message with the date it ran on. If it was not able to fix the problem, you’ll see the Could not be run on (date) message with the date it ran on. Quick note: If the device hasn’t been restarted since the troubleshooter was run, you will need to reboot before following the rest of the steps.

   Quick note: If the device hasn’t been restarted since the troubleshooter was run, you will need to reboot before following the rest of the steps.

   

7. Right-click the OneDrive icon from the notification area and select the Settings option.

8. Click the Settings tab.

9. Under the “Files On-Demand” section, check the Save space and download files as you use them option.

   

10. Click the OK button.

Once you complete the steps, OneDrive should start working and files should sync again.

If you see the “Could not be run” message for a critical troubleshooter with the title “Hardware and devices,” then the computer isn’t impacted by the Files On-Demand issue, and you don’t need to run the tool

Fix OneDrive syncing using Command Prompt

In the case that the troubleshooter isn’t working, you’ll need to resolve the problem manually.

To fix OneDrive Files On-Demand, use these steps:

1. Open Start.

2. Search for Command Prompt, right-click the top result, and select the Run as administrator option.

3. Type the following command to fix Files On-Demand and press Enter:

   reg add HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\Cldflt\instances /f /v DefaultInstance /t REG_SZ /d "CldFlt"

   

4. Restart your computer.

5. Right-click the OneDrive icon from the notification area and select the Settings option.

6. Click the Settings tab.

7. Under the “Files On-Demand” section, check the Save space and download files as you use them option.

   

8. Click the OK button.

After you complete the steps, OneDrive Files On-Demand should now start syncing allowing you to open and store new files.