Fix OneDrive cannot connect to Windows error message in Windows 10

Following an upgrade to the latest version of Windows 10, many users experience issues with the OneDrive service. When trying to access files and folders inside the application, users see the following error message – OneDrive can’t connect to Windows. The same problem exists if the Files on demand is enabled for OneDrive. Here is what you can do to resolve the problem.

OneDrive can’t connect to Windows

The above error message is followed by a long description which reads like –

Files On-Demand requires a Windows connection to view your files without taking up space on this device. OneDrive may continue to try to connect to Windows or you can choose to download all of your files. You will not be able to use files online only until this problem is resolved.

If you see OneDrive can’t connect to Windows message, try this:

1. Open Settings> Update & Security> Troubleshooting
2. Click it View troubleshooting history link.
3. Check Recommended troubleshooting history.
4. Check if On-demand file troubleshooting tool runs successfully.
5. Check Files on demand is always on.
6. Restart your PC and see if the problem is resolved.

We will cover the methods in detail here!

Open Settings> Update & Security> Troubleshooting

Then click on “View historyIn the Troubleshooting section of the Settings dialog box.

Yes On-demand file troubleshooter tried to run and then under Recommended troubleshooting tool, you will see a message:

You may have lost access to your files on demand. This troubleshooter restores access or prevents loss of access from occurring in the near future.

If so, restart your device after troubleshooting is complete.

• If the Files On-Demand troubleshooter can run successfully, a message is displayed successfully.
• If it failed to execute correctly, it will say Unable to execute.

You may want to verify that Files on Demand is still enabled.

Right-click the OneDrive icon in the notification area, select Settings and make sure that Save space and download files when you use them is authorized.

Once done, OneDrive should now connect and run as expected.

If that doesn’t help, at an elevated command prompt, run the following command:

reg add HKLMSystemCurrentControlSetServicesCldfltinstances /f /v DefaultInstance /t REG_SZ /d "CldFlt"

Once done, restart your computer and check.

It’s no use, you can restore Windows 10 version 2004, which causes this problem, in a previous version, until Microsoft releases a fix.