Top 9 Ways to Fix Cannot Download File From OneDrive Problem

What good is a cloud storage service when you can’t download and access files when needed? Local storage of all files also causes storage issues. Cloud storage saves space and makes online collaboration easier and fun. Other users reported that files started to download from OneDrive, but the process ended halfway. It’s even more frustrating, especially if you’re downloading a large file.

Let’s find out what we can do to remedy the situation.

1. Different device or browser

It’s more like a temporary fix that will get you quick access to this very important file. Troubleshooting can be time consuming, not to mention frustration. Use a desktop computer or your smartphone to download the file. You can also try the OneDrive web app in another browser to download the file.

2. Common problems

You can walk through the points if you have performed preliminary troubleshooting.

• Check your internet connection to make sure it is stable and the speed is good.
• Check if Microsoft OneDrive is experiencing an outage or is down.
• Restart your computer to restart all processes associated with OneDrive.

3. Battery saving mode

By default, the OneDrive app is configured to pause syncing when the computer is in battery saving mode. Connect it to a power source if the battery is low and check again. Read the next point to learn more about the setting.

4. OneDrive settings

Is the sync option enabled and working properly?

Step 1: Right click on the OneDrive icon in the system tray and select Settings.

2nd step: Go to the Settings tab and uncheck the options for the measured network and battery saving mode if you need them.

Step 3: Check the Network tab to make sure that upload and download speeds are not capped or limited.

I also recommend that you stop and restart OneDrive sync from the context menu.

5. Command prompt

As part of this solution, the first command will reset OneDrive as the local app data might get corrupted. The second will update the OneDrive app to the latest version.

Step 1: Find and open the command prompt with administrator rights from the start menu.

2nd step: Give the first command, wait two minutes.

%localappdata%MicrosoftOneDriveonedrive.exe /reset

Then run the second command.

%localappdata%MicrosoftOneDriveupdate

6. File permissions

Do you have permission to download and access the files in question? You do this if you are the creator of the file. But if the file has been shared with you, I suggest you check with the administrator first. Maybe he / she revoked permissions intentionally or could be a bug as well. Ask him to share the file again, make sure everything is as it should.

7. Re-import the file

Try downloading the file again, or have the other person download it if you don’t have it on your end. The file may be corrupted or not fully downloaded. I recommend changing the filename before reloading it to make sure there are no conflicts or overwriting issues.

8. Windows troubleshooting utility

Fortunately, Windows comes with a built-in troubleshooter which is extremely helpful in fixing common issues with just a few clicks. Here’s how to summon and use it.

Step 1: Press Windows key + I shortcut to open Settings and find and open the “ Find and fix problems with apps from the Windows Store ” link.

2nd step: Make sure Apply repairs automatically is checked in the next pop-up window, and then click Next.

Then follow the onscreen instructions to see if the system can detect and fix the Unable to Download from OneDrive issue.

9. Unlink OneDrive

This step won’t delete any of your files in your OneDrive folder on the computer or in the cloud.

Step 1: Open OneDrive settings again from the system tray.

2nd step: Select Unlink this PC under the Account tab.

Then follow the on-screen instructions.

Step 3: Open the OneDrive app again and you’ll be prompted to sign in with your Microsoft account. Follow the next steps and choose the same folder location as before to quickly re-sync everything.

Download Life

I use OneDrive and Google Drive. I can always ask my friends and colleagues to re-download the file on either of the options if any of them act for some reason. Most people have Google and Microsoft accounts anyway. I also use OneDrive’s personal safe feature which is pretty cool and must-have. Another benefit would be for free users who would get additional storage by using two cloud storage services instead of one. How do you manage your free storage? Share your experiences in the comments.