Fix OneDrive cannot connect to Windows error message in Windows 11/10

Following an upgrade to the latest version of Windows, many users are experiencing issues with OneDrive service. Upon attempting to access the files and folders inside the app, the users see the following error message – OneDrive cannot connect to Windows. The same issue exists if the Files on Demand feature is enabled for OneDrive. Here’s what you can do to fix the problem.

OneDrive cannot connect to Windows

The above error message is followed by a long description that reads as –

Files On-Demand requires 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.

If you see OneDrive cannot connect to Windows message, try this:

1. Open Settings > Update and Security > Troubleshoot
2. Click the View troubleshooting history link.
3. Check Recommended troubleshooting history.
4. Check if Files On-Demand troubleshooter runs successfully.
5. Verify Files On-Demand is still enabled.
6. Restart your PC and see if the issue is resolved.

We’ll cover the methods in detail here!

Files On-Demand Troubleshooter

Open Settings > Update and Security > Troubleshoot

Next, click ‘View History’ in the Troubleshoot section of the Settings dialog.

If Files On-Demand Troubleshooter has attempted to run, then under Recommended troubleshooter, you will see a message:

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.

If so, reboot your device once the troubleshooter is finished.

• If Files On-Demand troubleshooter is able to run successfully, you will see a message Successfully ran.
• If it was not able to run successfully, it will say Could not be run.

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

Right-click on the OneDrive icon in the notification area, select Settings and ensure that Save space and download files as you use them is enabled.

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

If this does not help, in an elevated command prompt, execute the following command:

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

Once done, restart your computer and check.