If your OneDrive file icons do not display the green check mark overlay, then this article will help you fix this issue. Microsoft OneDrive files on a Windows PC show several types of icon overlays in their status. The green tick mark indicates an online-only file. The solid green circle with the white check mark indicates files download to your device and take up space.
Fix OneDrive not showing green check marks
If your OneDrive file icons do not display the green check mark overlay, under the file or folder icon in File Explorer, follow these suggestions to fix the issue:
- Restart OneDrive
- Enable Files On-Demand setting
- Unlink and relink OneDrive
- Reset OneDrive
- Uninstall and reinstall OneDrive.
1] Restart OneDrive
Restarting OneDrive can help fix any temporary glitches causing the issue with the green check mark. Open Task Manager, right-click the Microsoft OneDrive process and select End Task. Restart OneDrive and see if this helps.
2] Enable Files On-Demand setting
Make sure your Files On-Demand Setting is enabled. All OneDrive files remain available in the cloud. When you open a file the first time, OneDrive first downloads it and then opens it. When this feature is enabled, all the files remain available on your PC and you access them without downloading them.
3] Unlink and relink OneDrive
Sometimes, unlinking and relinking OneDrive can fix this issue. Unlinking also removes any cached credentials stored by the app, which might be outdated or corrupted. After unlinking, you can re-link the desired Microsoft account to OneDrive. Unlink and relink OneDrive and see if it helps resolve the issue. To do so use the instructions mentioned below:
- Click on the OneDrive cloud icon on the right side of the Taskbar.
- Click on the gear icon on the top right side and select Settings.
- Select Account and click Unlink this PC.
- Click the Unlink account in the confirmation window.
After unlinking OneDrive. Click on it to run the OneDrive setup again and follow the steps written below:
- Enter your Microsoft account email address and click Sign in.
- Enter your password.
- Select a different folder (if you want); otherwise, select the same folder and click Next. Click Use this folder in the confirmation window.
4] Reset OneDrive
We also suggest you reset your OneDrive and check if it brings any changes. follow the steps mentioned below for resetting OneDrive:
Open the Run command on your computer by pressing the “Window+R” key. Enter the following command and click OK.
%localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset
You may get the following error message after executing the above command:
Windows cannot find <OneDrive location>. Make sure you typed the name correctly, and then try again.
In such a case, execute the following command in the Run command box to reset the OneDrive.
C:\Program Files\Microsoft OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset
If you again see the “Windows cannot find…” error message, type the following command in the Run command box:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset
During the process, all existing sync connections will be terminated temporarily. You won’t lose files or data by resetting OneDrive on your computer.
5] Uninstall and reinstall OneDrive
Sometimes, uninstalling and reinstalling OneDrive can fix several issues and reset all OneDrive settings. After reinstalling, the OneDrive will perform a full sync. Also, you will not lose any data you have in OneDrive by uninstalling it, provided all your data is completely synced to the cloud. It will be available when you sign back into your OneDrive account.
Follow these steps to reinstall your OneDrive:
- Open Windows Settings.
- Select the Apps category from the left side and then click Installed apps or Apps & features (whichever option is applicable).
- Search for Microsoft OneDrive.
- Click on the three dots, and click on Uninstall.
After uninstalling OneDrive, download its latest version from Microsoft’s official website and then install it manually.
Read: How to remove Green Check Marks on Desktop Icons
Why is there a green check mark on my files?
When you open a file in OneDrive on your PC for the first time, OneDrive downloads it and then opens it. When the file is downloaded, a green tick will appear under its status in File Explorer. You may also see a solid green tick under the status of your file stored in OneDrive. These files are marked as “Always keep on this device.”
What is the difference between cloud and green check in OneDrive status?
A blue cloud icon in OneDrive status indicates that the file is only available online. This means that these files do not take up space on your computer. When you open a file with a blue cloud icon, OneDrive downloads it from the cloud. Then, the file starts showing the green check under its status.
Read next: Set up OneDrive for file recovery – Windows Security warning
