onedrive cannot connect to windows error when accessing files in onedrive

Last Updated: July 10, 2020

ISSUE

After upgrading to the Windows 10 May 2020 Update (version 2004) or enabling Files on Demand in OneDrive, some customers may see the following error when trying to access items in your OneDrive folder.

• OneDrive cannot connect to Windows. 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.

All your OneDrive files and folders are safe, and you can access them through the OneDrive website or the OneDrive mobile app.

STATUS: INVESTIGATING

You may roll back the May 2020 Update (version 2004) while we investigate.

1. Open your Windows Recovery settings.

2. Under Go back to a previous version of Windows 10, select Get started.

If you are unable to roll back the update, some customers find this Registry edit helpful.

Caution: Before you edit the registry, we recommend that you make a back up of your registry. If a problem occurs, you can then restore the registry to its previous state.  Learn more about How to back up and restore the registry in Windows

1. Press the Windows key + R to open a Run window.

2. Type regedit and click OK.

3. Paste this path into the navigation bar at the top of the Registry Editor: 
   Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\CldFlt\Instances

4. Double-click the DefaultInstance name.

5. Change the value data to CldFlt and select OK.

6. Restart your computer.

Read more

Learn about OneDrive Files On-Demand

Fixes or workarounds for recent issues in OneDrive

	Get online help See more support pages for OneDrive and OneDrive for work or school. For the OneDrive mobile app, see Troubleshoot OneDrive mobile app problems. OneDrive Admins can also view the OneDrive Tech Community, Help for OneDrive for Admins.
	Contact Support If you still need help, contact support through your browser or shake your mobile device while you're in the OneDrive app. OneDrive Admins can contact Microsoft 365 for business support.
	Tips Letting us know your location may help us resolve your issue more quickly. All fixed? If you contacted us and OneDrive starts working again, please let us know by replying to the email we sent you.