How to Permanently Solve the Frustrating OneDrive Files on Demand Error? Expert Troubleshooting Steps

Why Does OneDrive Show the “Couldn’t Start Files on Demand” Error? Proven Fixes for Smooth File Access

The OneDrive Files on Demand feature enables users to access their cloud files directly from File Explorer without downloading them to local storage. When the error “Couldn’t start Files on Demand” appears, users lose this seamless access, impacting productivity. This issue can be caused by outdated software, network problems, incompatible drive formats, or corrupted cache files.

Step-by-Step Fixes for the OneDrive Files on Demand Error

Solution 1: Update and Restart Your Computer

1. Install the latest Windows and Office updates to ensure compatibility with OneDrive.
2. Restart your computer after updates to apply changes.

Solution 2: Update OneDrive and Antivirus Software

Ensure you have the latest version of OneDrive installed.

1. Open OneDrive settings, navigate to Sync and Backup > Advanced Settings, and check for updates.
2. Update your antivirus software, as outdated security filters may block Files on Demand.

Solution 3: Check Internet Connection

A stable and fast internet connection is essential for OneDrive to access cloud files efficiently.

Solution 4: Clear OneDrive Temp and Cache Files

Delete temporary files and cache to remove corruption:

1. Navigate to:
   C:\Users\<YourUsername>\AppData\Local\Temp
   C:\Users\<YourUsername>\AppData\LocalLow\Temp
   C:\Windows\Temp
   C:\Users\<YourUsername>\AppData\Local\OneDrive\cache\qmlcache
2. Delete all files in these folders (do not delete the folders themselves).
3. Restart your computer and let OneDrive resync.

Solution 5: Uninstall and Reinstall OneDrive

1. Uninstall OneDrive via the Control Panel.
2. Delete the OneDrive folder in C:\Users\<YourUsername>\AppData\Local\.
3. Clear the Temp folders as described above.
4. Restart your computer.
5. Download and reinstall the latest OneDrive client from the official site.
6. Log in to your OneDrive account and verify if Files on Demand is working.

Solution 6: Ensure Drive is NTFS Formatted

Files on Demand requires the drive to be formatted as NTFS, not exFAT.

1. Open Disk Management, right-click the target drive, select “Format,” and choose NTFS.
2. After formatting, reconfigure OneDrive to use the NTFS drive.

Solution 7: Adjust OneDrive Settings

1. Right-click the OneDrive icon in the taskbar, select “Settings.”
2. Go to Sync and Backup.
3. Under Files On-Demand, select either “Free up disk space” or “Download all files” as needed.

Solution 8: Reset Network Components

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
2. Run these commands one by one:

   netsh int ip reset
   netsh winsock reset
   ipconfig /release
   ipconfig /renew
   ipconfig /flushdns

3. Restart your computer to apply changes.

Resolving the “Couldn’t Start Files on Demand” error in OneDrive involves updating software, clearing cache, ensuring NTFS drive formatting, and resetting network settings. Following these steps restores seamless access to cloud files and enhances user productivity.