Fix OneDrive connection error on Windows 10

Microsoft has officially confirmed the problem of connecting OneDrive on some Windows 10 systems after being updated to the 2004 version, or turning on the Files on Demand feature in OneDrive.

OneDrive is a data synchronization and storage service developed by Microsoft for Windows operating systems, allowing users to access files stored on their cloud storage right in File Explorer of Windows 10. does not actually occupy any hard disk space with the help of Files on Demand.

However, compatibility error between Windows 10 2004 version and some Windows 10 devices has prevented users from connecting to OneDrive and working as usual.

'Devices affected by this problem cannot download new files on demand or open previously synced / downloaded files' . - Microsoft

Device users affected by this error may receive the following message:

'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 ' . (OneDrive can't connect to Windows. Files On-Demand requires connecting to Windows to view files without wasting space. OneDrive can stay connected to Windows or you can download files. unable to use online files until this error is fixed).

Although the OneDrive connection cannot be established on the affected devices, users can still access their files through the OneDrive website or the OneDrive mobile app. However, one note that manual download files from the OneDrive website will not be automatically synchronized, and will also need to be uploaded manually.

Fix OneDrive connection error on Windows 10 2004

Microsoft has released a troubleshooter for Windows 10 devices in 2004 affected by the problem, designed to automatically restore access to Files On Demand.

" Depending on the user's settings, the troubleshooter may run automatically. If you are prompted to run the troubleshooter, license it to work now,  " Microsoft explained in the support document.

Alternatively, you can also troubleshoot the problem manually by following these steps:

Step 1: Access the Start menu and type cmd .

Step 2: Right-click or press and hold on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.

Step 3: Type or copy and paste the following command into the Command Prompt dialog box:

reg add HKLMSystemCurrentControlSetServicesCldfltinstances /f /v DefaultInstance /t REG_SZ /d "CldFlt"

Step 4: Restart the device after the command has completed.

Step 5: To verify Files On-Demand is still enabled, right-click or hold the OneDrive icon in the notification area, select Settings .

Step 6: In the Settings dialog box, make sure that the option Save space and download files as you use them is enabled, then select OK .

Step 7: If you are using more than one OneDrive account in the app or are using both OneDrive Personal and OneDrive for Business, you will need to repeat steps 5 and 6 for each account.

Microsoft is currently investigating this issue, and a fix will be made available to all affected users in the near future.