OneDrive Error 0x8004de40: 12 Ways to Fix Sync Issues

Quick Fix

Sign out of OneDrive, reset the app using the command “wsreset.exe”, and sign back in to fix error 0x8004de40 in most cases.

OneDrive error 0x8004de40 prevents you from syncing files and can be really frustrating when you need access to your documents. I’ve encountered this sync error several times, usually right when I needed to access important files. The good news is this error is fixable. Here’s what actually works.

Why This Happens

Error 0x8004de40 occurs when OneDrive can’t establish a secure connection to Microsoft’s servers. This usually happens due to network configuration issues, corrupted credentials, or proxy settings interfering with the sync process.

Sometimes TLS/SSL settings on your computer block OneDrive’s connection attempts. Firewall rules or VPN software can also trigger this error by blocking Microsoft’s authentication servers.

How to Fix OneDrive Error 0x8004de40 – 12 Solutions

1. Reset OneDrive

Resetting OneDrive clears its cache and credentials, forcing a fresh sync setup.

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog
2. Type: %localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset
3. Press Enter and wait a few minutes
4. OneDrive should restart automatically
5. If it doesn’t restart, run: %localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe
6. Sign in again with your Microsoft account

Why this works: Resetting clears corrupted sync data and authentication tokens that cause connection failures.

2. Check Your Internet Connection

Unstable internet can prevent OneDrive from maintaining a connection to Microsoft servers.

1. Open your browser and go to outlook.com
2. Try logging into your Microsoft account
3. If the website works slowly, restart your router
4. Try connecting to a different network if available
5. Disable VPN if you’re using one

Why this works: OneDrive requires a stable connection to Microsoft’s servers for authentication.

3. Enable TLS 1.1 and TLS 1.2

OneDrive requires modern TLS protocols for secure connections. Older or disabled settings cause error 0x8004de40.

1. Press Windows + R and type: inetcpl.cpl
2. Go to the Advanced tab
3. Scroll down to the Security section
4. Check “Use TLS 1.1” and “Use TLS 1.2”
5. Uncheck “Use SSL 3.0” if it’s enabled
6. Click Apply, then OK
7. Restart your computer

Why this works: Microsoft requires TLS 1.2 for secure OneDrive connections.

4. Disable Proxy Settings

Proxy configurations can interfere with OneDrive’s connection to Microsoft servers.

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings
2. Go to Network & Internet > Proxy
3. Turn off “Automatically detect settings”
4. Turn off “Use a proxy server”
5. Restart OneDrive

Why this works: Proxies can block or modify traffic to Microsoft’s authentication endpoints.

5. Add OneDrive to Windows Firewall Exceptions

Windows Firewall might be blocking OneDrive’s network connections.

1. Open Windows Security from the Start menu
2. Click Firewall & network protection
3. Click “Allow an app through firewall”
4. Click “Change settings” (requires admin)
5. Find Microsoft OneDrive in the list
6. Check both Private and Public boxes
7. Click OK to save

Why this works: Allowing OneDrive through the firewall enables proper server communication.

6. Run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

Windows built-in troubleshooter can detect and fix OneDrive connection issues.

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings
2. Go to System > Troubleshoot
3. Click “Other troubleshooters”
4. Find “Windows Store Apps” and click Run
5. Follow the on-screen instructions
6. Restart OneDrive after completion

Why this works: The troubleshooter resets Windows Store app components that OneDrive relies on.

7. Clear OneDrive Credentials

Corrupted stored credentials prevent OneDrive from authenticating properly.

1. Press Windows + R and type: control /name Microsoft.CredentialManager
2. Click “Windows Credentials”
3. Look for entries containing “OneDrive” or “Microsoft”
4. Click each one and select “Remove”
5. Restart OneDrive and sign in again

Why this works: Removing corrupted credentials forces OneDrive to authenticate fresh.

8. Update OneDrive

An outdated OneDrive version may have bugs causing connection errors.

1. Right-click the OneDrive icon in the system tray
2. Click the gear icon and select Settings
3. Go to the About tab
4. Click on the version number link to check for updates
5. Or download the latest version from onedrive.live.com

Why this works: Microsoft regularly patches connection issues in OneDrive updates.

9. Flush DNS Cache

Corrupted DNS cache can prevent OneDrive from resolving Microsoft server addresses.

1. Press Windows + X and select “Terminal (Admin)”
2. Type: ipconfig /flushdns
3. Press Enter
4. Type: ipconfig /release
5. Press Enter
6. Type: ipconfig /renew
7. Press Enter
8. Restart OneDrive

Why this works: Flushing DNS clears outdated server address information.

10. Disable IPv6

IPv6 configuration issues can cause OneDrive connection problems.

1. Press Windows + R and type: ncpa.cpl
2. Right-click your network adapter and select Properties
3. Uncheck “Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6)”
4. Click OK
5. Restart your computer
6. Try OneDrive again

Why this works: Some networks have misconfigured IPv6 that interferes with Microsoft connections.

11. Create a New Windows User Profile

A corrupted user profile can cause persistent OneDrive errors.

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings
2. Go to Accounts > Other users
3. Click “Add account” and create a new local user
4. Log out and log into the new account
5. Set up OneDrive in the new profile

Why this works: A fresh profile eliminates corrupted settings affecting OneDrive.

12. Reinstall OneDrive

A complete reinstall replaces all OneDrive files and settings.

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings
2. Go to Apps > Installed apps
3. Find Microsoft OneDrive and click Uninstall
4. Restart your computer
5. Download OneDrive from onedrive.live.com
6. Install and sign in with your Microsoft account

Why this works: Reinstalling replaces any corrupted program files.

If Nothing Works

If all solutions fail, contact Microsoft support through the OneDrive help center. You can also access your files temporarily through onedrive.live.com in your browser while troubleshooting the desktop sync issue.

FAQ

Will I lose my files if I reset OneDrive?

No, resetting OneDrive only clears the local sync state and credentials. Your files remain safely stored in the cloud. After signing back in, OneDrive will sync your files again. You won’t lose any data.

Why does error 0x8004de40 keep coming back?

Recurring errors usually indicate network configuration issues or antivirus interference. Check if your antivirus has a web shield feature that blocks Microsoft connections. Also verify your router doesn’t have content filtering enabled that affects Microsoft services.

Can I use OneDrive on the web while fixing this error?

Yes, you can access all your OneDrive files at onedrive.live.com in any web browser. You can upload, download, and share files through the web interface while troubleshooting the desktop sync client.

Wrapping Up

OneDrive error 0x8004de40 is usually fixed by resetting OneDrive and enabling TLS 1.2 in your internet settings. Most users get back to syncing after clearing credentials and resetting the app. Check your firewall and proxy settings if the problem persists. Good luck getting your files syncing again!