Overview
This article explains what OneDrive icons mean in Windows, macOS, File Explorer, Finder, and OneDrive.com. Use these icons to check your account, sync status, file availability, sharing, storage, and any actions you need to take.
| Icon |
Meaning |
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OneDrive cloud icon with a blue circle with an "i"
This icon means OneDrive has messages about features or recommended actions.
Select the OneDrive cloud icon to see the messages and actions. |
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OneDrive cloud icon with a red circle and white cross
A red circle with a white cross means that a file or folder can't be synced. You see this icon in File Explorer or on the OneDrive notification area icons.
Select the blue or white OneDrive icon in the notification area to learn more about the problem.
For more help, see Fix OneDrive sync problems. |
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OneDrive cloud icon with a gray line through it
A grayed-out OneDrive icon with a line through it means you're not signed in, or OneDrive setup isn't complete. Press the Windows key, search for "OneDrive", and then open the OneDrive desktop app.
Note: If you see the error message "You're already syncing a personal OneDrive on this computer", follow the steps to unlink and relink your account. |
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OneDrive cloud icon with paused symbol
The paused symbol over the OneDrive or OneDrive for work or school icon means your files aren't currently syncing.
To resume syncing, select the relevant OneDrive icon in the notification or menu bar area, and select Resume syncing.
Learn how to pause and resume sync in OneDrive. |
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OneDrive cloud icon with yellow warning triangle
If you see a yellow warning triangle icon over your OneDrive or OneDrive for work or school icon, it means your account needs attention.
Select the icon to see the warning message displayed in the activity center. |
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OneDrive cloud icon with brown warning circle
If you see a brown exclamation mark icon over your OneDrive or OneDrive for work or school icon, it means your account needs attention.
Select the icon to see the warning message displayed in the activity center. |
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OneDrive cloud icon with a red "no entry" style circle
If you see a red "no entry" style icon over your OneDrive icon, it means your account is blocked.
Learn more about what to do when your OneDrive account is frozen. |
| Icon |
Meaning |
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OneDrive cloud icon with a circle and an "i"
This icon means OneDrive has messages about features or recommended actions.
Select the OneDrive cloud icon to see the messages and actions. |
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OneDrive cloud icon with a red circle and white cross
A red circle with a white cross means that a file or folder can't be synced. Mac users see this icon on the OneDrive menu bar icons.
Select the OneDrive icon in the menu bar area to learn more about the problem. For more help, see Fix OneDrive sync problems on a Mac. |
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Faded OneDrive cloud icon
A faded or grayed-out OneDrive icon means you're not signed in, or OneDrive setup isn't complete.
Use Finder or Spotlight to start OneDrive.
Note: If you see the error message "You're already syncing a personal OneDrive on this computer", follow the steps to unlink and relink your account. |
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OneDrive cloud icon with paused symbol
The paused symbol means your files aren't currently syncing.
To resume syncing, select the relevant OneDrive icon in the menu bar area, and select Resume syncing. |
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Sync arrows or OneDrive cloud with sync arrows icon
The circular arrows over the OneDrive icon signify that sync is in progress. This includes when you are uploading files, or OneDrive is syncing new files from the cloud to your Mac.
Sync icons might also be seen online in OneDrive.com.
OneDrive also checks for other file or folder changes and might show "Processing changes". If OneDrive shows "Processing changes" for a long time, it could be because you have an online file open, a very large file syncing, or a lot of files stuck in a queue. To help resolve these problems, read OneDrive is stuck on "Processing changes".
If you're seeing the sync pending icon in Finder, read OneDrive is stuck on "Sync pending". |
| Icon |
Meaning |
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Sync arrows or OneDrive cloud with sync arrows icon
The circular arrows over the OneDrive or OneDrive for work or school notification icons signify that sync is in progress. This icon appears when you're uploading files, or OneDrive is syncing new files from the cloud to your PC. You might also see sync icons online on OneDrive.com.
OneDrive also checks for other file or folder changes and might show "Processing changes". If OneDrive shows "Processing changes" for a long time, it could be because you have an online file open, a very large file syncing, or a lot of files stuck in a queue. To help resolve these problems, read OneDrive is stuck on "Processing changes".
If you see the sync pending icon in File Explorer, read OneDrive is stuck on "Sync pending". |
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Green circle with the white check mark
Only files that you mark as "Always keep on this device" have the green circle with the white check mark. These always-available files download to your device and take up space, but they're always there for you even when you're offline. |
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White circle with a green tick or check mark
When you open an online-only file, it downloads to your device and becomes a locally available file. You can open a locally available file anytime, even without Internet access. If you need more space, you can change the file back to online only. Right-click the file and select "Free up space."
With Storage Sense turned on, these files become online-only files after the time period you select. |
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Blue cloud outline
A blue cloud icon next to your OneDrive files or folders indicates that the file is only available online. Online-only files don't take up space on your computer.
You can't open online-only files when your device isn't connected to the Internet.
Learn more about OneDrive Files On-Demand. |
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Blue cloud outline with a person icon
If you see a "people" icon next to your OneDrive files or folders, this icon indicates the file or folder is shared with other people.
Learn how to manage sharing and permissions in OneDrive and SharePoint. |
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Gray circle with a flat bar
You might see this icon if you sign in to OneDrive with a work or school account. It means your admin blocked the sync of certain file types.
It's most common to block Outlook data files. Even if you also sign in to OneDrive with a personal account, the same restrictions apply.
Learn how to remove an Outlook .pst data file from OneDrive. |
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Folder with a chain link
A chain or link icon over a folder means it's a shortcut to another folder that is shared. |
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Diamond icon
The blue diamond icon on the OneDrive.com toolbar shows your current subscription with OneDrive or Microsoft 365, and how much storage you've used.
If you don't have a subscription, select the icon to see what plans are available. |
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Three blue lines
The glimmer marks (three little blue lines) seen next to a file or folder indicate that the file is new. |
Need more help?
Account support. For help with your Microsoft account and subscriptions, visit Account & Billing Help.
Technical support. For technical support, select Contact Microsoft Support below, enter your problem and select Get Help.
Mobile users can contact Support by opening the OneDrive app and gently shaking your device.
Community support. Communities help you ask questions, give feedback, and hear from experts with rich knowledge. Ask the Microsoft Community. Do not disclose personal or sensitive information in public forums.
