How to fix OneDrive thumbs.db error once and for all

May 2023 · 4 minute read
Delete Thumbs.db OneDrive file

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  • When the OneDrive desktop client encounters sync issues, it may throw the OneDrive thumbs.db error. This error usually occurs due to the invalid file types that OneDrive fails to upload.

    Several OneDrive for Business users have reported similar issues in the Microsoft Community forum:

    I am having sync issues relating to the presence of numerous files “Thumbs.db” which One Drive is telling me are present within my folders.
    However, these files do not exist.

    In this article, we have listed a couple of troubleshooting tips to help you resolve the OneDrive thumbs.ds error on your PC.

    How do I force delete OneDrive thumbs.db files?

    1. Delete thumbs.db files from the OneDrive folder

    OneDrive thumbs.ds error

  • Open the Windows File Explorer.
  • Navigate to the OneDrive folder.
  • Thumbs.db files are invalid file types and usually hidden by default.
  • On the OneDrive folder, click on View > Options.
  • Click on View and choose Show hidden files, folders, and drives.
  • Find all the thumbs.db files in the folder and delete them.
  • Relaunch OneDrive client and try to sync.
  • Since the Thumbs.db files are invalid file types, deleting any file with the extension will resolve the issues related to OneDrive sync.

    2. Check for pending updates

    OneDrive thumbs.ds error

  • If the issue is occurring due to a bug in the Microsoft OneDrive desktop client, check if Microsoft has released an update to fix the problem.
  • Launch the Microsoft Store app and search for OneDrive.
  • Download and install any pending updates by clicking on Update.
  • Relaunch the OneDrive client and check for any improvements.
  • 3. Reset OneDrive client

    OneDrive thumbs.ds error

  • Click on Start and select Settings.
  • Go to Apps > Apps and Features.
  • Search for the OneDrive app.
  • Click on OneDrive and select Advanced Options.
  • Scroll down and click on Terminate. Click on Terminate if you are asked to confirm.
  • Scroll down and click on Reset. Click on Reset again when asked to confirm.
  • Relaunch OneDrive client and check if the sync issues are resolved.
  • If you’re having trouble opening the Setting app, take a look at this article to solve the issue.

    Reset using a command

    OneDrive thumbs.ds error

  • Press Windows Key + R to open Run.
  • Type the following command in the Run box and click OK.
    %localappdata%MicrosoftOneDriveonedrive.exe /reset
  • Launch OneDrive and proceed with the setup process and check for any improvements.
  • 4. Run Disk Cleanup tool

    OneDrive thumbs.ds error

  • Press the Windows key to bring up the search bar.
  • Type Disk Cleanup.
  • Click on Disk Cleanup from the search result.
  • In the Disk Cleanup window, select the C: drive.
  • Click OK to continue. The tool will run a quick scan and detect all the files that you can delete from the system.
  • On the Disk Cleanup Menu, make sure you check the “thumbnails” option.
  • Click OK to proceed.
  • Disk Cleanup will delete selected files.
  • Once done, launch the OneDrive account and check if the issue is resolved.
  • Problems deleting all your junk files? Follow this guide to solve Disk Cleanup issues and save your drive.

    5. Reinstall the OneDrive client

    OneDrive thumbs.ds error

  • Click on Start and select Settings.
  • Go to Apps > Apps and Features.
  • Search for the OneDrive app and select it.
  • Click on Uninstall.
  • You can reinstall the OneDrive app from the Microsoft Store.
  • And that’s how you can get rid of the thumbs.db error for good. If you have any other questions or suggestions, leave them in the comments section below and we’ll be sure to check them out.

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