Microsoft has recognized OneDrive connectivity issues on some devices that have been upgraded to Windows 10, May 2020 update (Windows 10 version 2004).
An error message that says “OneDrive cannot connect to Windows” informs affected users that Files On-Demand requires an Internet connection to function. The problem means that people cannot access some of your files, at least until they apply a workaround.
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Microsoft explains: “After upgrading to Windows 10, version 2004, some older devices or devices with certain older applications installed that use legacy file system filter drivers may not be able to connect to OneDrive through the OneDrive application. It is affected devices may not be able to download new files on demand or open previously synced / downloaded files. “
The full text of the error message is:
OneDrive cannot connect to Windows. On-demand files require a connection to Windows to display your files without taking up space on this device. OneDrive may continue trying to connect to Windows or you may choose to download all of your files. You will not be able to use only online files until this is fixed.
While Microsoft is working on a solution, the company shares details of a workaround that helps with the problem in the meantime:
- Select the Start button and type: cmd
- Right click or hold Symbol of the systemand select Execute as an administrator.
- Type or copy and paste the following command into the Symbol of the system dialogue:
reg add HKLMSystemCurrentControlSetServicesCldfltinstances /f /v DefaultInstance /t REG_SZ /d "CldFlt" - Restart your device after the command is completed.
- To verify that Files On-Demand is still enabled, right-click or tap and hold the OneDrive icon in the notification area, select Configurations.
- In the Settings dialog box, verify that Save space and download files as you use them is enabled, then select the OK
- If you are using more than one OneDrive account within the app, or you are using OneDrive Personal and OneDrive for Business, you will need to repeat steps 5 and 6 for each account.
- The OneDrive app should now connect and run as expected.
Microsoft says a suitable solution will be released in a future release.
