OneDrive Red X Icon on Files & Folders


BIC

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OS
Windows 11
After several years of paying for Microsoft 365 Family, we no longer need it. A week or so ago, I let the subscription lapse.

Of course, I'm now 110 GB over the free 5 GB OneDrive storage limit. No problem as I have the PC set to keep all files on PC (solid green circle with white check mark) and backed up on the cloud. But, turns out along the way, OneDrive decided not to keep all files on PC. Some had open green circles, which changed to full green circles OK.

But, some folders & files on PC have a red X. Don't know why. On a red X folder or file, I can right click to "Always keep on this device." Some changed to solid green circles, but a few minutes later, they revert to red X. Now, nothing happens and red X stays put.

I'd be happy to delete everything in the cloud if I can get it all solid green circles loaded back on the PC. Everything is backed up on an external hard drive except the red X files. I now have limited access to OneDrive, won't let me do much. The red X files are on the PC, but they don't backup to the external hard drive. I use SyncBack for backup on external drives.

How do I get the red X files back to green on the PC or get SyncBack to recognize them for backup/sync? Thanks.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Envy TE01-3197c
    CPU
    12th Generation i7-12700F
    Memory
    32GB DDR4-3200 SDRAM
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Super 6GB GDDR6
Since I apparently have all my files on the PC, even if some have the red X, what happens if I disconnect from OneDrive altogether? Will all the OneDrive icons go away? Thanks.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Envy TE01-3197c
    CPU
    12th Generation i7-12700F
    Memory
    32GB DDR4-3200 SDRAM
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Super 6GB GDDR6
Since I apparently have all my files on the PC, even if some have the red X, what happens if I disconnect from OneDrive altogether? Will all the OneDrive icons go away? Thanks.
If you have no plans to pay for the extra storage, I strongly suggest ASAP you take action to stop Onedrive sync, relocate your user folders back to their default location of C:\users\yourusername and unlink your account and PC from Onedrive. Instructions for doing this has been posted many times on this forum. I would not bet the bank that files in the Onedrive folder will remain there once you are over your limit by that much for any length of time. We have seen repots of users losing their files. This is one of hundreds of posts regarding Onedrive. Onedrive

When you exceed your OneDrive storage limit, you can't upload or edit new files, and existing files become read-only; Microsoft willy delete your files after 6 months if you don't take action. Your linked computer will also stop syncing new changes to OneDrive.
What Happens Immediately:
  • No New Uploads/Edits: You'll be blocked from adding new files, photos (like Camera Roll), or making changes to existing ones.
  • Files Become Read-Only: All your current files will still be accessible but cannot be modified.
  • Sync Pauses: Your computer will stop syncing files to the cloud, and you might see errors.
  • Outlook Issues: If you're over your combined Microsoft storage, you may also stop receiving or sending emails in Outlook.com.

If You Don't Act:
  • Account Frozen: Your account can become frozen if you stay over your limit.
  • File Deletion: After 6 months of inactivity, Microsoft will permanently delete your OneDrive content, and these files will be unrecoverable.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 25H2 26200.8655
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 7080
    CPU
    i9-10900 10 core 20 threads
    Motherboard
    DELL 0J37VM
    Memory
    32 gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    none-Intel UHD Graphics 630
    Sound Card
    Integrated Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    2x1tb Solidigm m.2 nvme /External drives 512gb Samsung m.2 sata+2tb Kingston m2.nvme
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell Premium
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    so slow I'm too embarrassed to tell
    Browser
    #1 Edge #2 Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 24H2 26200.8457
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Beelink Mini PC SER5
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 6800U
    Memory
    32 gb
    Graphics card(s)
    integrated
    Sound Card
    integrated
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Crucial nvme
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    still too embarrassed to tell
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    System 3 is non compliant Dell 9020 i7-4770/24gb ram Win11 PRO 26200.8457

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Envy TE01-3197c
    CPU
    12th Generation i7-12700F
    Memory
    32GB DDR4-3200 SDRAM
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Super 6GB GDDR6

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