How to fix
OneDrive error “File can’t be displayed”
on Windows

So I use my OneDrive desktop app for everything to do with my files there. As of yesterday, I can't open PDF files and the message says "File can’t be displayed." Everything works fine in the browser.

Among the most popular cloud storage solutions, OneDrive integrates well with Windows and provides a way of accessing, sharing, and syncing files across multiple devices. OneDrive is especially appreciated for its ease of use and tight integration with Microsoft Office and Windows Explorer.

However, as with any other app, OneDrive isn't free from issues that can prevent its expected functionality. One of the problems that might bug a user is some file display error, which does not allow users to view or access certain files within a particular user account on OneDrive.

With the "File can't be displayed" error, some of those files will not open either in the OneDrive application or in the browser interface. Mostly, this error does not come with an explanation, leaving you with questions like where it came from.

For some users, the problem appears to affect just a few files or folders, while for other users, it impacts larger portions of their OneDrive storage. This can be really frustrating if the affected files are important to deal with for work, school, or personal projects.

Now, this "File can't be displayed" error could appear for a couple of reasons. The common cause could be some issues in network connectivity; hence, OneDrive can't sync or load your files properly. In other cases, corrupted or incomplete files can also trigger this error and make them inaccessible.

Incompatible or older versions of the OneDrive app can be another point of conflict that causes files to fail to appear as they should. Besides, permission issues or changes in the original location of these files might be a contributing factor to the anomaly, through which OneDrive is unable to find or open the file.

Such problems can be circumvented by using various third-party utility tools like the [d1] repair tool to automatically replace corrupted system files or other underlying Windows issues that might lead to errors in OneDrive.

Solutions for the "File can't be displayed" error vary from simple refresh of the network and update of the OneDrive application to manual steps like resetting the application or re-syncing of the file. Below are manual steps to walk you through the procedures progressively from the easiest to the most advanced fixes.

Fix 1. Check your internet connection

Network connectivity issues are one of the main reasons why OneDrive may struggle to display files. Ensuring your connection is stable can help.

Windows 11

• Type Troubleshoot in Windows search and hit Enter.
• Select Other troubleshooters.
• Locate Network & Internet troubleshooter from the list and click Run.
• Wait till the process is finished and apply the recommended fixes.
• Restart your computer.

Windows 10

• Right-click on Start and pick Settings.
• Go to the Network & Internet section.
• On the right side, find the Advanced network settings section.
• Click Network troubleshooter and wait.
• The fixes will be automatically applied.

Fix 2. Update the OneDrive app

Running an outdated version of the OneDrive app can cause compatibility problems, leading to errors.

• Open the OneDrive app on Windows.
• Click on the Help & Settings icon in the notification area.
• Select Settings.
• In the settings menu, go to the About tab.
• Click on the OneDrive version - this should open the browser and the release notes from Microsoft.
• If the latest version listed there matches with the one on your app, you are up to date.
• If the version does not match, simply click on Download OneDrive for Windows, follow the installation instructions and it will install the latest version on your device.

Fix 3. Refresh OneDrive sync

Refreshing the sync process can help clear minor issues that may be causing the error.

• Right-click the OneDrive cloud icon in the system tray.
• Select Pause syncing and choose a time interval.
• Wait a few moments, then right-click the icon again and select Resume syncing.

Fix 4. Check file permissions

Incorrect file permissions can prevent OneDrive from displaying files properly.

• Navigate to the file in question on your OneDrive.
• Right-click the file and select Properties.
• Go to the Security tab and ensure that your user account has full control.
• Click Edit and adjust the permissions as required.

Fix 5. Clear OneDrive cache

Clearing the OneDrive cache can remove temporary data that may be causing issues.

• Press Win + R on your keyboard.
• When the Run window opens, copy and paste the following text into it:
  %localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset
  (Note: you might get an error here. In that case, use %programfiles(x86)%\Microsoft OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset or C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset instead)
• Press Enter or click OK.
• After this command is executed, the app should be reset, and OneDrive should open.
• If it doesn't, wait a few minutes, then open the Run window again and use the following command:
  %localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe
• Press Enter.

Fix 6. Re-link your OneDrive account

Re-linking your OneDrive account can reset the connection and resolve issues.

• Right-click the OneDrive icon in the taskbar.
• Select Settings.
• Go to the Account tab.
• Click Unlink this PC.
• Sign in again with your Microsoft account.

Fix 7. Reinstall the OneDrive app

If the problem persists, reinstalling the app can reset its configuration.

• Type cmd in Windows search.
• Right-click on Command Prompt and pick Run as administrator.
• User Account Control will ask whether you want to accept changes - click Yes.
• Type in the following and press Enter to terminate any leftover OneDrive processes:
  taskkill /f /im OneDrive.exe
• If you are using 64-bit Windows, use the following command and hit Enter:
  %SystemRoot%\SysWOW64\OneDriveSetup.exe /uninstall
• If you are using 32-bit Windows, use the following command and hit Enter:
  %SystemRoot%\System32\OneDriveSetup.exe /uninstall
• After that, restart your PC.
• Reinstall OneDrive from the official Microsoft website.