How to fix
“We can’t get to this file right now because computer syncing is paused”
on Windows

Hello. When I try to open photos on my Windows PC I get the "We can't get to this file right now because computer syncing is paused" message. How do I fix this issue? 

The issue at hand revolves around a common error message in Windows that states, "We can't get to this file right now because computer syncing is paused." This error typically emerges within the context of OneDrive, a cloud-based file storage service integrated into the Windows operating system. OneDrive allows users to synchronize their files and documents across multiple devices, providing accessibility and convenience.

A user reported encountering a problem where numerous photos and files on their computer suddenly became inaccessible, marked by an X on the thumbnail. Attempting to open these files resulted in a prompt indicating the need to resume syncing. This situation suggests that the synchronization process between the user's computer and OneDrive has been paused, leading to a disruption in accessing files stored in the cloud.

The syncing feature of OneDrive is essential for preserving accessibility and consistency across devices. The smooth transfer of data between the user's local computer and the cloud storage may be hampered when syncing is stopped. The X on the thumbnail may suggest that files are corrupted or unavailable as a result of this disruption.

Users that rely significantly on OneDrive or other cloud storage services may find this to be quite annoying. It might impair their capacity to quickly access crucial files, work together on shared papers, or switch between devices with ease. The sudden appearance of an X on thumbnails signals a need for attention to ensure that syncing is resumed, thereby restoring access to the files.

While resolving this issue may involve simple steps such as resuming syncing in OneDrive settings, it's important to note that the specific resolution can vary based on the user's system configuration and the underlying cause of the pause. Follow the step-by-step instructions below that explain how to resume and pause syncing in Windows.

Resume Syncing in OneDrive

• Select the paused OneDrive icon in the notification/menu area.
• In the activity center, choose the pause icon or the yellow box to resume the activity.
• If you don't see the OneDrive icon in the taskbar, click the Show hidden icons arrow next to the notification area to reveal hidden icons.

• Look for the OneDrive icon among the displayed icons.
• If the OneDrive icon is not visible, it may not be running.
• Select Start, type OneDrive in the search box, and then select OneDrive from the search results.

If you would like to pause syncing again, follow the below steps:

• Right-click the OneDrive icon on the taskbar.
• From the menu, select the desired pause duration: 2, 8, or 24 hours.
• Verify that the OneDrive cloud icons in the notification area display Paused in either white or blue.