Resetting a Windows device that’s syncing with OneDrive might not actually fully erase the OneDrive files

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Published onFebruary 25, 2022

published onFebruary 25, 2022

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Microsoft hasupdatedthe list of known issues in Windows 10 and Windows 11 with a warning for OneDrive users. If you’re using the Microsoft cloud service on your PC, the in-built reset option of the operating systems might not actually remove your files cleanly (via Neowin.)

More specifically, this issue impacts folks who are using OneDrive’sreparse data option. According to Microsoft, files or folders downloaded or synced locally with this feature (which is a collection of user-defined data for a file or directory) might not be deleted when choosing the “Remove everything” option in Windows’ reset settings.

The bug also impacts the remote reset option too, initiated with Mobile Device Management or other applications like Intune. However, OneDrive files that are “cloud-only” or have not been downloaded or opened on the device are not affected and will not persist, even with reset.

If you’re worried about this, the workaround is quite simple until Microsoft comes up with a fix. All you need to do issign out of OneDrive, or Unlink OneDrivebefore resetting your device. Or, if your device is already reset, simplydelete the Windows.oldfolder in Storage sense after a clean install.

Microsoft is working on a fix and says it will be coming in an upcoming release. More than likely this fix could come on Patch Tuesday, which is a little over two weeks out at this point.

Radu Tyrsina

Radu Tyrsina has been a Windows fan ever since he got his first PC, a Pentium III (a monster at that time).

For most of the kids of his age, the Internet was an amazing way to play and communicate with others, but he was deeply impressed by the flow of information and how easily you can find anything on the web.

Prior to founding Windows Report, this particular curiosity about digital content enabled him to grow a number of sites that helped hundreds of millions reach faster the answer they’re looking for.

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Radu Tyrsina

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Resetting a Windows device that’s syncing with OneDrive might not actually fully erase the OneDrive files