Icon status on OneDrive displays Sync, Overlay and Cloud information. When you click the icon for each of these statuses, it opens a webpage with more details about what this means.
OneDrive status icons missing “Sync, Overlay, Cloud” is an issue that has been present for a while. OneDrive has released 3 fixes to fix the issue.
Madalina has been a Windows user since she initially installed Windows XP on her computer. She is fascinated by all things technological, particularly new technologies such as artificial intelligence and DNA computing.
25th of October, 2021
Originally published in May 2018
- Icon overlays for OneDrive may be quite handy, and users have learned to appreciate them.
- If they abruptly vanish, it will have an impact on the overall user experience. Here’s how to fast and simply reclaim those symbols.
- Why not create your own visual shortcuts now that they’ve become virtually indispensable? Take a look at these incredible Icon Converter Tools.
- For additional information on how to resolve issues with OneDrive, see our OneDrive Troubleshooting Hub.
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Icon overlays are unique indications that are placed over conventional folder icons to provide additional information about the folders.
The lock icon, which shows that a file requires special access rights, the little arrow, which indicates that the icon is really a shortcut, and so on are examples of icon overlays.
Unfortunately, the icon overlays are not always accessible. OneDrive is one of the programs that is regularly plagued by this problem, which may be aggravating since users have no visibility into the progress of the data they’re syncing.
Furthermore, Windows 10 has a restriction of 15 icon overlays that may be loaded and shown every session.
What should I do if the OneDrive icon overlay is missing?
Overlay icons that are missing might be inconvenient, but here are some of the most prevalent issues that customers have reported:
- OneDrive sync overlays are missing – If OneDrive sync overlays are missing, the problem might be due to missing updates. Microsoft is aware of the problem, and it is recommended that you upgrade your Windows to the most recent version to permanently resolve it.
- OneDrive personal lacks synchronization symbol overlays – Many customers have complained that the Personal edition of OneDrive lacks sync icon overlays. This might be because you’ve used up all of your overlay icons. Simply uninstall any additional programs that employ overlay icons, and the issue should go away.
- OneDrive icon overlays aren’t showing up – Users report that OneDrive icon overlays aren’t showing up on their computers. This may be an issue, but by updating your registry, you should be able to resolve it.
1. Remove any programs that are no longer in use.
Due to the limited amount of icon overlays supported by Windows, other apps that frequently employ icon overlays on files and folders (such as Dropbox) have precedence in showing theirs, while those for OneDrive are suppressed.
Once you’ve uninstalled the apps, restart your computer to see the OneDrive icon overlays.
You may delete a program using a variety of techniques, but the most successful is to utilize specialist uninstaller software. Even if you delete a program, it may leave behind residual files and registry entries, which might cause problems with your system.
Even for skilled users, manually removing remaining files and registry entries is a tiresome operation, so it’s typically easier to utilize software that does it for you.
2. Run an SFC scan after deleting temporary files.
- Make a OneDrive recycle bin folder.
- All temporary files from the temp and percent temp percent folders should be moved to the recycle bin folder. If you like, you may also erase them.
It’s advised that you run an SFC scan and examine your system for file damage after eliminating temporary files. This is a basic process that may be completed by following these steps:
- To access the Win + X menu, press Windows Key + X. Select Command Prompt (Admin) from the drop-down menu. If Command Prompt isn’t accessible, PowerShell (Admin) may be used instead.
- Run the sfc /scannow command once the Command Prompt has opened. This will run an SFC scan on your computer. Remember that the SFC scan might take up to 15 minutes to complete, so don’t interrupt it.
You need also conduct a DISM scan in addition to the SFC scan. If the SFC scan fails to execute or cure your issue, it’s recommended that you conduct a DISM scan instead. Follow these steps to do so:
- As an administrator, open Command Prompt.
- To launch it, type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth in the Command Prompt and hit Enter.
- The DISM scan will now begin. We must tell you that this procedure may take up to 20 minutes to complete, so please do not stop it.
Check whether the issue still exists when the scan is completed. If you were unable to conduct an SFC scan before, you should try it again to see if it resolves the issue.
3. Make changes to your register
- In the search box, type regedit and hit Enter.
- Backup the Windows Registry by right-clicking on Computer and selecting Export from the menu.
- HKEY LOCAL MACHINESOFTWARE is where you should look. MicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerShellIconOverlayIdentifiers
- Delete any folders that don’t have a name, as well as any folders with spaces at the start of their names that aren’t related to OneDrive. To move files to the top of the list, place a space in front of their titles in OneDrive.
- Your computer should be restarted.
4. Make use of ShellExView.
The restricted quantity of icon overlays might be the cause of the missing OneDrive icon overlay. Windows has a limit on how many icon overlays it can employ, and if your OneDrive icon overlays are missing, it’s conceivable that you’ve surpassed that limit.
Other apps will take precedence over OneDrive if this occurs, and your OneDrive icon overlays will cease functioning.
This does not imply that OneDrive is not functional; rather, you will not get a visible indication in the form of icon overlays, which may be an issue for certain users.
There is, however, a method to check which apps employ icon overlays. To do so, you’ll require ShellExView, a third-party program. Because this is a freeware and portable program, you may use it on your PC with no restrictions.
After you’ve downloaded the app, follow these steps:
- Launch ShellExView.
- When ShellExView opens, go to, choose Sort by Type, then scroll down until you find Icon Overlay Handlers.
- On your PC, you should now see all Icon Overlay Handlers. Simply click the red circle in the toolbar to deactivate the Icon Overlay Handler you wish to disable. Keep an eye on the handler’s description section to figure out which application is utilizing it.
The issue should be fixed after deactivating unneeded handlers. You may always enable handlers by returning to the ShellExView program if necessary. Because this is a more complex solution, proceed with care.
5. Use the troubleshooter from Microsoft.
If your PC’s OneDrive icon overlays are missing, you may be able to resolve the problem by using Microsoft’s troubleshooter.
Microsoft has developed an automatic remedy that can resolve the issue in a matter of seconds. To use this tool, do the following steps:
- Microsoft’s troubleshooter is available for download.
- Run the troubleshooter when it has been downloaded and fulfill the instructions on the screen.
This is a straightforward approach that should work for you, so give it a go.
6. Verify that you have the most recent updates.
If you’re experiencing issues with icon overlays, you may be able to solve the problem by just updating your software. Microsoft is aware of the problem, and it’s probable that it’ll be addressed in one of the most recent updates.
By default, Windows 10 will download and install any updates that are missing, however due to problems, you may miss one or two updates. You may, however, check for updates at any time by performing the following:
- To access the Settings app, press Windows Key + I.
- Go to the section Update & Security now.
- Check for updates by clicking the Check for updates button.
Windows will now look for updates that are available. If any updates are available, they will be downloaded in the background automatically. When you restart your computer after downloading the updates, Windows will automatically install them.
The problem with icon overlays should be permanently rectified when you apply the missing updates.
7. Carry out a clean boot.
Third-party programs may sometimes cause OneDrive icon overlays to disappear due to interference with Windows. You may be able to resolve this issue by doing a Clean boot.
Simply follow these instructions to do so:
- Enter msconfig by pressing Windows Key + R. Click OK or press Enter.
- Now you’ll see the System Configuration window. Select Hide all Microsoft services from the Services tab. Now choose the Disable all option.
- Now go to the Startup tab and choose Open Task Manager from the drop-down menu.
- The Task Manager window will now open, with a list of starting apps. Disable the first element on the list by right-clicking it and selecting Disable from the menu. This step should be repeated for each item in the list.
- Close Task Manager and return to the System Configuration window once you’ve disabled all starting apps. To save your changes and restart your computer, click Apply and OK.
Check whether the issue still exists after restarting. If not, you’ll have to allow apps and services one by one until you locate the one that’s causing you problems.
Remove the troublesome program after you’ve found it and see whether the issue goes away.
These options should help you resolve the problem of missing OneDrive status symbols.
Are there any other workarounds you know of? Please feel free to share your story with us in the comments area below.
Most Commonly Asked Questions
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The “onedrive status column missing” is an issue that has been present for a while. The OneDrive sync, overlay, and cloud icons are not showing up on the status bar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is OneDrive not showing icons?
A: If you are seeing this message, it means that OneDrive was unable to find the appropriate icons for your account.
What does the cloud mean in OneDrive status?
A: The cloud simply means that your documents are stored on Microsofts servers.
How do I see OneDrive sync progress?
A: You can see your OneDrive sync progress on the status bar.
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