Microsoft OneDrive and OneNote users have been dealing with a frustrating glitch that’s making their files go poof — well, sort of. Reports have been pouring into forums about an odd issue where attempts to open files on OneDrive result in a dreaded “404 File Not Found” error. But here’s the kicker: the files are still there; they’re just playing an annoying game of hide-and-seek.

The problem seems to span across devices, with users from Brazil to the U.S. chiming in. Whether you’re on a Windows PC, a MacBook, or even a Chromebook, the headache is the same. You can see your files, you can even download them, but if you try to open them directly from OneDrive, you’re greeted with that pesky 404 message.

Interestingly, this issue extends to accessing OneDrive through Microsoft Teams as well, particularly when someone has recently changed their surname. For those users, trying to access OneDrive through the Teams app can lead to the same frustrating error. Until a fix is released, Microsoft recommends the following:

    1. Create a 1:1 chat with another user.

    2. In the message box, select Actions and apps > Attach file > Upload from this device.

    3. Select a file you will send to the other user, then select Open.

    4. Press Enter to send the file or select Send.

    5. After you’ve sent the file, navigate to the OneDrive app in Teams.

One of the quirkiest aspects of this issue is that it doesn’t affect all file types. PDFs and JPEGs are opening just fine, but if you’re trying to access a Word document or an Excel spreadsheet — good luck! The issue seems to be particularly stubborn with Microsoft’s own file formats. One curious user even found that adding a “0” in the URL after “.com/personal/” magically fixes the problem.

Others discovered that opening files through the Microsoft 365 website rather than directly through OneDrive works like a charm. It’s as if OneDrive decided to go on strike, but Microsoft 365 didn’t get the memo.

OneDrive-404-file-not-found-error

The trouble doesn’t stop with OneDrive. OneNote users have also been grappling with sync failures. Users have reported synchronization failures that render their notebooks inaccessible, particularly when using the desktop app or mobile versions. While the online version of OneNote seems to be functioning fine, the desktop and mobile apps aren’t playing nice, especially when it comes to syncing images across devices.

While these errors are undeniably frustrating, there is a silver lining — Microsoft is aware and working on solutions. In the meantime, users might need to rely on a mix of creative workarounds and patience. If you’re affected, keep an eye on the official Microsoft support channels for updates, and don’t hesitate to try some of the community-suggested fixes.

Hillary Keverenge
203 Posts

Tech junkie. Gadget whisperer. Firmware fighter. I'm here to share my love-hate relationship with technology, one unboxing at a time.

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