How to fix “your IT department doesn’t allow you to sync files from this location to your computer” error

OneDrive offers one of the most effective virtual file share and collaborative services available to users from Office 365. However with different administrative levels and security issues regarding identity, sometimes it fails to sync with a persistent sync error.

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Above is the screenshot users get when they encounter an issue with file syncs. The error commonly associated with administrative bodies restricting your ability to sync a file with your own desktop or network will show and prevent you from actually syncing the files across. So how do we resolve this issue? follow the steps below to see how.

Step by step process: How to fix “your IT department doesn’t allow you to sync files from this location to your computer” error

  1. On your Windows desktop search bar type out or look for the app called “Run”.
  2. Now type out “regedit” which is the windows registry editor portal.
  3. You need to locate OneDrives registry portal, we’ve done this for you “HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\OneDrive”, type this out in the file searcher.
  4. Click on “Edit” > “New”.
  5. Then click on “Key”.
  6. Save the new key name as “AllowTenantList”.
  7. With the new key open, Click on “Edit” > “New”.
  8. Then click on “String Value”.
  9. Now type out your tenant ID which can be found on Azure AD.
  10. Double click on the newly created string and in the data feed, type out your tenant ID.
  11. Once the registry sub is complete you can exit the registry portal.
  12. Now click on the OneDrive icon at the bottom on the desktop taskbar.
  13. Then click on “Help & settings” > “Settings”.
  14. If you are signed with the correct account, click on “unlink this PC”.
  15. Then relink with the PC and what this will do is refresh the sync portal with your own registry key allowing you to bypass the sync issue in regards to the IT department.
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The error message will be lifted and now you should be able to sync files with OneDrive, you want to try and pause the file sync altogether and just simply sync a couple of files to see if the method above works. If not, you may want to check your TenantID and ensure it has been correctly typed out and is not rerouting you to a nonexistent network. To prevent overload on the current OneDrvie key is the reason why we suggest you create a new key and this will allow you to get a refreshed portal to sync the files with.

Normally, the OneDrive program syncs your data on a regular basis, as soon as it detects a change, which it should do automatically. You don’t have any choices for forcing OneDrive to sync, and you don’t have any options for the frequency of the syncing process.

Remove sync problems from your user experience for good, upload your files immediately, and access them later across all of your devices, thanks to the app’s cloud-based storage infrastructure, which provides more than enough capacity to safely store all of your digital assets.

More solutions to fix OneDrive sync issues

If the problem persists, there are a number of further troubleshooting options available to you. Our recommendations are as follows:

  • Make sure the file you’re syncing isn’t larger than 10GB. OneDrive will not sync larger files. You can minimise the file size by using file compression software as a solution.
  • Find and instal the most recent Windows updates.

Another option is to check for a new Windows 10 update, however, this seldom addresses the OneDrive issue. If a new pack is available, download and install it since it may cure your OneDrive problem.

The newest upgrades, according to some users, are resolving sync difficulties in OneDrive.

Restart the OneDrive desktop application

It’s possible that there’s a mistake in the OneDrive process, in which case restarting the service could help. To restart the OneDrive app, follow these steps:

  • Right-click the OneDrive icon (a white cloud) in the taskbar and choose Properties.
  • From the menu selections, select Exit.
  • Open the OneDrive app by going to Search and typing onedrive.
  • Check to see if you can sync your files again.
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In depth Step by step process – How to fix “your IT department doesn’t allow you to sync files from this location to your computer” error

Step by step breakdown:

  • On your Windows desktop search bar type out or look for the app called “Run”.

You can find it in the application panel as well. This may be effective if for some reason your taskbar isn’t working or you are using a model of Windows that doesn’t have a type to search for in the taskbar.

  • Now type out “regedit” which is the windows registry editor portal, and click “OK.”

The Windows Registry is a hierarchical database that holds low-level settings for Microsoft Windows and programs that use the registry. The registry is used by the kernel, device drivers, services, Security Accounts Manager, and user interfaces.

  • Copy and paste “HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\OneDrive” into the search bar at the top of the Registry Editor’s window.
  • Then press Enter on your keyboard.
  • Click on “Edit” in the top menu, then select “New” > “Key.”
  • Alternatively, right-click anywhere on the right panel and select “New” > “Key.”
  • A new subfolder will appear under “OneDrive.”
  • Name it “AllowTenantList.”
  • With the new key selected, Click on “Edit” > “New” > “String Value.”
  • Alternatively, right-click anywhere inside the new key and select “New” > “String Value.”
Next, you need your Tenant ID:
  • Open your Azure Portal.
  • Click on “View” under “Manage Azure Active Directory.”
  • Then select “Overview” and find your Tenant ID under “Basic information.”
  • Click on the clipboard clipboard icon to copy your Tenant ID.
  • Name your new string as your Tenant ID.
  • Then, double click on the newly created string and enter your Tenant ID under “Value Data.”
  • Click “OK” to finish.
  • Close Registry Editor and click on the onedrive OneDrive icon in your Windows toolbar.
  • Then click the cog icon and select “Settings” from the dropdown menu.
  • Go to the “Account” tab and click on “Unlink this PC.”
  • Click the “Unlink account” button when prompted.
  • Sign back in to your account to relink your PC.

Relinking with your PC will refresh the sync portal with your own registry key.

That’s it for this Blog. Thank you for taking time out to read our content. Please feel free to email our team about how it went if you followed the steps or if you need more help with the questions we answered in this Blog.

Saajid Gangat

Saajid Gangat has been a researcher and content writer at Business Tech Planet since 2021. Saajid is a tech-savvy writer with expertise in web and graphic design and has extensive knowledge of Microsoft 365, Adobe, Shopify, WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, and more! You can connect with Saajid on Linkedin.

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