How to Fix Couldn’t start Files on Demand, Error code 0xffffffea in OneDrive

Welcome to our friendly guide on how to fix the frustrating "Couldn't Start Files on Demand" error in OneDrive. In this blog post, we will walk you through a step-by-step process to resolve this issue and get your files back up and running smoothly. So let's dive right in!

Step 1: Check Your Internet Connection

The first thing you want to do is ensure that your internet connection is stable. A strong and reliable connection is essential for OneDrive to function properly. Here's what you can do:

In today's digital age, a stable internet connection is crucial for carrying out various tasks, including accessing cloud storage services like OneDrive. If you encounter the "Couldn't Start Files on Demand" error, the first step is to check your internet connection.

Start by checking your Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection. Make sure you are connected to a network with a strong signal. You can try connecting to a different network or restarting your router to rule out any temporary issues.

To verify if your internet is working fine, try accessing other websites or online services. If you're able to browse the web without any problems, it indicates that the issue lies specifically with OneDrive.

Step 2: Delete OneDrive Folder Cache and Temporary Files

Sometimes, cached files in OneDrive can cause conflicts and prevent it from starting correctly. To clear these temporary files, follow these simple steps:

Over time, OneDrive accumulates temporary files and folder cache, which can lead to various issues, including the "Couldn't Start Files on Demand" error. To resolve this, you need to delete these temporary files by following these steps:

1. Open File Explorer by pressing Win + E on your keyboard.

2. In the address bar, type in the following location: C:\Users\[YourUserName]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\OneDrive.

3. Press Enter to navigate to the OneDrive folder.

4. Once inside the OneDrive folder, select all the files and folders by pressing Ctrl + A.

5. Right-click on the selected files and choose Delete from the context menu.

6. Confirm the deletion by clicking Yes when prompted.

7. Now, empty your Recycle Bin to ensure that the files are permanently deleted.

By clearing the OneDrive folder cache and temporary files, you are effectively removing any potential conflicts that may be causing the "Couldn't Start Files on Demand" error.

Step 3: Reset OneDrive Settings

Resetting the settings of OneDrive can often fix various issues, including the "Couldn't Start Files on Demand" error. Here's how you can do it:

If the previous steps didn't resolve the issue, resetting OneDrive settings might do the trick. Follow these steps to reset OneDrive:

1. Locate the OneDrive icon in the system tray, which is typically found in the bottom right corner of your screen.

2. Right-click on the OneDrive icon to open the context menu.

3. From the drop-down menu, select "Settings."

4. In the Settings tab, click on "Unlink this PC."

5. Follow the prompts to complete the process, which will remove your account from OneDrive.

6. Restart your computer to ensure that any lingering settings are cleared.

7. After restarting, open OneDrive again and sign in with your account details.

8. OneDrive will re-sync your files, and this should resolve the "Couldn't Start Files on Demand" error.

Resetting OneDrive settings essentially starts afresh by unlinking your account and then re-establishing the connection. This process often resolves any underlying issues that may be causing the error.

Step 4: Update OneDrive and Windows

Keeping your software up-to-date is crucial for optimal performance and bug fixes. To update OneDrive and Windows, follow these simple steps:

Regular software updates are essential for maintaining the stability and security of your system. By updating both OneDrive and Windows, you ensure that you have the latest features and bug fixes, which can help resolve various issues, including the "Couldn't Start Files on Demand" error.

To update OneDrive and Windows:

1. Click on the Start menu and type "Windows Update" in the search bar.

2. Select "Check for updates" from the search results.

3. Windows will now check for any available updates.

4. If any updates are available, click on "Install" to start the update process.

5. Depending on the size of the updates, the installation process may take some time.

6. Once the updates are installed, restart your computer to apply the changes.

By updating OneDrive and Windows, you ensure that any known issues or bugs are addressed, which can significantly improve the performance of OneDrive and resolve the "Couldn't Start Files on Demand" error.

Congratulations! You have successfully resolved the "Couldn't Start Files on Demand" error in OneDrive. By following these friendly guidelines, you have taken important steps to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience with OneDrive.

Remember to regularly check for updates to keep your software running at its best. Keeping your internet connection stable, deleting OneDrive folder cache and temporary files, resetting OneDrive settings, and updating OneDrive and Windows are all crucial steps in fixing the "Couldn't Start Files on Demand" error.