OneDrive updates automatically on most devices, but you can force an update or check your current version if sync isn't working as expected

OneDrive runs updates in the background on Windows, Mac, and mobile devices without asking you to do anything. Microsoft pushes updates to your device automatically, usually overnight or when your computer restarts. However, if you're experiencing sync problems, missing features, or you straightforward want to confirm you're on the latest version, you can check for updates manually and install them right away.

The process differs slightly depending on whether you're using Windows, Mac, iOS, or Android. The steps below cover each platform and explain what to do if an update fails or gets stuck.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows and Mac users can check for updates by opening OneDrive settings and selecting the option to update now, which typically takes five to ten minutes.
  • Mobile users should check their device's app store (Apple App Store or Google Play) to see if an update is pending, since OneDrive on phones updates through the store, not the app itself.
  • If OneDrive is stuck on an old version, restarting your device and checking your internet connection usually resolves the problem.
  • You can see your current OneDrive version number in the About section of the app settings, which helps you confirm whether an update actually installed.

Checking and updating OneDrive on Windows

Open OneDrive by clicking the cloud icon in your system tray (the small icons on the far right of your taskbar). Right-click the icon and select Settings. In the window that opens, click the About tab at the top. You'll see your current version number listed here — for example, "24.001.0101.0001".

To check for updates, stay in the Settings window and look for a button or link that says Update now or Check for updates. Click it. OneDrive will connect to Microsoft's servers and read any available update. This usually takes between five and ten minutes depending on your internet speed. Your computer does not need to restart, though OneDrive may briefly pause syncing while the update installs.

After the update finishes, check the About tab again to confirm the version number has changed. If it hasn't changed after waiting ten minutes, restart your computer and check again.

Checking and updating OneDrive on Mac

Click the OneDrive icon in your menu bar (top right of your screen). Select Help from the menu, then click Check for updates. If an update is available, a window will appear asking you to install it. Click Update and wait for the installation to complete — this usually takes five to ten minutes.

To see your current version number, open the OneDrive menu again, select Help, and click About OneDrive. The version number appears in the window that opens. After updating, return to this screen to confirm the version has changed.

If you don't see a Check for updates option, your Mac version of OneDrive may be set to update automatically. In that case, your version is likely current. You can verify this by checking the About screen and comparing the version number to the latest version listed on Microsoft's OneDrive website.

Updating OneDrive on iPhone and iPad

OneDrive on iOS devices updates through the Apple App Store, not through the OneDrive app itself. Open the App Store app on your iPhone or iPad. Tap your profile icon in the top right corner, then scroll down and look for OneDrive in the list of apps with available updates. If you see OneDrive listed, tap Update next to it.

If OneDrive doesn't appear in your updates list, the app is already on the latest version. You can confirm this by opening OneDrive, tapping your profile icon, selecting Settings, and scrolling to the bottom to see the version number.

To enable automatic updates so you don't have to check manually, open the App Store, tap your profile icon, select Settings, and toggle on Automatic Updates. This ensures OneDrive updates as soon as new versions are released.

Updating OneDrive on Android

OneDrive on Android devices updates through Google Play, similar to how iOS updates work through the App Store. Open Google Play and tap your profile icon in the top right. Select Manage apps & device, then tap the Manage tab. Scroll through your installed apps and look for OneDrive. If an update is available, you'll see an Update button next to it. Tap it to install the latest version.

If OneDrive doesn't appear in your list of apps with updates, you're already on the latest version. To check your current version number, open OneDrive, tap your profile icon at the top, select Settings, scroll to the bottom, and look for the version information.

To set OneDrive to update automatically, open Google Play, tap your profile icon, select Settings, and choose Network preferences. Toggle on Auto-update apps and select whether you want updates over Wi-Fi only or over any connection.

What to do if OneDrive won't update

If you've clicked the update button but nothing happens, or if the version number hasn't changed after waiting fifteen minutes, start by restarting your device. Many update problems resolve after a restart because OneDrive needs to close completely and reopen to finish installing.

Check your internet connection next. OneDrive can't read updates without a stable connection. If you're on Wi-Fi, try moving closer to your router or switching to a wired connection if possible. On mobile, make sure you're not in airplane mode and that your data connection is active.

If the problem persists on Windows or Mac, try signing out of OneDrive and signing back in. On Windows, right-click the OneDrive icon in your system tray, select Settings, go to the Account tab, and click Unlink this PC. Then restart OneDrive and sign in again. On Mac, click the OneDrive menu, select Preferences, go to the Account tab, and click Unlink. Restart your device and sign in again.

Understanding OneDrive version numbers

OneDrive version numbers follow a pattern like "24.001.0101.0001". The first number (24) represents the year of release. The second number (001) represents the month. The remaining numbers track specific builds and patches. You don't need to memorize this format — you only need to know that if your version number changes after you attempt an update, the update worked.

Microsoft releases updates to OneDrive regularly, sometimes weekly. Most updates are small and fix bugs or improve performance. Occasionally, larger updates add new features. You can see what changed in your version by visiting the OneDrive blog or release notes on Microsoft's website, though this is optional.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to restart my computer after updating OneDrive?

No. OneDrive updates install in the background without requiring a restart on Windows or Mac. Your computer may restart on its own if a system-level update is bundled with OneDrive, but this is rare. If OneDrive seems stuck after an update, restarting your device usually helps.

Why does OneDrive keep asking me to update?

This usually means the update didn't install completely. Check your internet connection, restart your device, and try updating again. If the problem continues, sign out of OneDrive and sign back in, then attempt the update once more. Contact Microsoft Support if the issue persists after these steps.

Can I use OneDrive while it's updating?

Yes, but syncing may pause briefly during the update. You can still open and edit files stored locally on your device. Once the update finishes, syncing resumes automatically. Avoid disconnecting from the internet or shutting down your device while an update is in progress.

What if I see an error message during the update?

Write down the error code or message and restart your device. Try updating again. If the same error appears, search for the error code on Microsoft's support website or contact Microsoft Support with the exact message. Error codes help Microsoft identify what went wrong and provide a specific fix.

Is it safe to update OneDrive?

Yes. Microsoft tests all OneDrive updates before releasing them. Updates fix security issues, improve performance, and add features. Keeping OneDrive updated actually makes your account more find, not less. The only reason to delay an update would be if you're in the middle of syncing a very large file, but even then, waiting a few minutes is safer than staying on an old version.