iCloud Drive Not Syncing on Windows 10/11? 10 Proven Fixes

Why iCloud Drive Won't Sync on Windows PC?

iCloud Drive offers seamless file synchronization across Apple devices, but Windows users often encounter sync problems that prevent their files from updating properly. If you're facing iCloud Drive sync issues on Windows 10 or 11, this guide provides ten proven solutions to get your files syncing again.

Common Reasons for iCloud Drive Sync Failures

Let's explore the troubleshooting methods that have helped most users resolve these sync issues.

10 Fixes on iCloud Drive for Windows 10/11 Not Working

Now, the following article collects 10 effective methods that have helped most users successfully solve their problems. Let us also use these troubleshooting tips to fix Windows 10/11 iCloud drive not syncing issue.

Fix 1. Verify iCloud Drive Activation

The first method is to make sure you have iCould activated on your computer. Although this method is simple, it may be the cause of the problem.

Step 1. Open the iCloud app on your Windows PC.

Step 2. Confirm the iCloud Drive checkbox is selected.

Step 3. Click Apply to save any changes.

Fix 2. Check Apple's System Status

Apple's services occasionally experience outages that affect synchronization.

Step 1. Visit Apple's System Status website.

Step 2. Look for iCloud Drive services marked as "Available".

Step 3. If services are impaired, wait for Apple to resolve the issue.

Fix 3. Manage Your iCloud Drive Storage Space

Sync problems like iCloud drive not syncing Windows 11 often relate to storage limits or account authentication issues.

Part 1. Free Up iCloud Storage Space

 

Step 1. Check your storage: Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Manage Account Storage.

Part 2. Use FoneTool for Better Storage Management

FoneTool is a professional iOS data management tool, simplifies iCloud Drive management when the native interface feels limited.

Free download FoneTool to your computer by clicking the button, and follow the guide to manage your iCloud drive data with FoneTool.

Step 1. Launch FoneTool and select My iCloud, then sign in to your account.

Step 2. Choose Manage iCloud > iCloud Drive to view all files.

Step 3. Select unnecessary files and click Delete to free up space.

Fix 4. Sign out and Sign in with Your iCloud Accounts

Another method to fix iCloud drive on Windows not showing files is to sign out of the iCloud Drive app on your PC and sign in again. Here is the guide: Open iCloud > Click Sign Out on the bottom left corner of the iCloud app > Then re-open iCloud desktop client > Enter your Apple ID credentials and sign in.

Fix 5. Check iCloud Drive Settings on Your iOS Devices

On your iOS device, remember to check your iCloud Drive settings. You can control whether your computer can access iCloud Drive by checking and adjusting iCloud Drive settings on your iOS device. You can navigate to the Settings app > Tap [your name] > Locate iCloud > Scroll down to turn on iCloud Drive.

Fix 6. Reinstall iCloud for Windows 10/11

To solve the "Windows iCloud not syncing" issue, you can also uninstall iCloud from your computer and then install it again. Follow the steps below:

Step 1. Go to Windows Settings > Locate Apps & feature.

Step 2. Tap iCloud > Select the Uninstall button.

Step 3. After that, install iCloud on your PC again.

Fix 7. Force End iCloud Task on PC

On your Windows 10/11, if you encounter iCloud drive out of sync problem, you can force stop iCloud and restart it. This method can help you refresh the functions of iCloud. Check the steps bellow:

Step 1. Right-click your taskbar to choose Task Manager.

Step 2. Locate iCloud service > Tap the End task button.

Fix 8. Enable You to Connect to a Stable Network

iCloud synchronization requires stable and good network conditions. You need to ensure the network status of your device. On your Window PC, if you meet any network issue, you can go to Windows Settings > Network and Internet > Status > Network troubleshooter.

Fix 9. Update Your Devices Version

The iCloud desktop client may not show files because the Windows system version is older. Similarly, if your iPhone is running an old operating system, it is also recommended that you check and update the operating system to the latest version.

How to upgrade Windows system: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Select Check for updates > If you see a new version, select Update and restart your computer.

How to update iPhone: Open the Settings app > General > Software Update > Click Download and Install if there is an available iOS update.

Fix 10. Connect Apple Support

If you can’t solve the iCloud drive Windows not syncing issue by yourself, it's recommended to reach out to Apple Support for further assistance. They have dedicated support for iCloud-related problems.

Conclusion

This article describes how to fix iCloud drive not syncing Windows 10/11. You can follow the methods one by one, or choose the ways that suitable for you. Hope you can address iCloud not working on Windows 10/11 issue successfully.