How do I troubleshoot synchronization problems in Microsoft 365 Business Standard?

To troubleshoot synchronization problems in Microsoft 365 Business Standard, start by verifying your internet connection, checking app settings, and ensuring services like OneDrive or Outlook are updated. Additional steps may include clearing caches, repairing the apps, or addressing conflicts in files or folders.

Steps to Troubleshoot Common Synchronization Issues

1. Check Internet Connectivity

• Ensure you have a stable and reliable internet connection.
• Restart your router or switch to a wired connection if necessary.

2. Verify App Updates

• Open Office apps (e.g., Outlook, OneDrive) and confirm they are updated to the latest version.
• Update apps through File > Account > Update Options > Update Now or via the Microsoft 365 portal.

3. Restart the Application

• Close and reopen the app experiencing synchronization issues.
• This can refresh the sync process and resolve temporary glitches.

4. Resolve OneDrive Sync Issues

• Check the OneDrive Icon Status:
  • A red X indicates sync errors, while a gray icon shows the app isn’t running.
• Restart OneDrive:
  • Right-click the OneDrive icon in the taskbar and select Close OneDrive. Restart it from the Start menu.
• Re-Sync Files:
  • Pause syncing, then resume from the OneDrive settings menu.
• Fix Folder Conflicts:
  • Ensure filenames do not include unsupported characters (e.g., *, :, ?, or <).

5. Troubleshoot Outlook Sync Problems

• Verify Account Settings:
  • Ensure your email account is properly configured.
• Rebuild Your Mailbox:
  • Navigate to File > Account Settings > Data Files > Settings and click Compact Now to rebuild the data file.
• Clear the Offline Cache:
  • Delete and re-sync cached emails under Account Settings > Advanced > Cached Exchange Mode.

6. Ensure Adequate Storage

• Verify OneDrive or email storage limits haven’t been exceeded.
• Delete unnecessary files or emails to free up space.

7. Repair Microsoft 365 Apps

• Open Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features.
• Select Microsoft 365, click Change, and choose Quick Repair or Online Repair.

8. Check Device Sync Settings

• For mobile devices, ensure sync permissions are enabled in the app settings.
• Disable battery-saving features that might restrict background sync.

9. Restart Your Device

• Restart your computer or device to clear temporary system errors affecting sync functionality.

10. Use Troubleshooting Tools

• Run the Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant (SaRA) for guided troubleshooting.
• Use the OneDrive sync troubleshooter for issues specific to file syncing.

Common Synchronization Problems and Solutions

Issue	Possible Cause	Solution
Files not syncing in OneDrive	Internet or app conflict	Restart OneDrive or re-link your account.
Emails stuck in Outbox	Offline mode enabled or large attachments	Disable offline mode; reduce file size.
Missing updates in Teams files	Outdated Teams or SharePoint permissions	Update Teams and verify file permissions.
Calendar events not syncing	Account misconfiguration	Remove and re-add the calendar account.

When to Contact Support

• Persistent sync issues across multiple devices.
• Errors caused by service outages or account settings.
• Complex conflicts that cannot be resolved through standard troubleshooting.

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