14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has recently confirmed another issue in Windows 10 version 2004, explaining that some older devices where ancient apps are installed might be unable to access OneDrive’s Files On-Demand feature.
In other words, if your device is affected by this problem, you will no longer be able to access data that has already been synced with your device.
Microsoft says the whole thing is caused by apps that use legacy file system filter drivers, as they are blocked from connecting to OneDrive via the dedicated app.
If this happens on your device as well, you should see the following error if Windows 10 version 2004 has already been installed:
“OneDrive cannot connect to Windows. Files On-Demand require a connection to Windows in order to show your files without taking up space on this device. OneDrive can keep trying to connect to Windows or you can choose to download all your files. You won't be able to use online only files until this is fixed.”
There are basically two different ways to fix the whole thing, and one of them includes a troubleshooter that’s now available on Windows 10 version 2004.
The troubleshooter is supposed to launch automatically If the bug exists on your computer, with Microsoft explaining the following:
“A recommended troubleshooter has been released to affected Windows 10, version 2004 devices to restore access to Files On-Demand. Depending on user settings, the Troubleshooter might run automatically. If you are prompted to run the troubleshooter, it is recommended that you allow it to run.”
If the troubleshooter doesn’t do the trick, however, there’s a workaround that you can turn to and fix the whole thing manually.
The first thing you need to do is log in to Windows 10 version 2004 with an administrator account. Next, launch a Command Prompt screen with administrator rights. To do this, click the Start menu and type cmd.exe and then right-click the result and select the option that reads Run as administrator.
In the command prompt window, you need to type the following command:
reg add HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\Cldflt\instances /f /v DefaultInstance /t REG_SZ /d "CldFlt"
It could take a while until the command does its magic but give it some time. And when everything is done, make sure that you reboot your computer.
When you log back to Windows, you need to check if OneDrive Files On-Demand is still enabled on your device. If it is, then everything should now work correctly on your device.
Microsoft explains that a full fix is already on its way and recommends beginners to stick with the troubleshooter workaround for an easy solution. However, the company also issued a warning related to this method:
“When following the above steps in the Workaround using Troubleshooter section, you might see a Could not be run message for a critical troubleshooter with the title Hardware and devices. This is an indication that your device is not impacted by the Files On-Demand issue. The Files On-Demand troubleshooter is not needed and will not run. You should not need to restart your device or follow any of the steps after step 5,” Microsoft explains.
Windows 10 version 2004 is rolling out in stages to devices across the world, and it is currently available for users who manually check for updates in Windows Update and already running version 1903 or 1909. The company hasn’t provided an ETA as to when it expects general availability to be reached, but this is projected to happen later this summer by the time the next feature update is finalized in September.