[Full Guide] Troubleshoot the Sync Settings on Windows 10

[Full Guide] Troubleshoot the Sync Settings on Windows 10

/ Shayne Sherman

Windows 10 offers many features that improve user experience compared to the previous windows version. One of the features that help users is the sync settings.

Sync settings allow users to keep their system preferences and settings across multiple devices. This saves you time manually entering your preferred settings on every device you own.

However, in some cases, sync settings encounter problems, and your settings don’t apply to all your devices.

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To help you troubleshoot Sync settings on Windows 10, proceed to the guide below.

Common Reasons Why Windows 10 Sync Settings Not Working

In some cases, users might encounter issues with Windows 10 Sync settings not functioning as expected. Here are some common reasons why sync settings might not be working on your device:

  1. Outdated Windows Version: If you are using an outdated version of Windows 10, it could cause compatibility issues with the sync feature. Always make sure your device is updated to the latest version of Windows 10.
  2. Incorrect Microsoft Account Credentials: Sync settings rely on a Microsoft account to access and sync your settings across devices. If you are using an incorrect Microsoft account or have not logged in, this can result in sync settings not working.
  3. Disabled Sync Settings: Sync settings might be disabled either at the device level or for specific settings you want to sync. Make sure to enable sync for the settings you want to apply across all your devices.
  4. Internet Connectivity Issues: Sync settings require a stable and active internet connection to work. Any problems with your connection, such as weak Wi-Fi signals, can prevent your settings from syncing.
  5. Firewall/Antivirus Blocking: Some firewall or antivirus programs might unintentionally block the Windows Sync feature. Make sure to whitelist the sync settings in your security software to avoid such issues.
  6. Corrupted System Files: In some cases, corrupted system files might prevent the sync feature from working. Running an SFC scan, as mentioned in the article, can help identify and fix such issues.
  7. Privacy Settings: Diagnostics and feedback settings must be set to “Full” for sync settings to work properly. Ensure that these settings are configured correctly.

If you identify the specific reason for sync settings not working on your device, you can then refer to the troubleshooting methods provided in this article to resolve the issue.

How to Fix Windows 10 Sync Settings

Method 1: Turn on Sync Settings

The first thing to do is check if the sync setting is enabled on your computer. To check if it is turned on, follow the steps below.

Step 1: Press Windows Key and Click on Settings.

Step 2: On Windows Settings click on User Accounts.

control panel user accounts

Step 3: On the side menu, click on Sync your settings.

Step 4: Make sure to turn on Sync Settings.

Step 5: Turn on all the settings that you want to sync on all your devices.

sync account settings

Method 2: Update Windows

Updating your Windows can help resolve sync settings issues as it ensures that your computer is running on the latest version with updated features and bug fixes. In some cases, an outdated Windows version may cause conflicts and prevent sync settings from working correctly.

Step 1: Press the Windows key + I.

windows i keyboard shortcut

Step 2: Select Update & Security from the menu.

windows update and security

Step 3: Select Windows Update from the side menu.

Step 4: Click on Check for updates.

check updates

Step 5: Wait for the update to finish downloading and Reboot your computer.

After rebooting your computer, windows will automatically install the update. This can take about 10-20 minutes, depending on the update size.

Method 3: Run SFC Scan

Your system settings could not be syncing because of corrupted registry keys or missing system files.

Step 1: Press Windows key + X on your keyboard and select Command Prompt (Admin).

command prompt admin

Step 2: When Command Prompt open, type “sfc /scannow” and press Enter.

sfc scannow

Step 3: After the scan is finished a system message will appear. See the list below to guide you on what it means.

  • Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations – This means your operating system doesn’t have any corrupted or missing files.
  • Windows Resource Protection could not perform the requested operation – The repair tool detected a problem during the scan and an offline scan is needed
  • Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them – This message will appear when the SFC was able to fix the problem it detected
  • Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them. – If this error occurs, you will need to repair the corrupted files manually. See the guide below.

**Try to run SFC scan two to three times to fix all the errors**

Method 4: Change Feedback and Diagnostics Settings

Step 1: Press the Windows key and Click on Settings.

Step 2: On Windows Settings, Click on Privacy.

windows settings privacy

Step 3: On the Side menu, scroll down and find Feedback & Diagnostics.

Step 4: On Diagnostic and Usage Data, change the setting from basic to full (recommended.)

feedback and diagnostic

Step 5: Restart your computer and see if your settings are already synced for all devices.

Final Thoughts: Sync Settings Issues

If you are still unable to sync your settings in Windows 10, follow one of these guides to help fix the problem resetting your PC, troubleshooting Bluetooth windows 10, repairing the default gateway is not available, and repairing the system and compressed memory problems.

Shayne Sherman
Meet the author

Shayne is an expert on all things Microsoft Windows and computer security. As a Windows user of over 30 years, he has been featured on Business Insider, Yahoo, Tech Republic, Hacker Noon, Techopedia, and many other publications. Aside from entertaining at his home theater, he enjoys spending time with his family, including his English bulldog, Fergie.