// troubleshooting guide · sync.com
'Your Sync Folder Is Unexpectedly Empty' Error
- Status
- Workaround available
- platforms:
- Windows, macOS
- updated:
- November 15, 2026
- reports:
- 2
- Method
- how we research
RUNBOOK · sync-com/sync-folder-unexpectedly-empty3 FIXES
// quick answer
This error means the Sync desktop app can't find your original Sync folder, usually after replacing a drive, reinstalling Windows or changing drive letters. Click Cancel, reconnect any external drive, uninstall and reinstall the app, and let it create a new folder and re-download your files.
Most likely fix: Reconnect the drive first
How to fix it
// try these in order, the most common fix is first
FIX 1Reconnect the drive first
- 01If the Sync folder lived on an external or secondary drive, connect it
- 02Restart the Sync app and check if the error clears
Did this fix it?FIX 2Reinstall and create a new Sync folder
- 01Click Cancel on the error
- 02Uninstall the Sync desktop app
- 03Reinstall it and sign in
- 04Let setup create a new Sync folder; files re-download from the cloud automatically
Did this fix it?FIX 3Check your files are safe in the cloud first
- 01Sign in to the web panel and confirm your files are there before deleting anything locally
Did this fix it?
Symptoms
The desktop app pauses with 'Your Sync folder is unexpectedly empty' and stops syncing.
Why it happens
- C-01Hard drive replaced or Windows reinstalled
- C-02Sync folder was on an external or secondary drive that's disconnected
- C-03Drive letter or folder location changed
// this guide also covers
- your sync folder is unexpectedly empty
- sync.com folder empty
- sync.com files disappeared
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