iCloud Refuses to work on Windows 11

So, basically, its like iCloud just refuses to work on my computer. I login, do the steps, and then... it just... seems like it doesn't wanna do anything.


Photos stays Stuck on "Starting", iCloud Drive, whenever I turn it on, it instantly snaps back to "Disabled" like as if something failed and Gives me no error message.


I already tried repairing, reseting, and reinstalling the iCloud App, killing all its processes then re-opening as administrator, waiting for 60 seconds to then put the last 2FA Code, and nothing works. and note that, this problem has been here ever since I first installed iCloud on my Windows 11. its straight up a fresh install.


I installed it through the microsoft store too. Can someone please help me?

Windows, Windows 11 (26200)

Posted on Sep 28, 2026 7:24 AM

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6 replies

Sep 28, 2026 7:33 AM in response to Nickynoir

Try temporarily turning off any VPN, Antivirus, or Firewall. Apple servers in particular do not play well with network altering processes running on your device. Those apps can also block ports used specifically for iCloud connections so the trouble only appears when accessing Apple servers.

If your device has network connectivity issues, check for VPN and other third-party security software - Apple Support


Sep 28, 2026 3:06 PM in response to Nickynoir

Sorry, I am not much help with the logs, but a Google search of each points more to something wrong with your individual setup, instead of a bug in the app. There are multiple references to files that have been moved, deleted, or lacking user permission for access that would be the cause.


  • WARN EnumFilesAtPath File not found (2) on C:\ProgramData\Apple Inc\iCloud\Outlook

This warning means iCloud for Windows is looking for a specific Outlook support or add-in folder on your system that does not currently exist.

  • WARN Services::ServiceSetEnabled Failed to set enabled state for service: Outlook32 (Service Unavailable)

This log message indicates that a script, deployment tool, or configuration manager failed to toggle the enabled/active state for the 32-bit Outlook component (Outlook32) because the target service endpoint or management provider returned a Service Unavailable status. 

  • ERROR Services::ServiceSaveSettings Failed to save settings for service: iCloud Photos; error: O sistema n o pode encontrar o arquivo especificado. (Translated: The system cannot find the specified file.)

This error occurs when the iCloud for Windows app tries to update configuration or sync files, but the underlying sync folder or registry reference (often inside the Windows Pictures directory) has been moved, deleted, or lost permissions

Sep 28, 2026 8:45 AM in response to Nickynoir

There are a couple of things you can do.

  • Send Feedback to Apple. Under Feedback Type, choose iCloud for Windows and then in the Comments describe the issue. Note that feedback is used for bug reporting and is typically a one way communication where you would not get a response back, but issues reported are used for improvements in future versions.

Feedback - iCloud - Apple

  • Contact Apple directly.

Contact Apple Support - Apple Support


An issue/bug with the app would be affecting all users, not just you, so Apple Support would likely be well aware of this problem and may have more information for you. The app was last updated on 5/27, so make sure you are using that version from the Microsoft Store as that would contain the latest patches. I assume you have already tried turning off all of the recommended programs that have been seen to interrupt iCloud services.


Sep 28, 2026 2:30 PM in response to Mac Jim ID

Yes Jim, I did turn of all the programs that interrupt it. I really appreciate your help and, I've decided to go ahead and send a feedback to Apple. If I dont get a response, I will just go ahead and contact aplpe support directly too. Im still open to more help though, if you have any other ideas.


on my logs, the errors I see are: "Failed to Start CSS Process: 0x2" and this:


[15868 @ Mon Sep 28 2026 11:55:39.331] 15872 WARN EnumFilesAtPath File not found (2) on C:\ProgramData\Apple Inc\iCloud\Outlook

[15868 @ Mon Sep 28 2026 11:56:01.483] 15932 WARN Services::ServiceSetEnabled Failed to set enabled state for service: Outlook32 (Service Unavailable)

[15868 @ Mon Sep 28 2026 11:56:01.549] 16324 ERROR Services::ServiceSaveSettings Failed to save settings for service: iCloud Photos; error: O sistema n o pode encontrar o arquivo especificado. (Translated: The system cannot find the specified file.)



iCloud Refuses to work on Windows 11

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