iCloud for Windows not syncing and iCloudDrive can not be enabled (Failed to start CSS process: 0x2)

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Level 1

4 points

iCloud for Windows not syncing and iCloudDrive can not be enabled (Failed to start CSS process: 0x2)

I had to reïnstall iCloud for Windows but run into the issue that I can sign in, but iCloudDrive can not be enabled and iCloudPhotos never synchronize.

Actually my problem is described here as well but no answer: iCloud for Windows not installing correct… - Apple Community

Looking into the log files I find the following:

11508 @ Sun May 05 2024 00:40:47.200]	13916	debug	IsCSSRunning	CSS is not running.
[11508 @ Sun May 05 2024 00:40:47.202]	13916	debug	startCSS	Starting CSS process. Cmd: 
[11508 @ Sun May 05 2024 00:40:47.205]	13916	ERROR	startCSS	Failed to start CSS process: 0x2
[11508 @ Sun May 05 2024 00:40:47.206]	13916	debug	startCSS	Starting CSS process. Cmd: 
[11508 @ Sun May 05 2024 00:40:47.210]	13916	ERROR	startCSS	Failed to start CSS process: 0x2
[11508 @ Sun May 05 2024 00:40:47.216]	13916	debug	startCSS	Starting CSS process. Cmd: 
[11508 @ Sun May 05 2024 00:40:47.220]	13916	ERROR	startCSS	Failed to start CSS process: 0x2
[11508 @ Sun May 05 2024 00:40:47.221]	13916	debug	startCSS	Starting CSS process. Cmd: 
[11508 @ Sun May 05 2024 00:40:47.225]	13916	ERROR	startCSS	Failed to start CSS process: 0x2
[11508 @ Sun May 05 2024 00:40:47.226]	13916	ERROR	startCSS	Failed to start CSS.

Anyone who can explain what the CSS process does and how I can reïnitiate/reset that. It looks to me it has to do with the keychain.

Any help is highly appreciated.

Posted on May 4, 2024 4:09 PM

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Answer 1

Maurice_H Author

Level 1

4 points

May 6, 2024 3:31 PM in response to Maurice_H

I found out something new that might help to look into the right direction to resolve the issue.

I created a new local account on my Windows 10 machine. (The same machine as above that doesn't work well).

On the new account I installed the latest version of iCloud for Windows from the Microsoft store. Logging in with my account synchronization starts for both iCloud Photos as well as the iCloudDrive and I also see the shortcuts in the quick access pane appearing. So that works well.

NextI uninstalled iCloud for Windows and the iCloud for Outlook from the "Apps and Features" window like you uninstall any other app. iCloud is fully removed as well as the shortcuts in the quick access pane.

Then I installed the iCloud for Windows app again from the Microsoft store and after launching and configuring the same issue as above occurs, the shortcuts in the quick access pane do not appear. ICloudDrive can not be enabled and iCloudPhotos gives only the status synchronizing without anything happening. The log shows like above that some kind of Keychain authentication can not be initiated and in the logging it shows like above, "IsCSSRunning CSS is not running"

My feeling is that some registry keys are not removed or to many removed during uninstall and can not be installed anymore when reinstalling the iCloud app.

Who can give any hint how to solve this?

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