Project files in PyCharm crash due to OneDrive syncing

Problem

All project files are crashing upon restart. Files cannot stay open in the user's Python project. Double-clicking to open a file doesn't work, and files crash or close when attempting to download Python packages. Despite reinstalling Python, PyCharm, removing Git from version control, and disallowing OneDrive access, the issue persists.

Cause

The project folder is located on the user's Desktop, which is still being actively synced by OneDrive. This syncing process conflicts with PyCharm's operations by altering files while the IDE is running. As a result, PyCharm's internal file index becomes corrupted, which forces the open files to close and prevents new files from being opened. Additionally, OneDrive struggles to keep up with the changes made by pip when installing Python packages, exacerbating the issue.

Resolution

To resolve the problem, the project folder should be relocated outside of any OneDrive-controlled directory, and the PyCharm caches should be invalidated to repair the index:

1. Close PyCharm.
2. In File Explorer, move the project folder (e.g., C:\Users\<User>\Desktop\PythonProject) to a plain local directory. For instance, use C:\Dev\PythonProject or C:\Users\<User>\PyCharmProjects\PythonProject. Ensure the new location is not under OneDrive management (no OneDrive cloud icon).
3. Open the project in PyCharm from its new location by navigating to File | Open and selecting the folder.
4. Run File | Invalidate Caches | Invalidate and Restart in PyCharm. This step clears the corrupted index and enables PyCharm to rebuild it cleanly.
5. Recreate the Python virtual environment in the new location, as a venv stored on OneDrive can encounter similar issues when installing packages.

After following these steps, the project files should open and remain stable without crashing.