Resolving Synology Drive Client Connection Issues After PC Sleep

Strategies to Maintain Seamless Connectivity Between Your PC and Synology NAS

Key Insights into Synology Drive Client Connection Failures

Post-Sleep Disconnects: A common issue is that Synology Drive Client fails to reconnect to the NAS after a PC wakes from sleep, often manifesting as "reconnecting" status or connection errors.
Underlying Causes: These failures can stem from various factors including network adapter power settings, NAS hibernation configurations, firewall/antivirus interference, outdated client software, or issues with DNS/IP resolution.
Comprehensive Solutions: Troubleshooting involves a multi-faceted approach, addressing both PC-side configurations (power management, network settings) and NAS-side settings (hibernation, Wake-on-LAN, network services, SSL certificates).

Synology Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices are renowned for their robust capabilities in data storage, backup, and synchronization. However, users occasionally encounter challenges, particularly concerning the Synology Drive Client's ability to maintain a consistent connection with the NAS after a connected PC enters and exits sleep mode. This issue often results in interrupted backup tasks, sync failures, and inaccessible shared folders, significantly hindering productivity and data integrity.

The core of this problem lies in how the PC's network adapter and the Synology NAS itself manage power and network states during periods of inactivity. When a PC goes to sleep, its network adapter might be configured to power down to conserve energy, severing the active connection to the NAS. Upon waking, the re-establishment of this connection is not always seamless, leading to the Synology Drive Client reporting a "connection failed" or "reconnecting" status. Furthermore, the Synology NAS's own hibernation settings can contribute to these issues, as the NAS might enter a low-power state that prevents immediate accessibility.

Understanding the Connection Conundrum

The Interplay of PC Sleep and NAS Connectivity

The Synology Drive Client is designed to provide real-time file synchronization and efficient backup solutions between your computer and your Synology NAS. For this to work effectively, a persistent and stable network connection is crucial. When your PC, running the Synology Drive Client, transitions into a sleep state, several processes related to network connectivity can be affected. The operating system often prioritizes power saving, which may lead to the network adapter being powered down. This causes the active SMB or AFP mounts to disconnect, and when the PC awakens, the client struggles to re-establish these connections automatically.

PC-Side Factors Affecting Connectivity

Network Adapter Power Management: A primary culprit is the "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power" setting in the network adapter properties. When enabled, this feature can disrupt the network connection during sleep, preventing the Synology Drive Client from finding the NAS upon waking.
Firewall and Antivirus Interference: Security software on your PC, such as Bitdefender Antivirus, can sometimes block the necessary network traffic required for Synology Drive Client to communicate with the NAS, especially after a network state change like waking from sleep. Users have reported resolving issues by temporarily disabling or configuring exceptions in their antivirus programs.
DNS/IP Resolution Issues: If your PC relies on dynamic IP addresses or specific DNS settings, a change in network state (sleep/wake cycle) can sometimes cause a temporary miscommunication, leading to connection failures. Using a static IP address for your NAS or connecting via its direct IP instead of a QuickConnect ID (e.g., name.synology.me) has been shown to improve stability.
Outdated Client Software: An outdated Synology Drive Client or operating system can lead to compatibility issues and various bugs that prevent stable connections. Regularly updating both the client and your PC's OS is essential.

Synology NAS-Side Factors Affecting Connectivity

While the PC is often the immediate point of failure, the Synology NAS's configuration also plays a significant role in maintaining connectivity.

HDD Hibernation: Synology NAS devices offer HDD hibernation to save power. However, frequent spinning up and down of drives can cause more wear and tear, and also lead to delays or failures in responding to connection requests after a period of inactivity. Synology itself often recommends disabling HDD hibernation for NAS drives designed for 24/7 operation.
Wake-on-LAN (WOL): While WOL can wake up a NAS from a powered-off state, it's not always effective for waking a NAS that has entered a deep hibernation or sleep state that disconnects its network interfaces, especially when the issue is on the client side struggling to re-establish a session.
Network Service Configuration: Issues with specific network services on the NAS, or port mapping configurations on your router/modem, can prevent Hyper Backup or Synology Drive from successfully connecting, especially over the internet.
Corrupted Database or System Configuration: In rare cases, a corrupted database in the Log Center or issues with a restored system configuration after a NAS replacement can cause authentication failures and prevent connection.

Diagnosing and Troubleshooting Connection Failures

A Systematic Approach to Reconnecting Your Synology Drive

To effectively resolve Synology Drive Client connection failures after PC sleep, a systematic diagnostic approach is recommended. This involves checking settings on both your PC and your Synology NAS.

PC Configuration Adjustments

Disable Network Adapter Power Management:
- Go to Device Manager on your PC.
- Expand Network adapters.
- Right-click on your active network adapter (e.g., Ethernet or Wi-Fi adapter) and select Properties.
- Navigate to the Power Management tab.
- Uncheck the box that says "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power."
- Click OK.
This ensures the network adapter remains active even when the PC sleeps.
Adjust Power Options (Windows):
- Go to Control Panel > Power Options.
- Select your active power plan and click Change plan settings.
- Click Change advanced power settings.
- Under PCI Express > Link State Power Management, set it to Off.
- Under Wireless Adapter Settings > Power Saving Mode, set it to Maximum Performance when plugged in.
Firewall and Antivirus Exceptions:
- Temporarily disable your antivirus/firewall to see if it resolves the issue.
- If it does, add exceptions for Synology Drive Client and related network ports (e.g., port 6690 for Synology Drive, or others for SMB/AFP) in your security software.
- Consider adding synology.me to your antivirus's whitelist if you're using QuickConnect.
Update Synology Drive Client: Ensure you are running the latest version of the Synology Drive Client. Outdated versions can have known bugs that have been patched in newer releases.
Re-mount Shared Folders: For macOS users, issues with SMB mounts disappearing after sleep are common. Try explicitly re-mounting shared folders using Finder or command-line tools. Some users have found that completely removing all Synology Drive related files (especially the ~/.SynologyDrive/ folder on Mac) and reinstalling the client can resolve persistent issues.

Synology NAS Configuration Adjustments

Review HDD Hibernation Settings:
- Go to Control Panel > Hardware & Power > HDD Hibernation.
- Consider disabling HDD hibernation if constant spin-down/spin-up cycles are causing issues. While it consumes more power, it often improves accessibility and longevity for drives designed for 24/7 operation.
- If you wish to keep hibernation, ensure "Wake on LAN" is enabled under Control Panel > Hardware & Power > General > Power Recovery, for the appropriate LAN interface. However, remember WOL primarily works for waking from a powered-off state, not necessarily for re-establishing severed connections after deep sleep/hibernation.
Checking and adjusting HDD Hibernation settings on your Synology NAS can prevent connectivity issues.
Check Network Services and Firewall:
- Ensure relevant services like Synology Drive Server are running and accessible on the NAS.
- Verify your NAS firewall settings (Control Panel > Security > Firewall) are not blocking connections from your PC's IP address.
- If accessing remotely, confirm correct port forwarding is set up on your router for Synology Drive (default port 6690).
Inspect Log Center for Errors: Go to Control Panel > Log Center on your NAS to check for any errors related to Hyper Backup, Synology Drive, or network services. Database corruption can sometimes be indicated here.
Verify SSL Certificates: If you encounter "untrusted connection" or SSL warnings, it means the SSL certificate on your Synology NAS is not trusted by your client device.
- Ensure the certificate is valid and correctly configured via Control Panel > Security > Certificate.
- If you're using QuickConnect or a custom domain, ensure the domain is correctly configured in the certificate.
Use Direct IP or Hostname: Instead of relying on QuickConnect (name.synology.me), try configuring the Synology Drive Client to connect using the NAS's local IP address or local hostname, especially if you're on the same LAN. This can bypass potential DNS or QuickConnect service issues.

Evaluating Synology Backup and Sync Reliability

A Comparative Analysis of Synology Services

Synology offers several tools for data protection, including Synology Drive Client for synchronization and backup, Hyper Backup for comprehensive backups, and Active Backup for Business for enterprise-level device backups. Each has its strengths and potential challenges when it comes to maintaining continuous operations, particularly after system sleep events.

This radar chart illustrates a comparative assessment of Synology's key data management services based on common user experiences related to connectivity, reliability, and ease of use.

Synology Drive Client Reliability

Synology Drive Client is generally robust for real-time syncing and scheduled backups. However, it is particularly susceptible to connection interruptions caused by PC sleep and network power management settings. Users report issues like "Reconnecting" status, files getting stuck in "sync pending," or complete connection failures, especially after a PC wakes up. Common reasons include lengthy file paths on Windows, incorrect file permissions, or antivirus interference. Ensuring up-to-date client software and correct SSL certificates are vital for its reliable operation.

Hyper Backup Reliability

Hyper Backup is designed for comprehensive backups from one Synology NAS to another, to external drives, or to cloud destinations. Connection failures with Hyper Backup often stem from network issues (e.g., firewall, port mapping, internet connection stability), corrupted database logs, or configuration mismatches between source and destination NAS devices (e.g., DSM versions). When backing up to a remote Synology NAS, issues like "failed to connect to the backup destination" or "authentication failed" are common, often requiring checks on network connectivity, port configurations, and the Hyper Backup Vault installation on the destination NAS.

Active Backup for Business Reliability

Active Backup for Business (ABB) offers centralized backup solutions for PCs, servers, and virtual machines. While powerful, ABB can also face connection challenges, especially related to network connectivity and client software on the devices being backed up. Error messages like "internet error" or failures related to previous snapshots can occur. As with Synology Drive, antivirus software can interfere with ABB's operations, leading to connectivity problems.

Synology DS423+ NAS

A Synology DiskStation DS423+ NAS, a popular model for home and small office use.

Common Pitfalls and Advanced Considerations

Beyond Basic Troubleshooting

While basic troubleshooting steps resolve many issues, some scenarios require a deeper understanding of network behavior and NAS configurations. Here’s a summary of common pitfalls and advanced considerations.

Issue Category	Common Symptom	Impact on Synology Drive/Backup	Advanced Consideration/Solution
Network Adapter Power	PC loses NAS connection after sleep	Drive Client "Reconnecting," backup failures	Ensure "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power" is unchecked for network adapters. Check BIOS/UEFI settings for advanced power management features that might override OS settings.
NAS Hibernation	NAS unresponsive after extended idle periods	Delays in connection, failed backups when NAS is in deep sleep	Disable HDD hibernation if continuous access is prioritized. Configure "Wake on LAN" correctly if remote wake-up is desired, and ensure router supports Magic Packet forwarding.
Firewall/Antivirus	Connection failures, specific services blocked	Drive Client cannot connect, Active Backup errors	Add explicit exceptions for Synology applications (Drive Client, Hyper Backup) and their ports (e.g., 6690 for Drive, 6281 for Hyper Backup Vault) in both PC and NAS firewalls. Test with security software temporarily disabled.
DNS/IP Resolution	Inconsistent connection, issues with QuickConnect	"Connection failed," inability to locate NAS	Assign a static IP to your Synology NAS. Configure Synology Drive Client to connect via the NAS's IP address instead of QuickConnect ID for local network stability. Verify DNS server settings on your PC and router.
File/Path Limitations	Files stuck in "sync pending" on Windows	Incomplete sync tasks, random file exclusions	Be aware of Windows path length limitations (247 characters for files/folders). Review Synology Drive Client logs for specific file-related errors. Adjust file permissions if necessary.
Software Version Mismatch	Unexpected errors, instability	Client/Server incompatibility, features not working	Regularly update DSM on your Synology NAS and all Synology client applications (Drive Client, Hyper Backup, Active Backup). Check Synology's knowledge base for version-specific known issues and fixes.
SSL Certificate Issues	"Untrusted Connection" warnings	Client refuses to connect due to security concerns	Ensure valid SSL certificates are installed on your NAS (either Let's Encrypt or a trusted third-party certificate). Confirm that your client device trusts the certificate.

This video provides a detailed guide on how to troubleshoot and fix common sync issues between Synology Drive and the Synology Drive Client, offering practical steps to ensure stable connectivity and data synchronization.

Preventative Measures and Best Practices

Ensuring Seamless Synology Integration

Proactive steps can significantly reduce the occurrence of connection issues. Adopting certain best practices for both your PC and Synology NAS can help maintain a robust and reliable data environment.

Scheduled Backups: For critical data, rely on scheduled backup tasks (e.g., daily or hourly) using Hyper Backup or Active Backup for Business, rather than solely real-time sync via Synology Drive, especially if your PC frequently goes to sleep.
Consistent IP Addressing: Assign a static IP address to your Synology NAS to ensure it always has a predictable network location, simplifying connection re-establishment for client devices.
Network Stability: Ensure your home network is stable. Issues with routers, modems, or Wi-Fi signal strength can exacerbate connection problems, especially after sleep cycles.
Regular Software Updates: Keep your Synology DSM, Synology Drive Server, and all Synology client applications (Drive Client, Hyper Backup, Active Backup for Business) updated to the latest versions. This ensures you have the most recent bug fixes and performance improvements.
Monitor System Health: Regularly check the Synology NAS's Log Center and Resource Monitor for any warnings or errors that might indicate underlying issues affecting connectivity.
Consider UPS: While not directly related to sleep/wake issues, a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) for your NAS can protect against power failures and ensure clean shutdowns, preventing potential data corruption that could lead to connectivity issues later.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why does my Synology Drive Client show "Reconnecting" after my PC wakes up?

This typically happens because your PC's network adapter powers down during sleep to save energy, severing the connection to the NAS. Upon waking, the Synology Drive Client struggles to automatically re-establish this connection. Solutions involve adjusting power management settings for your network adapter on the PC, ensuring the NAS isn't in a deep sleep mode that prevents quick response, and checking firewall/antivirus interference.

Should I disable HDD hibernation on my Synology NAS?

Synology itself generally recommends against frequent HDD hibernation for NAS drives, as the constant spinning up and down can cause more wear and tear. While it saves power, it can also introduce delays in access and potentially lead to connection issues, especially if your client devices expect immediate response. For optimal reliability and responsiveness, many users choose to disable or minimize hibernation.

Can my antivirus software block Synology Drive Client connections?

Yes, antivirus and firewall software can sometimes interfere with Synology Drive Client's ability to connect or sync. This is particularly true if the software is aggressive or if the connection status changes (e.g., after waking from sleep). You may need to add exceptions for the Synology Drive Client application and relevant ports in your security software settings.

What is the difference between Synology Drive and Hyper Backup, and which one should I use?

Synology Drive is primarily a real-time file synchronization and personal cloud solution, also offering backup capabilities for specific folders. Hyper Backup is a comprehensive backup application designed for creating multi-version backups of data and system configurations to various destinations (other NAS, external drives, cloud). For continuous file syncing and real-time access, use Synology Drive. For robust, scheduled, and versioned backups of your entire NAS or specific critical data, Hyper Backup is the more appropriate tool.

Conclusion

Experiencing Synology Drive Client connection failures after your PC wakes from sleep can be frustrating, but it is a common issue with well-defined causes and solutions. By systematically addressing network adapter power settings on your PC, verifying NAS hibernation and network configurations, and ensuring your software is up-to-date and not being blocked by security applications, you can restore seamless connectivity. Proactive measures, such as using static IP addresses for your NAS and scheduling comprehensive backups, further enhance the reliability of your Synology data management ecosystem, ensuring your files are always accessible and protected.