Apps · Repair guide

How to fix OneDrive not syncing

Error messageProcessing changes

10 fixes, easiest first4 min readUpdated November 2026

Quick fix

Select the OneDrive cloud icon to see what is stuck, close any open files, and resume sync if it is paused. If it is still stuck, quit OneDrive (select the icon, then Help & Settings > Quit OneDrive) and start it again from Start.

What it means

OneDrive keeps a folder on your computer matched with your files online. When it stops syncing, it is usually waiting on something: a file you have open, a big upload, a paused sync, a sign-in, or storage that is full. Some files can't sync at all because of their name or type, and occasionally the OneDrive app itself needs to be restarted, relinked or reset.

Common causes

  • A file in OneDrive is open in another app
  • A very large file or a large number of files is uploading
  • Sync is paused, signed out, or OneDrive isn't running
  • Your Microsoft or OneDrive storage is full
  • File names with characters or names OneDrive doesn't allow
  • Hidden or temporary files stuck as sync pending
  • Outlook data files or other very large files inside OneDrive

How to fix it

Work down the list. Each fix is safe to try before moving on to the next.

01Check the OneDrive icon and resume syncEasy

  1. Select the OneDrive cloud icon in the taskbar notification area (on a Mac, in the menu bar). If you can't see it, select the Show hidden icons arrow (^) next to the notification area.
  2. Look at the list of files that are open, syncing or recently synced, and any message at the top.
  3. If sync is paused, select the resume option. OneDrive pauses by itself in battery saver mode and on metered networks.
  4. If it says you are not signed in, sign in again, especially if you changed your password recently.
  5. If there is no OneDrive icon at all, open Start, type OneDrive and open the OneDrive app.

Why it helps: The icon tells you exactly what OneDrive is waiting on.

02Close files you have openEasy

  1. Save and close any document, spreadsheet or other file stored in your OneDrive folder.
  2. Check the OneDrive activity list for files marked as open or in use.
  3. Wait a minute and see whether "Processing changes" clears.

Why it helps: OneDrive can't finish syncing a file while another program has it open.

03Quit and restart OneDriveEasy

  1. Select the OneDrive cloud icon in the notification area.
  2. Select the Help & Settings gear, choose Quit OneDrive and confirm.
  3. Open Start, type OneDrive and open the OneDrive app.
  4. If it is still stuck, restart the PC.

Why it helps: Restarting OneDrive clears a stuck sync without changing your files or settings.

04Check your internet and give big uploads timeEasy

  1. Make sure the PC is online by opening a website, and run an internet speed test if uploads seem slow.
  2. If you just added many files, a very large file (such as a long video or ZIP file), or just signed in or updated Windows, leave OneDrive running; it can take hours.
  3. Avoid restarting or pausing again and again while a large upload runs.
  4. If your upload speed is very slow, see the related guide on slow upload speed.

Why it helps: "Processing changes" often just means OneDrive is still working through a big job.

05Make sure your storage isn't fullEasy

  1. Look for a storage full or nearly full warning on the OneDrive icon or in the OneDrive app.
  2. When your Microsoft storage is full, you can't upload or sync new files, and existing files can become read-only.
  3. Free up space by deleting or moving files you don't need, or add more storage.
  4. Remember that Outlook.com attachments also use your Microsoft cloud storage.

Why it helps: OneDrive stops uploading as soon as your cloud storage runs out.

06Check file names and sizesEasy

  1. Look in the OneDrive activity list for files with a sync error.
  2. Rename files or folders that contain any of these characters: " * : < > ? / \ |, or that start or end with a space.
  3. Rename items called CON, PRN, AUX, NUL, desktop.ini or .lock, and files whose names start with ~$.
  4. Single files larger than 250 GB can't be uploaded.

Why it helps: OneDrive refuses to sync names and files it doesn't allow, which can hold up the folder.

07If a folder shows "Sync pending", look for hidden and temporary filesMedium

  1. In File Explorer, select View > Show > Hidden items to show hidden files in the stuck folder.
  2. Empty folders can show Sync pending until a file is added; that is normal.
  3. If the folder looks empty but stays pending, create a new folder, copy everything from the stuck folder into it, check that the new folder has all your files, then delete the stuck folder.
  4. For stuck .tmp files, restart the PC, then move them outside your OneDrive folder. Only delete a .tmp file if you are sure no program is using it.

Why it helps: Hidden or temporary files that can't upload keep a folder stuck in Sync pending.

08Move Outlook data files and huge files out of OneDriveMedium

  1. Look in your OneDrive folders for Outlook .pst or .ost files, long videos or large ZIP files.
  2. Close Outlook, then move .pst files to a folder outside OneDrive. Reconnect a moved .pst file in Outlook afterwards.
  3. For folders with large videos, stop syncing them or move them elsewhere if you don't need them online.
  4. Log files named aria-debug can be safely deleted.

Why it helps: Large files that change constantly, like Outlook data files, keep OneDrive processing changes.

09Unlink and re-link OneDriveMedium

  1. Select the OneDrive cloud icon, select the Help & Settings gear and choose Settings.
  2. Open the Account tab, select Unlink this PC, then confirm with Unlink account.
  3. Sign in again when OneDrive asks. When asked about the existing folder, choose Use this folder.
  4. Let OneDrive sync. No files are lost; online-only files come back as online-only placeholders.

Why it helps: Re-linking refreshes the connection between your PC and your OneDrive account.

10Reset OneDriveAdvancedResets settings

  1. Warning: a reset disconnects all your sync connections (personal and work), resets OneDrive settings and starts a full re-sync, which can take a long time. If you chose to sync only some folders, you will need to choose them again. Your files are not deleted.
  2. Press Windows + R, type %localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset and select OK.
  3. If you see "Windows cannot find", try C:\Program Files\Microsoft OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset, then C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset.
  4. If OneDrive doesn't restart by itself, open Start, type OneDrive and open it.
  5. Sign in if asked and let the full sync finish.

Why it helps: A reset clears damaged sync settings when nothing else gets OneDrive moving.

Check it's fixed

  • The OneDrive icon shows that your files are up to date.
  • A small test file you add to the OneDrive folder appears on the OneDrive website within a few minutes.
  • Files in File Explorer show a green check or cloud status instead of sync arrows or Sync pending.

When to get help

If OneDrive still won't sync after a reset, or shows errors for a work or school account, contact your IT team. For personal accounts, use Contact Microsoft Support from the OneDrive help pages.

Questions

What does "Processing changes" mean in OneDrive?

OneDrive is working through files that changed, such as new uploads or files you edited. It usually clears by itself, unless a file is open, very large or blocked.

Will resetting OneDrive delete my files?

No. A reset disconnects and resets the sync app, then re-syncs everything. If you synced only some folders, you need to choose them again.

Why does OneDrive pause syncing by itself?

OneDrive pauses automatically when your PC is in battery saver mode or connected to a metered network. Resume it from the OneDrive icon.

What happens when my OneDrive storage is full?

New files stop uploading and syncing, and existing files can become read-only. Free up space or add more storage to start syncing again.

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