Onedrive Stuck Syncing Even Though Internet Is Working

Summary

This guide helps you troubleshoot and resolve: Onedrive Stuck Syncing Even Though Internet Is Working. Follow the steps below to fix the issue.

Common Causes

OneDrive is designed to keep your files synchronised between your Windows workstation and the cloud. When OneDrive appears stuck syncing—even though your internet connection is working—it can slow down your computer and prevent important files from updating. This guide walks you through the most effective steps to resolve continuous syncing issues on Windows.

Quick Fix Steps

Try these steps first. They resolve most OneDrive syncing issues without requiring advanced troubleshooting.

1. Look for the OneDrive cloud icon in the system tray, near the clock in the bottom-right corner of your screen.
2. Right-click the OneDrive icon and select Pause syncing, then wait 30 seconds.
3. Right-click the icon again and choose Resume syncing.
4. Restart your computer and check whether OneDrive continues to sync normally.

Detailed Instructions

Check for locked or open files

OneDrive cannot sync files that are currently open in another application. Close any Microsoft Office documents, PDFs, or other files stored in your OneDrive folders, then check if syncing resumes.

Reset the OneDrive client

Resetting OneDrive forces the application to re-establish its connection to Microsoft services without deleting your files.

1. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type the following command and press Enter:
3. %localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset
4. Wait for OneDrive to close and restart automatically.
5. If OneDrive does not restart, press Windows Key + R again, type onedrive, and press Enter.

Unlink and relink your account

If resetting does not work, unlinking your account forces OneDrive to rebuild its local sync database.

1. Right-click the OneDrive cloud icon in the system tray.
2. Select Help & Settings, then choose Settings.
3. Go to the Account tab.
4. Click Unlink this PC and confirm the action.
5. OneDrive will close. Reopen OneDrive and sign in with your Microsoft 365 account.
6. Follow the prompts to choose your OneDrive folder location and complete setup.

Troubleshooting

Verify network connectivity to Microsoft services

Even when general internet browsing works, your network may be blocking access to Microsoft sync endpoints.

1. Open a web browser and visit https://www.onedrive.com.
2. Sign in with your Microsoft account and confirm you can access your files online.
3. If the website loads but OneDrive still will not sync, your firewall or security software may be blocking the OneDrive application specifically.
4. Temporarily disable third-party antivirus or firewall software and test syncing again.

Check storage limits

OneDrive will stop syncing if your Microsoft 365 storage quota is full.

1. Sign in to https://www.onedrive.com.
2. Select Settings (gear icon) and choose Options.
3. Review your storage usage under Storage.
4. If your storage is full, delete unnecessary files or upgrade your Microsoft 365 plan.

Repair OneDrive through Windows Settings

1. Select Start, then choose Settings.
2. Go to Apps > Installed apps.
3. Find Microsoft OneDrive in the list.
4. Click the three dots (...) next to OneDrive and select Modify or Advanced options.
5. Choose Repair and follow the on-screen prompts.

For related guidance, see our articles on Computer running slow, Browser not loading pages, and Applications freezing or crashing. If you continue to experience issues after following these steps, Open a Ticket.

If you host with us, you don't need to do this yourself — just Open a Ticket and our Brisbane team will get it sorted.

Still Having Issues?