15 Ways to Fix OneDrive Sync Is Stuck or Pending Error in Windows 10

In any cloud storage service, broken sync is a common problem. Users complain all the time that the sync doesn't work, or that the service doesn't connect. OneDrive is no exception. Windows 10 users complain that OneDrive sync is pending or stuck.

OneDrive sync can be broken for a variety of reasons. By the end of this guide, you will have a solution that works for you.

1. COMMON ERRORS

I'll be quick. Reboot your router and check your Wi-Fi connection. Be sure you have enough bandwidth and data left on your plan. To reallocate system resources and close unnecessary background apps and services, reboot your computer.

Check Downdetector to make sure OneDrive isn't experiencing downtime or some other error. The link is below. Make sure there is enough space on OneDrive.

OneDrive's free version comes with 5GB of space. Other space depends on the plan you subscribe to. Additional space can always be purchased. To check the OneDrive app's storage space, click on the three-dot menu icon and select Settings.

2. ONEDRIVE RESTRICTIONS

When uploading files and folders to OneDrive, there are other restrictions and limitations. The list is surprisingly long, but there is a short version that should be applicable to most users.

Files with invalid characters (#, %), invalid files like temp files, and Windows guest accounts will not sync with OneDrive.

The maximum file size for OneDrive is 100GB, 15GB for business account holders, 2GB for OneNote files, 400 characters for file names, and 2500 files can be synced at a time on the OneDrive.com site.

In addition, OneDrive system requirements should not be overlooked since most modern computers meet them.

3. FILE OPEN ELSEWHERE

OneDrive sync will not work or get stuck if the file is open in another app. Save changes to the file and close it before trying again.

4. PAUSE/RESUME SYNC

Select the Pause syncing option by right-clicking on the OneDrive icon in the Taskbar.

Once OneDrive sync has stopped for a few moments, repeat the steps to resume it.

This will help jumpstart the process.

5. TRY ANOTHER FOLDER

It is possible that the file you are trying to upload to OneDrive is corrupt. You can also try uploading to a corrupt folder.lder in OneDrive and try uploading the file there.

Before re-uploading the file to OneDrive, rename it first, check that it is open on your computer desktop (local storage), and then rename the file. The OneDrive sync may not be activating.

6. SYNC SETTINGS

Select Settings from the More option by right-clicking on the OneDrive icon in the Taskbar.

Make sure the sync does not automatically stop when the battery is low or when you are on a metered network unless you want it to. Make sure your laptop's battery is charged. Charge it up.

Under the Network tab, upload and download rates are not limited.

Check the box Use Office applications to sync Office files that I open under the Office tab.

Make sure OneDrive sync is working in Windows 10 now.

7. UNLINK ONEDRIVE ACCOUNT

As you did in the last step, return to the OneDrive Settings window, and click on Unlink this PC under the Account tab.

Close OneDrive, restart your computer, then sign in to OneDrive again. Make sure the sync is working.

8. TROUBLESHOOT ONEDRIVE APP

By pressing Windows key+I, select Find and fix problems with Windows Store Apps in the Find and fix section of Settings.

It will look for errors and conflicts in apps installed from the Microsoft Store (formerly known as the Windows Store). It is still worth trying this step even if you installed OneDrive directly with an .EXE file.

Once you have selected Automatically apply repairs, click Next. If any errors exist, you will be prompted to fix them.

9. UPDATE APP AND OS

Microsoft releases updates for its in-house developed OS and apps. To download updates, go to the Microsoft Store.

Click Get Updates to see if OneDrive has been updated.

In the Windows 10 settings, click on Update & Security again.

Please update if there are any updates.

Microsoft will release an update as soon as possible if there is a problem with the OneDrive app. Windows 10 computers should still have OneDrive sync pending.

10. ANTIVIRUS AND FIREWALL SETTINGS

Make sure that the OneDrive app isn't blocked by your firewall. Also, check your antivirus software. Using both your antivirus software and Malwarebytes, do a full scan one by one, to ensure the OneDrive sync issue is not caused by a virus, trojan, malware, etc.

11. HIDDEN FILES

You will see sync stuck or pending errors if there are hidden files in the OneDrive folder. Click the View tab and check Hidden files.

Now you should be able to see hidden files. Remove them. You may also see temporary files or .TMP files. Data loss can be prevented by creating a 'safety net' to save unsaved work. Delete them only after verifying they have been saved.

12. RESET ONEDRIVE

Go to the Windows settings, then Apps, and search for OneDrive there. Press the Advanced options button on the OneDrive app once.

Here, click on the Reset button.

Once you sign into OneDrive again, you should check again if sync is still pending.

13. REINSTALL ONEDRIVE

If you go back to Settings, you will see an Uninstall button just below the Reset option. Click on it to remove OneDrive completely.

Install the app from the Microsoft Store.

14. CLEAN BOOT

Perhaps there is a conflict between two apps. Have you recently installed any new apps? You can find out by rebooting your computer.

15. MOVE ON

Then maybe it is time to try another cloud storage app if OneDrive is still not syncing that file/folder. Although it's not easy, what else could you do? You need this guide to work if you have read this far. Dropbox or Google Drive are recommended.