OneDrive File Issues

Fix File Explorer Freezing with OneDrive and iCloud Files

Tauseeq Magsi Sep 28, 2026 868 views

Question details

User needs a solution for File Explorer freezing and becoming unresponsive when interacting with cloud storage files.

How to Fix File Explorer Freezing on OneDrive and iCloud Files

Product: Windows 10 File Explorer, OneDrive, iCloud
Device & OS: Windows 10
Scenario: Right-clicking or previewing synced files within OneDrive or iCloud directories.
Observed behavior: File Explorer freezes for more than a minute on a specific computer when interacting with cloud files, while other computers work fine.

Before you start

Ensure your Windows 10 operating system is fully updated, and temporarily disable any third-party antivirus software that might be heavily scanning your cloud folders on access.

Solution 1Recommended

Reset Network Configurations and Internet Options

Resetting your network configuration can resolve connectivity issues causing cloud file integrations to hang File Explorer.

Since cloud files often attempt to sync or retrieve properties online when right-clicked, network glitches or incorrect proxy setups can lead to severe delays in File Explorer.

Check Proxy Settings

Press Windows + I to open Settings. Go to Network & Internet > Proxy, and ensure that 'Manual proxy setup' is turned off unless required by your network.

Reset Internet Options

Search for 'Internet Options' in the Windows Start menu and open it. Navigate to the Advanced tab and click on the 'Restore advanced settings' button, then click OK.

Reset Network via Command Prompt

Right-click the Start button and select 'Command Prompt (Admin)' or 'Windows PowerShell (Admin)'. Type 'netsh winsock reset' and press Enter. Then type 'netsh int ip reset' and press Enter.

Restart Your Computer

Restart your Windows 10 machine to apply all the network and internet changes.

Reset Network Configurations and Internet Options

DNS Server Testing: If the issue persists, try changing your network adapter's DNS servers to a public DNS, like 8.8.8.8, to rule out DNS-related latency.

Solution 2

Disable Conflicting Shell Extensions

Third-party context menu extensions can conflict with OneDrive or iCloud, causing File Explorer to freeze on right-click.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does File Explorer freeze only on one computer?

This happens because network configurations, manual proxy settings, or specific shell extensions are localized to a single machine. Even if both computers run Windows 10, software conflicts or misconfigured network properties on one PC can cause OneDrive/iCloud integrations to stall.

Can the Windows Preview Pane cause File Explorer to crash?

Yes, if the preview handler for a specific file type is corrupted, or if the cloud file hasn't fully downloaded, File Explorer may freeze while trying to generate the preview. Disabling the Preview Pane via the View tab in File Explorer can act as a temporary workaround.

Will unlinking my OneDrive account fix the freezing issue?

Unlinking and relinking your OneDrive account can refresh its connection to File Explorer and clear synchronization bugs. You can do this by right-clicking the OneDrive icon in the system tray, clicking the gear icon for Settings, navigating to the Account tab, and clicking 'Unlink this PC'.

Document & File Issues