OneDrive File Issues

Fix FileCoAuth.exe Creating Multiple OneDrive Processes

Natalie Taylor Oct 12, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users are experiencing high system resource consumption due to the FileCoAuth.exe executable creating multiple background processes.

How to Fix FileCoAuth.exe Creating Multiple OneDrive Processes

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Synchronizing files to the cloud or utilizing Office real-time collaboration features.
Observed behavior: The OneDrive File Co-Authoring Executable (FileCoAuth.exe) spawns numerous processes simultaneously, which can heavily impact system performance.

Before you start

Check your system tray to see if OneDrive is currently processing a massive batch of file synchronizations, and save any open shared documents before applying fixes.

Solution 1Recommended

Reduce the Number of Synchronized Files

Limit your active OneDrive sync scope to prevent the co-authoring service from being overwhelmed by large file quantities.

There is no standard user interface or registry setting to permanently disable FileCoAuth.exe because it is essential for Microsoft Office collaboration. However, synchronizing more than approximately 300,000 files can significantly degrade performance and cause the executable to generate excessive processes.

Open OneDrive Settings

Click the OneDrive cloud icon in your system tray, select the 'Help & Settings' gear icon, and click on 'Settings'.

Manage Folder Backup

Navigate to the 'Account' tab and click on 'Choose folders' to manage which directories are synced locally to your device.

Deselect Unnecessary Folders

Uncheck the boxes next to folders you rarely use to stop syncing them locally, keeping your total synced items well below the 300,000 file threshold. Click 'OK' to save.

Performance Boost: Reducing synchronized folders not only minimizes FileCoAuth.exe processes but also frees up local hard drive space.

Solution 2

End the Process and Restart

Temporarily terminate the stuck co-authoring processes to immediately free up system resources.

Solution 3

Perform a Clean Boot

Identify potential third-party software conflicts that might be forcing OneDrive processes to multiply.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Experience Lightweight Document Collaboration with WPS Office

If Microsoft OneDrive's FileCoAuth.exe continues to drain your system resources during document sharing, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides powerful co-authoring tools with a much lighter footprint, ensuring your PC runs smoothly without intrusive background processes.

1. Download the App: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installer for your operating system.
2. Sign In for Cloud Access: Launch the application and sign in to activate your free WPS Cloud storage space.
3. Collaborate Effortlessly: Upload your documents and invite teammates to edit simultaneously without worrying about multiple heavy background processes.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats including .docx, .xlsx, and .pptxLightweight software architecture that minimizes CPU and RAM usageBuilt-in WPS Cloud for stable, real-time team collaborationHighly familiar user interface requiring zero learning curve

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I permanently disable FileCoAuth.exe in Windows?

No, there is no official user interface or registry setting to permanently disable the FileCoAuth.exe executable. It is a core component required by Microsoft OneDrive for collaborative features.

Why does OneDrive need the FileCoAuth.exe process?

The executable handles real-time co-authoring features, allowing multiple users to edit the same Office document stored in OneDrive simultaneously without creating conflicting file copies.

How many files can I sync in OneDrive before performance drops?

Microsoft notes that synchronizing more than approximately 300,000 files can affect performance. Staying below this limit helps prevent excessive FileCoAuth.exe processes and reduces CPU and memory usage.

Document & File Issues