OneDrive File Issues

Fix OneDrive Request Files Upload Stuck at 0% for Anonymous Users

Camila Milosovich Oct 7, 2026 868 views

Question details

Anonymous users are unable to upload files using a OneDrive Request Files link, as the upload progress freezes completely at 0%.

How to Fix OneDrive Request Files Upload Stuck at 0% for Anonymous Users

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: External partners or anonymous users attempting to submit files using a shared OneDrive Request Files link.
Observed behavior: The upload process initiates but gets stuck permanently at 0% progress without displaying a specific error code or completing the transfer.

Before you start

Verify that the user's internet connection is stable and ensure the files being uploaded do not exceed the OneDrive file size limit or contain restricted characters in their filenames.

Solution 1Recommended

Verify Microsoft 365 Service Health and Report the Issue

Since uploads freezing at 0% for anonymous users is often a confirmed server-side anomaly, administrators should check the service status and submit a support ticket.

Microsoft support often identifies uploads stuck at 0% for anonymous users as a backend or server-side issue within Microsoft 365. Resolving it typically requires investigation and intervention from Microsoft's backend engineering team.

Test the Link in Private Mode

Copy the file request link and open it in an Incognito or Private browsing window to replicate the external anonymous user's experience and confirm the issue persists.

Check Service Health

Log in to the Microsoft 365 admin center using administrator credentials. Navigate to 'Health' > 'Service health' to check if there are any active advisories regarding OneDrive or SharePoint file uploads.

Create a Support Request

If no active advisory is listed, go to 'Support' > 'Help & support' in the admin center to create a new service request, allowing Microsoft Support to investigate the backend logs.

Verify Microsoft 365 Service Health and Report the Issue

Wait for Service Restoration: Once Microsoft confirms the backend issue has been mitigated, retest the request link to ensure external users can successfully upload files.

Solution 2

Rule Out Local Browser and Cache Issues

Clear local browser data to ensure corrupted cache or restrictive extensions are not blocking the upload scripts.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my OneDrive file upload permanently stuck at 0%?

This issue is frequently caused by temporary server-side outages on Microsoft's backend. However, it can occasionally result from local browser cache conflicts, firewall restrictions, or an unstable internet connection.

Do anonymous users need a Microsoft account to use a Request Files link?

No, the OneDrive Request Files feature is specifically designed to allow anyone with the link to upload files securely without needing to sign in or register for a Microsoft account.

How do I check if Microsoft OneDrive is down?

Administrators can check the Service Health dashboard directly in the Microsoft 365 admin center. Standard users can visit the public Microsoft Service Status website to check for widespread network outages.

Can a full storage quota cause uploads to freeze?

Yes, if the OneDrive account requesting the files has exhausted its storage space, incoming uploads from anonymous users will fail to initialize and may appear stuck.

Document & File Issues