File Sharing Problems

Fix OneDrive Sharing Email Stuck on Sending Spinner

Tauseeq Magsi Oct 12, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user is trying to share a file via OneDrive web, but the sharing dialog gets permanently stuck on the "Sending email" loading screen.

How to Fix OneDrive Sharing Email Stuck on "Sending"

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Sharing a file or folder by entering recipient email addresses directly into the OneDrive web interface.
Observed behavior: The sharing window remains on "Sending email" with a continuous loading spinner indefinitely, though the email might actually be delivered in the background.

Before you start

Before spending time troubleshooting your browser, check with your intended recipients to see if they received the link. Often, the OneDrive server sends the email successfully even when the interface gets stuck.

Solution 1Recommended

Clear Browser Cache and Disable Extensions

Corrupted cache data or conflicting browser extensions can block the script that closes the sharing dialog once the email is sent.

Browser privacy shields, ad-blockers, and outdated cache files are the most common culprits for infinite loading spinners on web applications like OneDrive.

Test in Incognito Mode

Open a Private Browsing or Incognito window in your browser and try sharing the OneDrive file again. If it works, an extension is likely causing the issue.

Clear Cache and Cookies

Go to your browser settings (usually under Privacy and Security) and select 'Clear browsing data'. Choose to clear cached images and files, then restart the browser.

Disable Interfering Extensions

Navigate to your browser's extensions page. Temporarily toggle off ad-blockers, script blockers, or privacy extensions, and refresh OneDrive to see if the sharing dialog completes normally.

Clear Browser Cache and Disable Extensions

Network Connection: Ensure your internet connection is stable. A momentary dropout right after clicking send can also cause the OneDrive interface to lose sync with the server.

Solution 2

Generate a Direct Link Instead

If the built-in email sharing continues to fail, you can bypass the issue by generating a direct sharing link and sending it manually.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Seamless Cloud File Sharing

If you frequently experience glitches with OneDrive or Microsoft Office web apps, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative with reliable cloud storage and hassle-free file sharing.

1. Download WPS Office: Install WPS Office for free on your Windows, Mac, or mobile device.
2. Save to WPS Cloud: Open your document and save it directly to the built-in WPS Cloud.
3. Share with Ease: Click the 'Share' button in the top right corner to instantly generate a stable link or invite collaborators via email.

Free and lightweight office suite with a familiar user interfaceFully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formatsBuilt-in WPS Cloud for stable, secure, and fast file sharingEasily generate sharing links with customized expiration dates and permissions

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the recipient get the email even though my OneDrive screen was stuck?

When you click send, the request reaches Microsoft's servers almost instantly. The server sends the email, but a browser-side script error or connection hiccup prevents the OneDrive interface from receiving the success confirmation, causing the spinner to loop endlessly.

Does this issue affect the OneDrive desktop app?

This specific "Sending email" spinner issue is isolated to the OneDrive web interface. Sharing directly from the desktop app's native Windows or Mac context menu usually relies on your system's default email client, bypassing web browser glitches.

How can I prevent my ad-blocker from breaking OneDrive sharing?

You can add 'onedrive.live.com' (or your company's specific SharePoint URL) to your ad-blocker's allowlist (whitelist). This ensures that essential Microsoft scripts required for file sharing and interface updates are not blocked.

Document & File Issues