OneDrive File Issues

Fix OneDrive Stuck on Processing Changes: Find Hidden Files

John Wilson Oct 12, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to identify and remove hidden files that are causing OneDrive to remain indefinitely stuck in a processing state.

Fix OneDrive Stuck on Processing Changes: How to Find the Files

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Syncing local folders and Office documents to cloud storage.
Observed behavior: OneDrive stays stuck on "Processing changes" for days without showing which specific files in the queue are causing the delay.

Before you start

Ensure that all Microsoft Office applications are completely closed, as open programs actively use temporary lock files that you may need to delete to resolve the sync issue.

Solution 1Recommended

Find and Delete Hidden Temporary Files using PowerShell

Use a specific PowerShell command to quickly locate hidden temporary Office files (starting with ~$) that commonly block OneDrive synchronization.

When an Office file crashes or closes unexpectedly, temporary owner files (often beginning with '~$') can be left behind. Because these files are restricted or hidden, the OneDrive sync engine gets stuck trying to process them.

Open PowerShell as Administrator

Click the Windows Start button, type "PowerShell", right-click the Windows PowerShell app, and select "Run as administrator".

Navigate to the OneDrive Folder

In the PowerShell window, type 'cd "C:\Users\YourUsername\OneDrive"' (replace 'YourUsername' with your actual Windows username) and press Enter to point PowerShell to your sync folder.

Run the Hidden File Search Command

Type or paste the following command and press Enter: Get-ChildItem -Attributes Hidden -Recurse -Exclude thumbs.db, desktop.ini

Locate and Delete Blocking Files

Review the output list for files starting with "~$" (such as ~$backup.xlam). Open File Explorer, navigate to those specific paths, enable "Hidden items" in the View tab, and delete the unnecessary temporary files.

Find and Delete Hidden Temporary Files using PowerShell

Sync Restored: Deleting the stuck temporary lock files usually triggers OneDrive to immediately update its status to "Up to date."

Solution 2

Clear Office Upload Cache and Restart OneDrive

Clear out pending uploads in the Office cache and restart the OneDrive client to refresh the sync queue.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for a Smoother Cloud Sync Experience

If Microsoft Office temporary files frequently cause your OneDrive to get stuck, consider switching to WPS Office. It is a lightweight, high-performance alternative that provides excellent compatibility with all Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formats, while offering its own built-in cloud storage to keep your files perfectly synced without the hassle of hidden lock files.

1. Download and Install: Click the download button to install WPS Office Free on your Windows device.
2. Open Your Documents: Open your existing Word, Excel, or PowerPoint files directly in WPS Office with full format preservation.
3. Save to Cloud Seamlessly: Utilize WPS Cloud or your preferred local folder to save and sync files safely without generating stubborn background lock files.

Highly compatible with Microsoft Office formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx)Lightweight software architecture that avoids heavy background syncing conflictsBuilt-in WPS Cloud for reliable and seamless file backupsFamiliar user interface requiring zero learning curve for Office users

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does OneDrive get stuck on "Processing changes"?

This issue typically occurs when OneDrive encounters hidden temporary files (like those starting with "~$" created by Office applications), locked files currently in use by another program, or when the local sync cache becomes corrupted.

How do I view hidden files in my OneDrive folder without using PowerShell?

Open File Explorer, navigate to your OneDrive folder, click on the "View" tab at the top of the window, and check the box next to "Hidden items". This will reveal hidden temporary files that might be causing the synchronization block.

Is it safe to delete files starting with "~$" in my folders?

Yes. Files beginning with "~$" are temporary lock files automatically created when a document is open. If the document is closed and the temporary file remains, it is safe to delete it, and doing so often resolves cloud sync errors.

What should I do if deleting the hidden files doesn't fix the issue?

If removing the temporary files doesn't immediately clear the "Processing changes" status, try resetting the OneDrive app. Press Win + R, type '%localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset', and press Enter. This will rebuild the sync database.

Document & File Issues