OneDrive File Issues

Fix OneDrive Stuck on Processing Changes for SharePoint Folders

Natalie Taylor Oct 8, 2026 868 views

Question details

Local OneDrive synchronization gets stuck indefinitely after a SharePoint folder is added or modified.

Fix OneDrive Stuck on Processing Changes for SharePoint Folders

Product: OneDrive and SharePoint
Device & OS: macOS / Windows
Scenario: Syncing SharePoint folders to a local computer using the OneDrive desktop client.
Observed behavior: The SharePoint folder appears online immediately, but the local OneDrive desktop client remains stuck on "Processing changes" for several hours without completing the synchronization.

Before you start

Before making any changes, log in to your OneDrive or SharePoint account via a web browser to confirm that all your important files are safely available online.

Solution 1

Check Network Settings and Security Software

VPNs, authenticated proxies, firewalls, or antivirus software can sometimes block or throttle OneDrive's connection to SharePoint servers, causing the sync process to hang.

Security software may intercept web traffic for inspection, which can disrupt the continuous connection OneDrive requires to verify file changes with SharePoint servers.

Disable active VPNs or proxies

Disconnect from any active Virtual Private Network (VPN) or authenticated proxy server, as these can block the necessary ports for OneDrive synchronization.

Temporarily pause security software

Turn off your firewall or antivirus software temporarily to see if it is interfering with the OneDrive sync traffic. If the "Processing changes" prompt resolves, you may need to add an exception for OneDrive in your security software.

Solution 2Recommended

Unlink and Reset the OneDrive Application

If the network is functioning properly, resetting the OneDrive app will clear the local sync cache, fix broken sync loops, and force a fresh connection to SharePoint.

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Use WPS Office for Reliable Cloud Document Management

If you frequently encounter synchronization issues with OneDrive, try WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, free alternative with built-in cloud storage for seamless document saving and collaboration without the frustrating sync delays.

1. Install WPS Office: Download the free WPS Office suite from the official website and install it on your computer.
2. Sign in to access WPS Cloud: Create or log in to your WPS account to instantly activate your built-in cloud storage space.
3. Save and sync automatically: Create your documents and click "Save to Cloud" to ensure they are synchronized instantly without long processing delays.

Free, lightweight, and incredibly easy to useBuilt-in WPS Cloud for reliable and instant file synchronizationFully compatible with Microsoft Office formats (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does OneDrive get stuck on "Processing changes" for SharePoint folders?

This usually happens when the local OneDrive client struggles to verify file states with the SharePoint server due to network interference, local cache corruption, or hidden invalid file names in the directory.

Will resetting my OneDrive app delete my SharePoint files?

No. Resetting the OneDrive application only clears the local synchronization cache and disconnects your device. Any files successfully uploaded and stored online in SharePoint will remain completely safe.

How can I verify that my files are safely stored online before unlinking?

Open your web browser, log in to your Microsoft account, and navigate to your OneDrive or SharePoint portal. If your recent files and folders are visible and accessible there, they are safely backed up in the cloud.

Document & File Issues