OneDrive File Issues

Fix OneDrive Stuck on Processing Changes with Outlook PST Files

Nimra Malik Oct 9, 2026 868 views

Question details

User needs to resolve OneDrive stalling on 'Processing changes' caused by active Outlook .pst files stored in the sync folder.

How to Fix OneDrive Stuck on Processing Changes Due to Outlook PST Files

Product: Microsoft Outlook / OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Trying to synchronize files using OneDrive while Microsoft Outlook is actively running and its PST data file is located inside the OneDrive folder.
Observed behavior: OneDrive remains stuck on 'Processing changes' because the PST file is locked by Outlook, as these files are not designed for simultaneous synchronization and active use.

Before you start

Ensure Microsoft Outlook is completely closed and not running in the background before attempting to move or copy your PST data files.

Solution 1Recommended

Move the Outlook PST File Outside of OneDrive

Safely relocate your active PST file to a local, non-syncing folder to restore normal OneDrive synchronization without losing email data.

Outlook .pst files update continuously when the application is open. Because OneDrive attempts to sync changes immediately, having an active PST file in a synced folder locks the file, causing OneDrive to stall.

To resolve this, you must store actively used PST files outside of your OneDrive directory.

Close Microsoft Outlook

Exit Microsoft Outlook completely. Verify it is not running in the system tray in the bottom right corner of your screen.

Copy the PST File

Navigate to your OneDrive folder, locate the Outlook .pst file, and copy it to a local folder outside of OneDrive (for example, C:\Users\[Username]\Documents\Outlook Files). You can rename the copied file if you prefer.

Reconnect the File in Outlook

Open Outlook, click on 'File', then 'Account Settings', and select 'Account Settings' again. Go to the 'Data Files' tab and click 'Add' to connect the newly copied PST file from your local folder.

Change the Default Data File

In the 'Data Files' tab, click on the newly added local PST file to highlight it, then click 'Set as Default'.

Remove the OneDrive Copy

Select the old PST file (the one located in the OneDrive folder) from the list and click 'Remove'. Finally, you can delete the original file from the OneDrive folder using File Explorer to clear the sync queue.

Move the Outlook PST File Outside of OneDrive

No Data Loss: Removing a data file from Outlook's Account Settings does not delete your actual emails. It merely disconnects the file from the Outlook application.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does OneDrive get stuck on 'Processing changes' with PST files?

OneDrive gets stuck because Outlook constantly locks the active PST file to read and write data. OneDrive cannot sync a locked file, causing the synchronization process to stall entirely.

Can I keep an archive PST file in OneDrive?

Yes. If a PST file is strictly used as a disconnected backup or archive and is not actively open in Microsoft Outlook, it will not be locked and can safely be stored and synced in OneDrive.

Will I lose my emails if I remove the data file from Outlook?

No. Removing a data file via Outlook's Account Settings only disconnects the file from the application's view. Your emails remain safely stored inside the physical PST file on your hard drive.

How do I find exactly where my current PST file is saved?

Open Microsoft Outlook, go to File > Info > Account Settings > Account Settings, and click on the Data Files tab. The Location column will display the exact folder path of your currently connected PST files.

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