OneDrive File Issues

Fix OneDrive Sync Stuck When Moving Large Folders

Aamir Naveed Akram Sep 28, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user needs to resolve an issue where OneDrive is indefinitely stuck synchronizing after moving a massive directory of files.

How to Fix OneDrive Sync Stuck When Moving Large Folders

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Changing the OneDrive location or moving a massive folder containing approximately 40,000 files into the sync directory.
Observed behavior: OneDrive remains stuck on 'Processing changes' for several days without making progress or completing the file synchronization.

Before you start

Verify that your internet connection is stable, run a speed test, and ensure your Microsoft account has sufficient cloud storage available to accommodate the massive file transfer.

Solution 1Recommended

Pause Syncing and Upload Files in Smaller Batches

Interrupting the stalled sync and breaking the massive folder into smaller, manageable chunks prevents OneDrive from becoming overwhelmed.

Processing tens of thousands of files simultaneously forces OneDrive to scan metadata for every single file before uploading. Breaking this down into smaller batches significantly improves performance and makes progress easier to monitor.

Pause OneDrive synchronization

Click the OneDrive cloud icon in your system tray or menu bar, click the gear icon (Help & Settings), select 'Pause syncing', and choose '2 hours'.

Remove bulk files from the sync folder

Navigate to your OneDrive folder locally, cut the majority of the pending files, and paste them into a local backup folder outside of OneDrive.

Resume syncing

Click the OneDrive icon again and click 'Resume syncing'. Allow the application to process and finish syncing the few files left in the directory.

Move files in batches

Gradually move the remaining files from your local backup folder into the OneDrive folder in smaller batches (e.g., 2,000 files at a time), waiting for each batch to sync before adding the next.

Pause Syncing and Upload Files in Smaller Batches

Use the Desktop App: Always use the OneDrive desktop application rather than the web browser interface when migrating massive amounts of data, as web interfaces frequently time out during large transfers.

Solution 2

Identify Blocking Files and Remove Temporary Data

Find out if a specific file with unsupported characters, restricted permissions, or lock status is preventing the entire batch from syncing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does OneDrive get stuck on 'Processing changes' for days?

This usually happens when migrating a massive number of files at once. The OneDrive client gets overwhelmed reading the metadata of tens of thousands of files simultaneously. Additionally, hidden, temporary, or open files within the batch can pause the entire sync queue.

Should I use the OneDrive web interface to upload large folders?

No, it is highly recommended to use the OneDrive desktop application for large migrations. Web browsers often time out, consume too much memory, or crash when attempting to process and upload thousands of files at the same time.

How do I know which specific file is blocking my OneDrive sync?

Click the OneDrive cloud icon in your system tray or menu bar. Any file causing a sync conflict or error will usually be listed at the top of the activity center with a brief explanation of the issue, such as invalid characters in the file name or a file being in use.

Does resetting OneDrive help with stuck sync processes?

Yes, if moving files in batches does not resolve the issue, resetting the OneDrive client can force it to rebuild its sync cache. You can do this by pressing Windows Key + R and running `%localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset`.

Document & File Issues