OneDrive File Issues

Fix OneDrive Upload Stuck and Showing No Progress

Huda Qurayshi Oct 10, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to resolve an issue where OneDrive synchronization hangs during a file upload without showing any progress.

How to Fix OneDrive Upload Stuck and Showing No Progress

Product: OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to upload, sync, or back up files to the OneDrive cloud storage platform.
Observed behavior: The upload process appears stalled or stuck in the queue, showing no progress percentage, even though the files are not corrupted.

Before you start

Ensure you have a stable internet connection and verify that the files you are trying to upload are not currently open or being actively edited in another application.

Solution 1Recommended

Pause and Resume OneDrive Synchronization

Pausing and resuming the sync process can quickly clear temporary queue blockages and refresh the network connection.

This is the fastest method to force OneDrive to re-evaluate the sync queue and push through stalled uploads without restarting the entire application.

Open OneDrive Settings

Click the OneDrive cloud icon located in your Windows system tray or Mac menu bar.

Pause Syncing

Click the 'Help & Settings' gear icon, select 'Pause syncing', and choose a duration such as '2 hours'.

Resume Syncing

Wait a few moments, then click the OneDrive icon again and click the 'Pause' icon at the top or select 'Resume syncing' to restart the upload process.

Quick Fix: Resuming the sync will usually force OneDrive to immediately retry the upload of any stalled files.

Solution 2

Restart the OneDrive Application

Fully closing and reopening the OneDrive application resolves deeper software glitches that prevent files from uploading.

Solution 3

Check File Permissions and Locks

Ensure the files aren't locked by other software or restricted by read-only permission issues.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my OneDrive upload stuck at 0 bytes?

This usually happens when the file is currently open in another application, locking it from being uploaded. Save your work and completely close the application to allow the synchronization to continue.

Does a slow network connection cause OneDrive to freeze entirely?

Yes, a very slow or unstable internet connection can cause the sync queue to stall. OneDrive might temporarily pause the upload process to prevent file corruption until a stronger network connection is established.

Are there file name restrictions that prevent OneDrive uploads?

Yes, files containing restricted characters (such as *, ?, <, >, or /) in their names cannot be synced. Renaming the file to remove these characters will usually allow the upload to proceed.

Document & File Issues