OneDrive File Issues

Fix OneDrive Web Downloads Not Starting in Edge or Chrome

Muhammad Talha Oct 10, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users are unable to download files from OneDrive via the web, as the download fails to initiate and the browser stalls on a specific Microsoft tracking URL.

How to Fix OneDrive Web Downloads Not Starting in Edge or Chrome

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to download files or folders from the OneDrive web interface using Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome.
Observed behavior: The download does not start, and the browser page remains stuck waiting for browser.events.data.microsoft.com without proceeding.

Before you start

Verify that your internet connection is stable and that the designated download folder on your computer has sufficient storage capacity and proper write permissions.

Solution 1Recommended

Disable Ad Blockers and Clear Browser Cache

Browser extensions and corrupted cache data can block the background scripts OneDrive relies on to initiate file downloads.

Ad blockers and strict privacy extensions often misinterpret Microsoft's telemetry URLs (like browser.events.data.microsoft.com) as malicious trackers, stalling the download process.

Disable extensions

In Chrome or Edge, click the Extensions icon (puzzle piece) in the top right corner and temporarily disable any ad blockers, pop-up blockers, or privacy shields.

Clear browsing data

Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete to open the Clear Browsing Data menu. Select 'Cookies and other site data' and 'Cached images and files', then click 'Clear data'.

Restart browser

Close your web browser completely, reopen it, navigate back to the OneDrive web portal, and attempt your download again.

Disable Ad Blockers and Clear Browser Cache

Whitelist OneDrive: If this resolves the issue, consider adding the OneDrive URL to your ad blocker's whitelist so you don't have to leave the extension disabled permanently.

Solution 2

Check Browser Download Permissions

Ensure that your browser is permitted to download multiple files and that pop-ups are allowed for OneDrive.

Solution 3

Inspect Add-ins and Contact Support

Check for conflicting Microsoft 365 add-ins or seek official support if the issue persists across all web browsers.

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Edit Cloud Documents Directly in WPS Office

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1. Install WPS Office: Download and install the free WPS Office suite on your computer.
2. Connect cloud storage: Open WPS Office, navigate to the 'Open' menu, and sign in to your preferred cloud storage service.
3. Edit directly: Click on any Word, Excel, or PowerPoint file to open and edit it directly within WPS Office, bypassing web browser downloads completely.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does OneDrive get stuck waiting for browser.events.data.microsoft.com?

This URL is used by Microsoft for analytics and download event tracking. When a browser extension (like an ad blocker) blocks this connection, the script stalls, preventing the actual file download from triggering.

Will downloading the Microsoft SharePoint Browser Plug-in fix this issue?

No. Modern browsers like Edge and Chrome no longer require or support legacy browser helper objects or plug-ins for standard OneDrive downloads. Downloading unofficial plug-ins is not recommended and poses a security risk.

How can I tell if my download folder is causing the issue?

If your default download folder lacks storage space, has restricted write permissions, or is located on a disconnected external drive, the browser will silently fail to start the download. Check your browser settings to verify or change the default download location.

Document & File Issues