OneDrive File Issues

How to Fix Delayed OneDrive Synchronization for Shared Microsoft 365 Groups

Bushra Parveen Oct 10, 2026 868 views

Question details

Files added to a shared Microsoft 365 Group or OneDrive folder take a significant amount of time to synchronize and appear on other users' computers.

How to Fix Delayed OneDrive Synchronization for Shared Microsoft 365 Groups

Product: Microsoft OneDrive / Microsoft 365
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Collaborating on shared files within a Microsoft 365 Group where updates are not syncing in real-time.
Observed behavior: Files take a long time to appear on other devices due to potential network constraints, Files On-Demand settings, or backend service issues.

Before you start

Ensure your computer has an active, stable internet connection and that the OneDrive desktop client is currently running and signed in to the correct Microsoft 365 account.

Solution 1Recommended

Disable 'Files On-Demand' for the Shared Folder

Changing the folder settings to keep files locally can bypass delays caused by the Files On-Demand feature fetching metadata.

The Files On-Demand feature saves local disk space by downloading files only when you open them. However, it can sometimes cause synchronization delays in highly active shared folders.

Locate the Folder

Open File Explorer or Finder and navigate to your synced Microsoft 365 Group or shared OneDrive folder.

Modify Sync Settings

Right-click the affected folder to open the context menu.

Keep Files Locally

Select 'Always keep on this device' from the menu. The folder icon should change to a solid green circle with a white checkmark once fully downloaded.

Verify Sync Speed

Wait for the existing files to download completely, then test adding a new file to see if synchronization speed improves.

Disable 'Files On-Demand' for the Shared Folder

Test on One Device First: You do not need to apply this setting on all computers immediately. Test it on a single affected device to see if it resolves the delay before rolling it out to other team members.

Solution 2

Restart the OneDrive App and Test Network

A simple restart of the OneDrive sync app or switching networks can clear temporary connection hiccups.

Solution 3

Verify Service Health and Open a Support Ticket

If multiple users experience the same sync delay, it may be a backend service issue requiring Microsoft Support intervention.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is OneDrive taking so long to sync shared folders?

Sync delays in shared folders are typically caused by network instability, the 'Files On-Demand' feature fetching file metadata instead of actual files, background throttling by the OneDrive client, or temporary backend server issues on Microsoft's end.

Do I have to select 'Always keep on this device' on every computer?

No, you should first test this setting on a single affected computer. If disabling Files On-Demand resolves the sync delay on that device, you can then advise other users experiencing the same issue to apply the setting on their end.

How can I tell if the sync delay is a Microsoft backend issue?

If the synchronization delay affects multiple users across different networks and devices simultaneously, it is likely a backend service issue. Your Microsoft 365 administrator can confirm this by checking the 'Service health' dashboard in the Microsoft 365 Admin Center.

Document & File Issues