OneDrive File Issues

How to Fix Extremely Slow or Stalled OneDrive Downloads

Maira Mehtab Sep 25, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is experiencing extremely slow or completely stalled file downloads from OneDrive, with speeds dropping to 0 KB/s.

How to Fix Extremely Slow or Stalled OneDrive Downloads

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Downloading files from OneDrive to a local device over a fast and stable internet connection.
Observed behavior: Download speeds drastically drop, eventually hitting 0 KB/s, causing the file transfer to stall completely.

Before you start

Verify if the issue affects all files or only specific large files, and try downloading the same file on another device connected to your network to isolate whether the problem is device-specific.

Solution 1Recommended

Perform a Clean Boot to Isolate Interfering Services

A clean boot helps determine if third-party background applications or services are causing your OneDrive downloads to stall.

Software conflicts are a common reason for stalled cloud downloads. By starting Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs, you can identify if a background service is throttling OneDrive.

Open System Configuration

Press Windows + R on your keyboard, type 'msconfig' into the Run dialog box, and press Enter.

Disable Non-Microsoft Services

Navigate to the 'Services' tab, check the box for 'Hide all Microsoft services' at the bottom, and then click 'Disable all'.

Disable Startup Items

Go to the 'Startup' tab and click 'Open Task Manager'. Right-click each startup item and select 'Disable'.

Restart and Test

Close Task Manager, click 'OK' in the System Configuration window, and restart your computer. Try downloading your OneDrive files again.

Perform a Clean Boot to Isolate Interfering Services

Revert Clean Boot Settings: Once you have finished troubleshooting, remember to open System Configuration again to re-enable your services and startup items.

Solution 2

Temporarily Disable Windows Defender Real-Time Protection

Overzealous security software can sometimes intercept and stall file transfers. Temporarily disabling it can diagnose the conflict.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do my OneDrive downloads suddenly drop to 0 KB/s?

This usually happens when a background process, such as a security scan by Windows Defender, intercepts the file transfer. It can also be caused by local network throttling or temporary Microsoft server issues.

Does the size of the file affect OneDrive download speeds?

Yes. Downloading extremely large files or thousands of tiny files simultaneously can overwhelm the sync engine. Try downloading large folders in smaller, manageable batches via the OneDrive web interface.

How can I tell if my internet or my computer is causing the slow OneDrive download?

Try downloading the exact same file from OneDrive using a different device (like a smartphone or another laptop) connected to the same Wi-Fi network. If it downloads quickly, your original computer's settings or background services are likely the cause.

Document & File Issues