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How to Fix OneDrive Deleting Files and Getting Stuck During First Sync
Question details
The user relocated their OneDrive folder to a different drive, resulting in files appearing deleted and the initial sync being stuck for over 24 hours.
- Product
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Moving the OneDrive sync folder from the C: drive to a D: drive to free up space and performing an initial mass sync.
- Observed behavior
- Files appear to be deleted during the sync process, and the sync is stuck, processing only 3 GB out of 136 GB over the span of 28 hours.
Stop making any further changes, moving, or deleting files immediately until the missing files and sync status are properly assessed to prevent permanent data loss.
Halt Sync Operations and Verify File Availability
Pause the synchronization process to prevent further data loss and check if the missing files are safely stored in your Recycle Bins.
When a large amount of data is moved or redirected to a new drive, OneDrive may struggle with the initial file indexing. This can cause files to temporarily disappear or the sync process to stall. Preventing further folder changes is crucial.
Click the OneDrive cloud icon in your system tray, select the 'Help & Settings' gear icon, and click 'Pause syncing'. Choose to pause for 2 or 8 hours.
Open the Recycle Bin on your Windows desktop to see if the missing files were accidentally deleted during the drive migration. If found, right-click and select 'Restore'.
Log into your OneDrive account via a web browser. Navigate to the 'Recycle bin' on the left panel, locate any missing files, select them, and click 'Restore'.
Check Sync Errors and Storage Capacity
Identify specific file conflicts or storage limits that are causing the sync to get stuck at 3 GB.
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- 1. Download and Install: Get the free WPS Office installer from the official website and install it on your device.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my OneDrive sync stuck processing changes for hours?
OneDrive can get stuck 'processing changes' if you recently moved a massive amount of files (like a 136 GB migration), if a specific file is open in another program, or if there are invalid characters in the file names. Pausing and resuming the sync often clears the backlog.
Can I move my OneDrive folder to a secondary D: drive?
Yes, you can change the location of your OneDrive folder to a different internal drive to save space on your C: drive. However, syncing to external USB drives or network drives is generally not recommended, as temporary disconnects will break the sync process.
How do I recover files that OneDrive deleted during a sync issue?
First, check your computer's local Recycle Bin. If the files are not there, log into OneDrive online and check the cloud Recycle Bin. You can restore deleted files from the online interface within 30 days of deletion.
