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How to Fix OneDrive Downloads Failing or Taking Too Long
Question details
The user needs to resolve an issue where downloading files from OneDrive is either failing completely or taking an unusually long time to finish.
- Product
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Device & OS
- Mac
- Scenario
- Attempting to download a large number of images and videos, or trying to sync files when the cloud storage account quota is nearly full.
- Observed behavior
- OneDrive downloads stall, time out, or fail to complete. Additionally, a full storage quota may be preventing Outlook email delivery.
Verify your internet connection stability and check your Microsoft account online to ensure you have not exceeded your cloud storage quota.
Reset the OneDrive Desktop App on Mac
Resetting the OneDrive application clears local settings and forces a clean sync, which often resolves stalled downloads and connection glitches.
If you are using the OneDrive desktop application on a Mac, internal sync errors can cause file downloads to hang. Running the built-in reset script will safely refresh the app's connection without deleting your cloud files.
Click the OneDrive cloud icon in your Mac menu bar, click the gear icon, and select 'Quit OneDrive'.
Open Finder, go to the 'Applications' folder, right-click on the 'OneDrive' application, and select 'Show Package Contents'.
Navigate to 'Contents' > 'Resources' within the package folder.
Double-click 'ResetOneDriveApp.command' or 'ResetOneDriveAppStandalone.command' to run the script in Terminal.
Once the script completes, restart the OneDrive application, sign in with your credentials, and try your download again.
Free Up Microsoft Account Storage
Microsoft shares storage space across OneDrive and Outlook. Clearing space ensures your account is active and capable of processing downloads.
Switch to WPS Office for Seamless Cloud File Management
If you frequently struggle with Microsoft Office storage limits and heavy background sync issues, WPS Office offers a lightweight, highly compatible alternative. With an intuitive interface, built-in cloud support, and seamless format handling, it helps you manage your documents efficiently without the hassle.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button for your operating system.
- 2. Install the Software: Run the downloaded file and follow the quick on-screen instructions to install WPS Office.
- 3. Sign In and Sync: Open WPS Office, create a free account, and instantly start managing your documents with reliable built-in cloud support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does OneDrive fail when downloading large batches of images?
Downloading massive amounts of files at once can overwhelm the sync engine or cause web browser timeouts. It is recommended to download large media folders in smaller batches or utilize the desktop client for more stable, continuous transfers.
Will running the ResetOneDriveApp command delete my local files?
No. Running the reset command only clears the application's synchronization cache and connection settings. Your actual local files and cloud data remain perfectly safe.
Why are my Outlook emails failing to deliver when OneDrive is full?
Microsoft shares the exact same cloud storage quota across your OneDrive files, Outlook emails, and other Microsoft 365 services. Once OneDrive fills that quota, Outlook no longer has the required space to receive new messages or store incoming attachments.
