OneDrive File Issues

How to Fix OneDrive for Mac Stuck Downloading Files

Tauseeq Magsi Oct 7, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user's OneDrive application is indefinitely stuck downloading specific files, preventing further cloud synchronization even after restarting the computer.

How to Fix OneDrive for Mac Stuck Downloading Files

Product: OneDrive
Device & OS: Mac
Scenario: Syncing cloud files to local storage using the desktop OneDrive application for macOS.
Observed behavior: OneDrive displays a persistent downloading status message (e.g., 'Downloading 2 files') but never finishes the process, blocking the rest of the sync queue.

Before you start

Ensure you have a stable internet connection and take note of the exact file sizes stuck in the download queue, as this will help you identify them.

Solution 1Recommended

Pause Synchronization and Locate Problematic Files Locally

Identify which files are causing the issue by checking standard synced folders for pending synchronization icons.

Specific files in your primary sync folders are often the root cause of a stuck download queue. By temporarily pausing synchronization, you can manually inspect these directories without the sync engine actively interfering.

Pause OneDrive sync

Click the OneDrive cloud icon in your Mac menu bar, click the Help & Settings gear icon, and select 'Pause syncing' (choose the 2 hours option).

Inspect common folders

Open Finder on your Mac and navigate to the folders commonly included in OneDrive backup: Documents, Desktop, and Pictures.

Identify pending files

Look for files or folders displaying a circular synchronization icon next to their names. This indicates they are the specific items stuck in the download queue.

Manage the files and resume

Move these identified files out of the OneDrive directory to a local Mac folder. Finally, click the OneDrive menu bar icon again and select 'Resume syncing'.

Pause Synchronization and Locate Problematic Files Locally

File Identification Tip: If you cannot find the files visually by their icons, check if any recent files match the stuck file sizes displayed in the OneDrive error message.

Solution 2

Identify and Manage Stuck Files via OneDrive on the Web

If local files cannot be identified or removed, use the OneDrive web interface to locate and resolve the stuck files directly in the cloud.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for a Seamless Cloud Syncing Experience

If you frequently experience synchronization issues or stuck downloads with Microsoft OneDrive, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative with its own built-in, reliable cloud storage for your documents.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the macOS installation package.
2. Install and Sign In: Install the application and sign in with your email address to instantly activate your free WPS Cloud storage space.
3. Save to WPS Cloud: Open or create your documents and select WPS Cloud as your save destination to enjoy reliable cross-device synchronization.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files.Built-in WPS Cloud ensures smooth and reliable document synchronization across Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android.Lightweight architecture consumes fewer system resources, preventing application freezes and sync stalls.Free to download and use with a familiar user interface that makes migration fast and simple.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does OneDrive for Mac get stuck on 'Downloading files'?

This issue typically occurs due to a corrupted application cache, invalid characters in file names, or temporary network interruptions that cause the synchronization engine to stall on specific files.

Will reinstalling OneDrive fix the stuck download issue?

Reinstalling the application can resolve core software corruption, but it often does not fix stuck downloads if the root cause is tied to specific problematic files still lingering in your local or cloud directories.

How do I completely reset OneDrive on my Mac?

You can reset the app by quitting OneDrive, navigating to it in your Applications folder, right-clicking to select 'Show Package Contents', opening the 'Contents/Resources' folder, and double-clicking the 'ResetOneDriveApp.command' execution file.

Document & File Issues