OneDrive File Issues

How to Fix OneDrive Repeatedly Resynchronizing Thousands of Files

Chanuka Geekiyanage Oct 12, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user is stuck in a continuous OneDrive sync loop where over 400,000 shared files are repeatedly processed, rendering documents inaccessible.

How to Fix OneDrive Repeatedly Resynchronizing Thousands of Files

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Attempting to synchronize a massive volume of shared documents and folders to a local computer.
Observed behavior: OneDrive endlessly scans and processes hundreds of thousands of files without completing. Standard troubleshooting steps, including resetting OneDrive, reinstalling the app, relinking the account, and even reinstalling Windows, do not resolve the issue.

Before you start

Before attempting to resolve this, temporarily pause OneDrive syncing from your system tray to conserve your computer's CPU and internet bandwidth while you investigate the folder structures.

Solution 1Recommended

Reorganize Shared Folders to Comply with Item Limits

Resolve the continuous sync loop by ensuring no single shared folder exceeds Microsoft's strict item limits.

OneDrive and SharePoint impose specific structural limits on shared libraries. If a single shared folder contains more than 50,000 items (files and subfolders combined), the synchronization engine may fail to process the directory tree. This forces OneDrive into an endless loop of rescanning and resyncing without ever completing.

Identify large shared directories

Log into OneDrive on the web and inspect the contents of the shared folders you are trying to sync. Look for any primary directory that contains over 50,000 items.

Contact the folder owner

Reach out to the user or administrator who originally shared the folder. Request that they reorganize the single massive folder into multiple, smaller shared folders.

Resync smaller batches

Once the owner has reorganized the files, go to your OneDrive settings, click 'Choose folders', and select only the specific, smaller folders you currently need to work with.

Reorganize Shared Folders to Comply with Item Limits

Best Practice: Microsoft recommends syncing no more than 300,000 files total across all your synced libraries to ensure optimal performance.

Solution 2

Request Support from Your Organization's IT Administrator

Escalate the issue to your Microsoft 365 administrator so they can collect diagnostic logs and contact Microsoft Support.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Seamless Document Management

If OneDrive sync issues and Microsoft 365 limits are interrupting your workflow, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, free, and highly compatible workspace that lets you edit local files effortlessly and connect to alternative cloud storage providers without the heavy sync overhead.

1. Download the software: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installer for your Windows, Mac, or Linux machine.
2. Install and launch: Follow the simple installation prompts. Once installed, launch the application to access Writer, Spreadsheets, and Presentation.
3. Open and edit seamlessly: Drag and drop your existing Microsoft Office files directly into the WPS workspace to continue editing with flawless format retention.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats, including .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx.Integrates smoothly with multiple cloud storage options like Google Drive and Dropbox.Lightweight architecture ensures fast performance without resource-heavy background syncing.Familiar user interface makes migrating from Microsoft Office instant and effortless.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum number of files OneDrive can sync before having issues?

While OneDrive allows you to store vast amounts of data, Microsoft officially recommends syncing no more than 300,000 files across all combined document libraries. Exceeding this limit often leads to severe performance degradation and continuous sync loops.

Why does my OneDrive keep saying 'Processing changes'?

This message usually appears when OneDrive encounters a file with an invalid name, a file currently locked by another application, or when it hits folder structural limits, such as a single shared folder containing over 50,000 items.

Will reinstalling Windows fix OneDrive synchronization loops?

Not usually. If the sync loop is caused by cloud-side issues—like exceeding SharePoint item limits or handling too many files in a single directory—local fixes like reinstalling Windows, resetting the OneDrive client, or unlinking your account will not solve the root problem.

Document & File Issues