OneDrive File Issues

How to Fix OneDrive Slow, Stuck, or Failing to Sync Large Folders

Huma Ashraf Ch Oct 7, 2026 870 views

Question details

Users experience OneDrive freezing, getting stuck on the 'preparing' stage, or reporting synchronization errors when trying to process large folders.

How to Fix OneDrive Slow, Stuck, or Failing to Sync Large Folders

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Copying, uploading, downloading, or syncing large folders and individual documents to OneDrive.
Observed behavior: The OneDrive client freezes, remains stuck on loading or preparing, provides limited progress information, or throws synchronization errors.

Before you start

Verify that your internet connection is stable and check your Microsoft account settings to ensure you have adequate available cloud storage space before initiating large folder syncs.

Solution 1Recommended

Move Individual Documents to the Local Documents Folder

The most reliable method for syncing individual documents from an external drive is to route them through the local synchronized Documents folder.

Syncing directly from external devices can sometimes cause the OneDrive client to hang or fail to initiate the upload process properly. Using your local directory ensures the desktop client registers the new files.

Locate external files

Open File Explorer and navigate to the external drive or directory where your individual documents are currently stored.

Copy the files

Highlight the individual documents you want to upload to OneDrive, right-click on the selection, and choose 'Copy' from the context menu.

Paste into local sync folder

Navigate to your local 'Documents' or 'My Documents' folder that is actively monitored by OneDrive. Right-click in an empty space and select 'Paste'. The OneDrive client will detect the changes and automatically upload them to the cloud.

Move Individual Documents to the Local Documents Folder

Automatic Synchronization: Once pasted into the local Documents folder, the files will automatically queue for upload. Look for the green checkmark icon to confirm the sync is complete.

Solution 2

Sync Large Folders in Smaller Batches

Prevent the OneDrive client from freezing or getting stuck by breaking down massive folder transfers into smaller, manageable batches.

Solution 3

Collect Diagnostic Information and Contact Support

If the OneDrive client remains completely stuck or frozen despite transferring files in small batches, you should collect error logs for Microsoft support.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office and WPS Cloud for Seamless Document Management

If you frequently encounter freezing and syncing errors with Microsoft Office and OneDrive, consider switching to WPS Office. It is a free, lightweight alternative offering high compatibility, a familiar tabbed interface, and seamless document management with its own reliable built-in cloud service.

1. Download the installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button to get the latest installation file.
2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded executable file and follow the on-screen prompts to quickly install the suite on your computer.
3. Enable WPS Cloud: Launch WPS Office, sign in with your account, and activate WPS Cloud to enjoy fast, automatic syncing for all your documents.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats including DOCX, XLSX, and PPTX.Built-in WPS Cloud offers reliable file synchronization, avoiding the common bottlenecks of large folder freezes.Lightweight application that requires minimal system resources for fast and smooth operation.Familiar user interface ensuring a zero-learning-curve migration from Microsoft Office.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does OneDrive get stuck on 'Preparing to sync'?

This usually happens when OneDrive is trying to process a massive number of files, folders, or extremely large file sizes at once. The system gets bottlenecked while indexing the data. Breaking your files into smaller batches can help resolve this issue.

Does file size affect OneDrive synchronization speed?

Yes, while OneDrive supports large file sizes, attempting to sync extremely large files or syncing thousands of smaller files simultaneously can overwhelm your network bandwidth and the client's processing capability, causing it to freeze.

Can I sync files directly from a USB flash drive to OneDrive?

While it is possible to set an external drive to sync, it is highly prone to errors and disconnections. It is strongly recommended to copy the files from the USB drive to your local 'My Documents' folder first, allowing the OneDrive desktop client to upload them smoothly.

How can I check if OneDrive is done syncing?

Locate the OneDrive cloud icon in your Windows taskbar or Mac menu bar. If the icon is a solid cloud without any spinning arrows, and clicking it displays 'Up to date', your synchronization is complete.

Document & File Issues