OneDrive File Issues

How to Fix OneDrive Stuck Downloading the Same File for Days

Huda Qurayshi Oct 10, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is experiencing an issue where OneDrive is trapped in a loop, continuously attempting to download an unknown file for several days, causing other files to sync slowly.

How to Fix OneDrive Stuck Downloading the Same File for Days

Product: Microsoft OneDrive / SharePoint
Device & OS: Mac
Scenario: Synchronizing files between a local device and a OneDrive or SharePoint cloud library.
Observed behavior: An unknown file remains stuck in a downloading state, with its apparent file size continuously increasing. Other files continue to sync but at a reduced speed, and a standard application reset initially fails to resolve the issue.

Before you start

Log in to the OneDrive for Business website via your web browser to verify that all your files are present, secure, and up to date before making any changes to your local synchronization app.

Solution 1Recommended

Reset the OneDrive Client

Resetting OneDrive clears the current synchronization state and resolves deep-seated caching issues that cause endless download loops.

A complete reset forces the app to rebuild its sync database without deleting any of your personal files.

Pause Synchronization

Click the OneDrive cloud icon in your menu bar, click the Help & Settings gear icon, and select 'Pause syncing'.

Execute the Reset Command

Quit OneDrive. Open the Applications folder, right-click the OneDrive app, and select 'Show Package Contents'. Navigate to Contents > Resources and double-click 'ResetOneDriveApp.command' (or 'ResetOneDriveAppStandalone.command').

Restart and Verify

Once the script finishes, restart the OneDrive application and sign back into your account to see if the stuck download has cleared.

Update to the Latest Version: Before resetting, ensure you are running the latest version of the OneDrive for Mac client to avoid known bugs.

Solution 2

Unlink the Client and Resynchronize in Smaller Groups

If a reset does not work, unlinking your account and syncing files in smaller batches prevents the client from being overwhelmed by large SharePoint libraries.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find out which exact file is stuck downloading in OneDrive?

Click the OneDrive cloud icon in your menu bar. The active downloads list will be displayed. Look for a file that shows a persistent 0 KB/s speed or a file size that endlessly grows without ever finishing.

Will I lose my files if I unlink my OneDrive account?

No, unlinking your account simply severs the connection between your Mac and the cloud. Your files remain completely safe on the OneDrive for Business servers, and any locally downloaded files will stay on your hard drive.

Why can't I sync my SharePoint library after a reset?

Sometimes a reset clears the connection to secondary SharePoint libraries while maintaining your primary 'My Files'. You will need to log into your SharePoint site via a web browser, navigate to the specific document library, and click the 'Sync' button to reconnect it to your local OneDrive app.

Does the size of my SharePoint library affect OneDrive's performance?

Yes. Attempting to synchronize a massive SharePoint library with hundreds of thousands of files can overwhelm the client, leading to stuck downloads and slow performance. It is highly recommended to sync only the specific folders you actively need.

Document & File Issues