OneDrive File Issues

How to Fix OneDrive Using Too Much Memory During Sync

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 873 views

Question details

The user is experiencing excessive computer memory consumption caused by the OneDrive synchronization process.

Product: OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Synchronizing files or uploading a large batch of data to the cloud.
Observed behavior: OneDrive is consuming an abnormal amount of system memory or disk space during sync, potentially slowing down the computer's performance.

Before you start

Log in to OneDrive on the web to verify that your files are safely backed up in the cloud and to check for any visible sync errors on your account dashboard before modifying local app settings.

Solution 1Recommended

Enable OneDrive Files On-Demand

Use this feature to save local disk space and reduce the memory load of keeping all files downloaded on your computer.

Files On-Demand allows you to access all your cloud files without having to download them and use storage space on your device. This can significantly reduce the memory and disk usage required for synchronization.

Open OneDrive Settings

Click the OneDrive cloud icon in the system tray, click the gear icon (Help & Settings), and select Settings.

Navigate to Sync and Backup

Go to the 'Sync and backup' tab and expand the 'Advanced settings' menu.

Turn on Files On-Demand

Locate the 'Files On-Demand' section and click 'Free up disk space' or toggle the feature on, depending on your version.

Feature Activation: Once enabled, your files will remain in the cloud and only download temporarily when you open them.

Solution 2

Restart and Update the OneDrive Client

Restarting and updating can resolve temporary software glitches or memory leaks in older versions of the app.

Solution 3

Reset the OneDrive Application

If memory usage remains abnormally high due to persistent sync errors, resetting the app clears its cache and forces a fresh sync check.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is OneDrive using so much memory all of a sudden?

This typically happens when OneDrive is processing a massive batch of newly uploaded files, encountering a synchronization error on a specific file, or experiencing a software glitch known as a memory leak.

Will resetting OneDrive delete my locally saved files?

No, resetting the OneDrive application only clears the app's cache and configuration settings to resolve sync issues. Your files, both locally and in the cloud, will remain untouched.

How can I tell if a specific file is causing the high memory usage?

Click the OneDrive icon in your system tray to view the sync activity list. If you see the app repeatedly failing or getting stuck on uploading a specific large file, removing or moving that file out of the OneDrive folder may resolve the issue.

Document & File Issues