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How to Fix PDF Files Stuck in Processing or Pending Upload in OneDrive
Question details
Users are experiencing an issue where newly added PDF files fail to upload to OneDrive.
- Product
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Attempting to sync or manually upload PDF files using the OneDrive desktop sync client or the OneDrive web interface.
- Observed behavior
- PDF files continuously remain in a 'Processing' or 'Pending upload' state on both the desktop application and the web interface, without ever completing.
Verify if the issue affects a single PDF or all PDF files, and check whether other users in your organization are experiencing the same upload problem.
Test Network and Security Settings
Determine if local network configurations or security software are blocking the OneDrive sync process.
Sometimes, overly strict proxy settings, firewalls, or third-party antivirus software can interfere with OneDrive's ability to communicate with Microsoft servers, causing files to stall during upload.
Open Windows Settings, go to Network & Internet > Proxy, and temporarily disable any manual proxy setups.
Right-click your antivirus icon in the system tray and select the option to pause protection temporarily (e.g., for 15 minutes).
Navigate to Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall and temporarily turn it off for private networks.
Restart the OneDrive client or refresh the web page to see if the PDF files resume uploading. If they do, add OneDrive to your security software's whitelist.
Isolate the Issue via Web Upload and User Profiles
Check if the problem is specific to the local sync client or a corrupted Windows user profile.
Contact Microsoft Support for Back-End Investigation
Required when the issue persists across multiple computers and the web interface simultaneously.
Manage and Sync PDFs Seamlessly with WPS Office
If you frequently encounter synchronization errors and pending upload issues with OneDrive, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, robust suite with powerful built-in PDF tools and highly reliable cloud syncing.
- 1. Download the Software: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installer for your operating system.
- 2. Install and Launch: Run the setup file and follow the on-screen prompts. Once installed, open WPS Office.
- 3. Activate Cloud Syncing: Sign in to your WPS account to activate your free WPS Cloud space, and start saving or syncing your PDFs without upload glitches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my OneDrive say 'Processing changes' for hours?
This happens when OneDrive is scanning for file changes, encountering a network proxy conflict, or experiencing a back-end server glitch on Microsoft's end. If it happens only with specific files, those files might be in use by another program.
Can a corrupted PDF file cause OneDrive to get stuck on Pending Upload?
Yes. If a PDF file is corrupted or locked by a background process, the OneDrive sync engine may repeatedly fail to read the file, resulting in an endless pending state.
Will resetting the OneDrive sync app fix this issue?
Resetting the sync app clears the local cache and can fix the issue if the problem is isolated to your desktop client. However, if the files also fail to upload via the web browser, resetting the app will not resolve the underlying back-end server issue.
