OneDrive File Issues

How to Fix SharePoint and OneDrive Sync Stuck Until Computer Restart

Natalie Taylor Oct 1, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users need a permanent solution for SharePoint and OneDrive files being persistently stuck in a pending-sync state across multiple locations.

How to Fix SharePoint and OneDrive Sync Stuck Pending

Product: Microsoft 365 (OneDrive and SharePoint)
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Multiple users within an organization are finding their cloud files permanently stuck in a pending-sync status in File Explorer.
Observed behavior: Files remain in a pending-sync state. Restarting the computer or the OneDrive application only temporarily restores synchronization before File Explorer icons revert to the pending status.

Before you start

Ensure you have Microsoft 365 Tenant Administrator privileges, as resolving organization-wide cloud sync issues typically requires accessing the health dashboard and submitting backend service requests.

Solution 1Recommended

Check Microsoft 365 Service Health and Submit a Service Request

Because this issue affects multiple users and locations, it is likely a backend service disruption that requires Microsoft Support intervention rather than a local fix.

Local troubleshooting steps like restarting the computer or reinstalling the OneDrive client only provide temporary relief for backend tenant issues. To achieve a permanent fix, administrators must leverage the Microsoft 365 admin portal to verify service status and initiate a formal support ticket.

Check Service Health Dashboard

Log into the Microsoft 365 Admin Center using your admin credentials. In the left navigation pane, click on 'Health', then select 'Service health' to check for any active advisories or incidents affecting OneDrive or SharePoint.

Collect OneDrive Sync Logs

Instruct the affected users to collect their OneDrive sync logs. You can usually gather these by navigating to the OneDrive installation directory and copying the logs folder to provide to Microsoft's engineering team.

Open a New Service Request

In the Microsoft 365 Admin Center, expand the 'Support' menu on the left side and click on 'New service request'. This will open a panel to describe your issue.

Provide Detailed Information

Explain that restarting the device provides only a temporary fix and that File Explorer continues to show pending-sync icons for multiple users. Attach the collected OneDrive logs to expedite the investigation.

Check Microsoft 365 Service Health and Submit a Service Request

Tenant Administrator Requirement: Only users with the global or billing admin roles in Microsoft 365 can access the Support menu to create service requests. If you are an end-user, contact your IT department.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office for a Reliable, Sync-Friendly Workflow

If persistent Microsoft 365 sync errors and complex administrative dashboards disrupt your team's productivity, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, free alternative to Microsoft Office with a stable built-in cloud architecture designed for seamless file management.

1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free desktop application for your operating system.
2. Install and Launch: Run the setup file and open WPS Office. The intuitive interface will be immediately familiar to Microsoft Office users.
3. Open Existing Files: Simply double-click your existing Word, Excel, or PowerPoint files to open them in WPS Office, and save them directly to the reliable WPS Cloud.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Office file formats including .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx.Lightweight application footprint prevents the system hangs often caused by heavy background sync clients.Built-in WPS Cloud provides stable, hassle-free synchronization without complex tenant configurations.Familiar tabbed user interface makes migrating from Microsoft Office instant and effortless.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my OneDrive sync stay stuck on 'pending' indefinitely?

OneDrive sync can remain in a pending state due to temporary backend server outages on Microsoft's end, large file conflicts, or restrictive network firewall rules. When multiple users experience it simultaneously, it usually indicates a Microsoft 365 service incident.

How can I safely restart the OneDrive sync client locally?

Right-click the OneDrive cloud icon in your system tray, select the Gear icon (Settings), and choose 'Pause syncing'. Wait a few seconds, then click 'Resume syncing'. If that fails, choose 'Quit OneDrive' and relaunch the app from the Start menu.

Will resetting OneDrive delete my local files or folders?

No. Resetting the OneDrive application only clears the sync configuration and forces the client to perform a fresh check of all synced files. None of your local or cloud data will be deleted during this process.

How do I check Microsoft 365 service health if I am not an admin?

Standard users do not have permission to view the Service Health dashboard in the Microsoft 365 Admin Center. You must contact your organization's IT support or helpdesk to verify if there is an active OneDrive or SharePoint outage.

Document & File Issues