OneDrive File Issues

How to Fix Teams Files Not Updating in File Explorer via OneDrive Sync

Emma Brown Oct 20, 2026 868 views

Question details

Users report that files synced from Microsoft Teams to OneDrive remain outdated in File Explorer, while the OneDrive client is permanently stuck displaying a 'Processing Changes' status.

How to Fix Teams Files Not Updating in File Explorer via OneDrive Sync

Product: Microsoft OneDrive and Microsoft Teams
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Synchronizing Microsoft Teams files to local File Explorer directories using the OneDrive desktop client.
Observed behavior: The local files in File Explorer do not reflect the latest updates from Teams, and the OneDrive app hangs indefinitely on a 'Processing Changes' message without completing the sync.

Before you start

Verify that your files are fully updated in the web version of Microsoft Teams or SharePoint to ensure the issue is strictly related to your local desktop sync process.

Solution 1Recommended

Check Proxy Settings and Disable Security Software Temporarily

Third-party antivirus, firewalls, or active proxy servers can intercept and block OneDrive's connection, leaving it stuck on processing changes.

Network security tools are often the primary cause of OneDrive synchronization delays. Disabling them temporarily helps isolate whether a network configuration is preventing File Explorer updates.

Disable Proxy Settings

Press Windows + I to open Settings. Navigate to Network & Internet > Proxy. Ensure that 'Automatically detect settings' is turned on and manual proxy setups are disabled.

Pause Antivirus and Firewall

Temporarily pause your third-party antivirus software or Windows Defender Firewall through the Windows Security dashboard to test the connection.

Restart OneDrive

Right-click the OneDrive cloud icon in the system tray, select 'Quit OneDrive', and relaunch it from the Start menu to see if the 'Processing Changes' status clears.

Check Proxy Settings and Disable Security Software Temporarily

Security Warning: Remember to re-enable your firewall and antivirus software immediately after troubleshooting to keep your system protected.

Solution 2

Reset the OneDrive Sync Client

Resetting OneDrive can resolve underlying configuration bugs that prevent Teams files from updating correctly in File Explorer.

Solution 3

Recreate the Teams to OneDrive Sync Connection

If resetting does not work, unlinking and relinking the folder can force a fresh sync of your Teams files.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does OneDrive get stuck on 'Processing Changes'?

This happens when the sync engine is blocked by network proxies, overly restrictive antivirus software, deep file paths, or when there is a hidden corrupted file in the sync queue preventing the process from completing.

Do specific file formats like XLSM cause sync delays?

Yes, files containing complex macros (such as XLSM files) or temporary lock files generated while editing can sometimes cause the sync engine to pause. Ensure that the file is completely closed in all applications before attempting to sync it.

Will resetting OneDrive delete my local files?

No, resetting the OneDrive application only refreshes the sync application's internal settings and forces it to perform a full system scan. Your actual files remain safe and untouched in File Explorer.

Document & File Issues