How to Limit OneDrive Concurrent Uploads in Windows 10
Question details
The user needs to restrict the number of files OneDrive uploads simultaneously to prevent upload timeouts and failures.
- Product
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Device & OS
- Windows 10
- Scenario
- Uploading multiple large files to cloud storage over a slow or unstable internet connection.
- Observed behavior
- OneDrive attempts to upload too many files at once, consuming the available bandwidth and causing large file uploads to time out or fail entirely.
Before modifying system configuration files, ensure OneDrive is completely closed. Right-click the OneDrive cloud icon in your Windows system tray and select 'Close OneDrive' to prevent it from overwriting your changes while you edit.
Modify the ClientPolicy.ini Configuration File
Adjusting the maximum concurrent storage requests directly in the OneDrive settings file can stabilize uploads on slower networks.
The consumer version of OneDrive manages its upload limits via a local configuration file. By manually lowering the number of concurrent storage requests, you force OneDrive to focus on fewer files at a time, preventing timeouts on connections with low upload bandwidth.
Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard simultaneously to open the Run dialog box.
Type or paste %USERPROFILE%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\OneDrive\settings\Personal into the Run box and press Enter.
In the folder that opens, locate the file named ClientPolicy.ini. Right-click it and choose 'Open with', then select Notepad.
Search for the line that reads NumberOfConcurrentStorageRequests = 6. Change the value from 6 to 3.
Save the changes in Notepad and close the file. Open the Start menu, search for OneDrive, and launch it to reload the new configuration.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the default number of concurrent uploads in OneDrive?
By default, the Windows 10 consumer version of OneDrive usually sets the concurrent storage requests to 6. This is optimized for fast, modern broadband connections.
Will editing ClientPolicy.ini work for OneDrive for Business?
No, this specific configuration file and the 'NumberOfConcurrentStorageRequests' setting generally apply only to the consumer (personal) version of OneDrive. OneDrive for Business limits are typically managed via SharePoint admin centers or Group Policy.
Why do my large files fail to upload on OneDrive?
On slow internet connections, OneDrive's attempt to upload multiple files simultaneously can consume all available upload bandwidth. This causes individual large file transfers to time out and fail. Reducing concurrent uploads allocates more bandwidth to fewer files.
How do I undo this upload limit change?
To revert the change, close OneDrive, reopen the ClientPolicy.ini file using Notepad, change the NumberOfConcurrentStorageRequests value back to 6 (or your original default), save the file, and restart OneDrive.
