OneDrive File Issues

How to Perform the Initial OneDrive Sync and Upload All Files

John Wilson Oct 21, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to set up the initial OneDrive sync to upload large folders and understand how to monitor the upload progress effectively.

How to Perform the Initial OneDrive Sync and Upload All Files

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Setting up the OneDrive desktop client for the first time to upload large amounts of data, such as gigabytes of documents and photos.
Observed behavior: Folders appear online before the files inside them finish uploading, making them temporarily look empty, and repeatedly copying folders creates duplicates.

Before you start

Ensure your computer is connected to a stable internet connection and plugged into a reliable power source, as syncing large volumes of files can take significant time and resources.

Solution 1Recommended

Set Up OneDrive and Monitor Sync Progress

The standard process to configure the OneDrive sync client and track your file uploads via the system tray.

When you sync large amounts of data, OneDrive handles the folder structures first. It is normal for folders to appear online empty at first while the individual files are still uploading in the background.

Open OneDrive

Click the Start menu, type 'OneDrive' into the search bar, and select the OneDrive app from the results to open it.

Sign in and complete setup

Enter your Microsoft account credentials when prompted and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the initial setup.

Move files to the local folder

Drag and drop or move the files and folders you wish to upload directly into the local OneDrive folder created on your computer, rather than copying them repeatedly.

Monitor the sync status

Click the OneDrive cloud icon in your system tray (bottom right of the screen) to view the sync progress, remaining files, and any potential errors or paused statuses.

Set Up OneDrive and Monitor Sync Progress

Upload Times Vary: The time it takes to upload large folders (e.g., 12.5 GB or 117 GB) depends heavily on your internet service provider's upload bandwidth, the total file count, and Microsoft's service limits.

Solution 2

Verify Storage and Sync Settings

Perform these checks if your sync appears stuck, folders remain empty for too long, or files fail to upload.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Looking for a Lightweight Office Suite with Built-in Cloud Sync?

If you frequently manage large documents and need reliable, built-in file syncing, WPS Office provides a lightweight and free alternative to Microsoft Office. With WPS Cloud integration, you can effortlessly sync, backup, and access your files anywhere.

Built-in WPS Cloud storage for seamless document synchronization.High compatibility with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formats.Lightweight installation with faster loading times.Familiar, easy-to-use interface with no steep learning curve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do my synced OneDrive folders appear empty online?

OneDrive uploads the folder structure to the cloud before it processes the individual files within them. Depending on file size and internet speed, it may take some time for the files to populate the folders online.

How long does it take to upload 100GB+ of files to OneDrive?

Upload duration is primarily determined by your internet connection's upload speed, the number of individual files, and OneDrive's bandwidth limits. Large transfers can take anywhere from several hours to a few days.

Should I copy my files into OneDrive again if the upload is slow?

No. Copying the same folders into the OneDrive directory multiple times will not restart or speed up the upload. Instead, it forces OneDrive to process the files again, resulting in duplicate files taking up space.

How can I check if my OneDrive is actively uploading files?

Click the OneDrive cloud icon in your taskbar notification area. This opens an activity center that shows which files are currently uploading, how many files are left, and if there are any syncing errors.

Document & File Issues