OneDrive File Issues

How to See Which Files OneDrive Is Uploading on Mac

Maira Mehtab Sep 20, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to identify the specific files that are actively uploading to OneDrive on their Mac.

Product: OneDrive for Mac
Device & OS: macOS
Scenario: Monitoring active file uploads and sync progress in the OneDrive client.
Observed behavior: OneDrive reports that it is actively uploading data (e.g., 275 KB of 290 MB), but the user cannot clearly see the names of the files being uploaded in the interface.

Before you start

Ensure your Mac is connected to a stable internet connection and that the OneDrive cloud icon is active in your macOS menu bar.

Solution 1Recommended

View Active Uploads in the OneDrive Activity Center

The most direct way to check which files are currently syncing is by opening the OneDrive Activity Center from your Mac's menu bar.

The OneDrive client for Mac includes a built-in Activity Center that lists all recently synced files and files currently in the queue. If an upload is in progress, the active files will appear at the top of this list.

Open OneDrive Menu

Locate and click the OneDrive cloud icon in the top menu bar of your Mac.

Check the Activity List

In the pop-up window, look at the list of files under the 'Syncing' or 'Recently updated' section.

Identify Uploading Files

Files currently being uploaded will display a blue progress bar and the upload speed next to their filenames.

Missing Menu Bar Icon: If you cannot find the OneDrive icon in your menu bar, open Finder, navigate to Applications, and launch the OneDrive app manually to make the icon appear.

Solution 2

Diagnose Sync Settings and App Versions

If you cannot see the uploading files in the Activity Center, you may need to verify your folder backup settings or diagnose a display glitch.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does OneDrive for Mac say it is processing changes but nothing happens?

This usually occurs if OneDrive is stuck analyzing a specific file. Common causes include files with invalid characters in their names, hidden temporary files, or files that exceed the OneDrive size limit.

How can I pause a OneDrive upload on my Mac?

Click the OneDrive cloud icon in the top menu bar, click the Help & Settings gear icon, and select 'Pause syncing'. You can choose to pause for 2, 8, or 24 hours.

How do I check which version of OneDrive I am running on my Mac?

Click the OneDrive icon in the macOS menu bar, click the gear icon to open Help & Settings, select Preferences, and then click on the 'About' tab. Your current version number will be displayed there.

Document & File Issues