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How to Stop a Large Outlook Archive from Syncing with OneDrive
Question details
The user needs to stop a massive 47 GB Outlook archive file from attempting to sync with OneDrive so it can be moved to a different location.
- Product
- Microsoft Outlook / OneDrive
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to move a large Outlook archive file out of a OneDrive folder to a local or network location.
- Observed behavior
- The large Outlook archive file remains indefinitely stuck in a "sync-pending" status, preventing it from being successfully moved, copied, or modified.
Ensure you have the target network location or local drive accessible with enough free space to accommodate the large archive file. Do not delete the archive file from your PC until you have confirmed it is safely backed up.
Unlink OneDrive and Move the Outlook Archive File
Temporarily unlinking your PC from OneDrive stops the active sync process, releasing the file lock so you can safely move the large archive to a network drive.
When a file is actively syncing or stuck in a pending state, the OneDrive client locks the file, making it impossible to move or modify. Unlinking the account breaks this connection safely without deleting your local files.
Click the OneDrive cloud icon located in your Windows taskbar notification area. Click the Help & Settings (gear) icon, then select 'Settings' from the menu.
Navigate to the 'Account' tab in the OneDrive settings window. Click on the 'Unlink this PC' link and confirm your choice to stop OneDrive from syncing.
Open File Explorer and navigate to your OneDrive folder. Locate the large Outlook archive file (.pst), cut it, and paste it into your desired local folder or network drive.
Launch the OneDrive application again from your Start menu and sign back in with your Microsoft credentials to resume normal syncing for your other files.
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- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free software package for your operating system.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my large Outlook file get stuck on 'sync pending' in OneDrive?
Large files, such as multi-gigabyte Outlook archives (.pst files), can easily get stuck in 'sync pending' if the upload is interrupted, if the file is currently open and locked by Outlook, or if the OneDrive client runs out of cache space to process the massive file.
Will unlinking my computer from OneDrive delete my local files?
No, unlinking your PC from OneDrive simply disconnects your account and halts the syncing process. Your local files, including the stuck Outlook archive, will remain completely safe on your local hard drive.
How do I prevent Outlook archives from syncing to OneDrive in the future?
To prevent Outlook archives from attempting to sync, ensure that you save your Outlook data files (.pst) in a local folder that is explicitly outside of your designated OneDrive directory path (for example, save them to C:\Users\[Username]\Documents\Outlook Files instead of the synced Documents folder).
Can I exclude specific file types like .pst from syncing in OneDrive?
No, personal versions of OneDrive do not currently offer a built-in feature to automatically exclude specific file extensions like .pst from syncing. You must manually manage these files by storing them outside of any OneDrive-synced folder.
