OneDrive File Issues

How to Stop OneDrive from Constantly Syncing and Slowing Down Your PC

Ayan Masood Sep 30, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to stop OneDrive from continuously synchronizing in the background, which is degrading computer performance and causing confusion regarding local versus cloud file storage.

How to Stop OneDrive from Constantly Syncing and Slowing Down Your PC

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: The user is experiencing significant computer slowdowns and finds duplicate folders or missing local files during everyday PC usage due to aggressive background syncing.
Observed behavior: OneDrive repeatedly resynchronizes files, creates duplicate directories, consumes system resources slowing down the PC, and stores files exclusively in the cloud rather than locally on the C: drive.

Before you start

Before troubleshooting, ensure you have saved and closed all active documents and verify that your computer is connected to a stable internet network so that any pending crucial uploads can finish safely.

Solution 1Recommended

Reset OneDrive and Manage Backup Settings

Resetting the OneDrive application clears its internal cache and can resolve underlying sync loops without deleting your cloud data.

A constant syncing loop is often caused by corrupted cached data. Resetting the app forces OneDrive to resync all files from scratch, which clears out the errors causing the slowdown.

Open the Run Command

Press the Windows Key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.

Execute the Reset Command

Type '%localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset' and press Enter. The OneDrive icon in your system tray will disappear and reappear after a minute or two.

Access Sync and Backup Settings

Click the OneDrive cloud icon in your system tray, click the Gear icon, and select 'Settings'. Navigate to 'Sync and Backup'.

Manage Backup Folders

Click 'Manage backup' and toggle off the synchronization for folders you do not need backed up continuously, which reduces the background load on your PC.

Reset OneDrive and Manage Backup Settings

Synchronization Note: Resetting OneDrive triggers a full re-synchronization process. It may take some time depending on your file volume, but it will not delete any existing files.

Solution 2

Unlink and Relink Your Account

Disconnecting and reconnecting your Microsoft account forces OneDrive to establish a fresh connection to the cloud, eliminating sync glitches.

Solution 3

Install Windows Updates and Run System File Checker

Fixing corrupted system files and updating your operating system can resolve deep-rooted system conflicts causing OneDrive to malfunction.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Use WPS Office for Lightweight and Seamless Document Management

If background syncing and heavy resource usage from Microsoft services are slowing down your PC, consider switching to WPS Office. It is a lightweight, fully compatible suite that runs smoothly on almost any device without forcing background synchronization.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download and install the free WPS Office suite.
2. Open Your Files Locally: Open your existing Microsoft Office documents directly from your local hard drive without worrying about automatic cloud upload conflicts.
3. Manage Cloud Syncing Manually: Save your files securely to your C: drive or choose to utilize WPS Cloud only when you specifically need to back up your documents.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx).Lightweight installation that consumes minimal system resources and prevents PC slowdowns.Flexible cloud storage options where you control when and how your files sync to avoid constant background loops.Familiar and intuitive user interface that requires no learning curve.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does OneDrive keep creating duplicate folders?

Duplicate folders, often appended with your computer's name, occur when OneDrive encounters a conflict while trying to sync local and cloud versions of the same folder. This usually happens if you edit a file on multiple devices or if your internet connection is unstable.

Does unlinking my PC delete my OneDrive files?

No, unlinking your PC from OneDrive only stops the synchronization process between your local machine and the cloud. Your files remain safely stored in your Microsoft cloud account and locally in their current state.

How do I force OneDrive to keep files locally on my C: drive?

Open File Explorer, locate your OneDrive folder, right-click the specific files or folders you want to keep offline, and select 'Always keep on this device'. A solid green circle with a white checkmark will appear, indicating the file is permanently saved to your hard drive.

What is the difference between pausing sync and unlinking OneDrive?

Pausing sync temporarily stops OneDrive from uploading or downloading files for a specific duration (like 2, 8, or 24 hours). Unlinking completely disconnects your Microsoft account from the local PC until you manually sign back in and reconfigure the setup.

Document & File Issues