OneDrive Error Codes

How to Fix OneDrive Error 0x80071128 Stuck on Preparing to Upload

Phi Hung Vo Oct 7, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is experiencing OneDrive error 0x80071128 with the application stuck on 'Preparing to upload' for multiple files, and the issue persists despite running the recommended CHKDSK command.

Fixing OneDrive Error 0x80071128 and Stuck Uploads

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to sync local files to OneDrive cloud storage, but the sync process hangs indefinitely.
Observed behavior: OneDrive remains stuck on 'Preparing to upload' with error code 0x80071128. While files are accessible via the OneDrive website, the desktop client fails to identify the specific files preventing the backup.

Before you start

Before troubleshooting, ensure you have a stable internet connection and that you know the local directory where your pending uploads are stored.

Solution 1Recommended

Check File Sync Status Icons to Isolate Problematic Files

Manually inspecting your local OneDrive folder can help identify the exact files causing the sync loop.

Since the OneDrive client indicates that files are being uploaded without showing which ones, you can rely on Windows File Explorer's status icons to locate the blocked files.

Open File Explorer

Press Windows Key + E to open File Explorer and navigate to your local OneDrive folder.

Locate Syncing Icons

Browse through your folders and look for the blue circular arrows icon, which indicates items currently trying to sync.

Identify and Move Stuck Files

Drill down into those folders until you find the specific files stuck in the syncing state. Move these files to a local folder outside of OneDrive (like your Desktop) to clear the synchronization queue.

Check File Sync Status Icons to Isolate Problematic Files

Queue Cleared: Once the stuck files are moved out, OneDrive should resume syncing the rest of your files normally.

Solution 2

Upload Problematic Files via the OneDrive Website

Bypassing the desktop client and using the web interface can overcome local application glitches.

Solution 3

Contact Microsoft Support for Advanced Investigation

If the 0x80071128 error persists after running CHKDSK and clearing the queue, backend account investigation is required.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does OneDrive get stuck on 'Preparing to upload' with error 0x80071128?

This error is typically caused by corrupted local cache, file system errors on your hard drive, or specific files that are locked by other background processes, preventing OneDrive from reading them properly.

Does running CHKDSK always fix OneDrive error 0x80071128?

No. While CHKDSK repairs underlying file system and disk errors, OneDrive might still experience sync loops if specific files remain corrupted, contain unsupported characters, or are locked by other applications.

How do I find which files are failing to sync in OneDrive?

Open your local OneDrive folder in File Explorer and look for files or folders marked with a red 'X' or stuck with the blue syncing arrows icon instead of the green checkmark to identify the problematic files.

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