OneDrive Error Codes

How to Fix OneDrive Request Has Been Throttled for Photos and Videos

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user encounters a 'request has been throttled' error when attempting to view, move, or delete large quantities of photos and videos in OneDrive.

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Scrolling through, loading, or managing a large synchronized library of photos (e.g., 19,000+ files).
Observed behavior: OneDrive blocks access to the files, displaying a 'The request has been throttled' notice instead of loading or processing the images and videos.

Before you start

Verify that your original photos and videos are safely backed up on a local physical drive before attempting any bulk moves or deletions to prevent accidental data loss.

Solution 1Recommended

Process Files in Smaller Batches

Avoid triggering Microsoft's server limits by handling fewer files at a time and pausing between actions.

Throttling occurs when a user or application sends too many requests to the server in a short timeframe. Fast scrolling through thousands of photos or bulk-deleting large libraries easily triggers this protective measure.

Pause current actions

Stop scrolling, refreshing, or moving files immediately. Wait at least 15 to 30 minutes to allow the Microsoft servers to reset your request queue.

Select smaller file groups

When moving or deleting photos, highlight and select small groups (e.g., 50 to 100 files maximum) instead of selecting the entire folder at once.

Process gradually

Execute the move or delete command for the small batch. Wait a few moments after the operation completes before selecting and processing the next group.

Avoid Rapid Refreshing: Repeatedly hitting the refresh button when thumbnails fail to load will only generate more requests and prolong the throttling restriction.

Solution 2

Switch Platforms and Networks

Accessing OneDrive from a different entry point or network can sometimes bypass local client request limits.

Solution 3

Check Service Health and Contact Support

If the issue persists across all devices and after waiting, it may be a broader Microsoft server outage requiring administrative intervention.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does OneDrive say my request has been throttled?

Microsoft implements throttling to prevent server overload when users or background processes send too many requests in a short period, such as rapidly scrolling through thousands of high-resolution photos or attempting to bulk-delete massive libraries.

How long does the OneDrive throttling restriction last?

Throttling usually resolves automatically if you stop making requests to the server. Waiting an hour or two before trying again is generally recommended for the temporary restriction to lift.

Will I lose my photos if OneDrive throttles my request?

No, throttling only restricts temporary access to prevent server strain and ensure system stability. Your files remain safely stored on Microsoft's servers and will be accessible once the throttling period ends.

Can I bypass the throttling error by changing devices?

Sometimes. Switching from the OneDrive mobile app to the OneDrive web interface or desktop client can occasionally bypass temporary, app-specific throttling issues, though it will not fix account-wide server limitations.

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