Try or ByeTry or Bye

OneDrive Stuck on Processing Changes

Workaround available Windows 10, Windows 11, macOS Updated October 21, 2026

Quick answer

Usually a file is open, a very large file (ZIP, video, Outlook PST/OST) is uploading, you are signed out, or hidden/temporary files block sync. Close open files, move large files out, sign in again, and unlink and re-link OneDrive if it never finishes.

Most likely fix: Close files you have open.

Symptoms

The OneDrive cloud icon shows 'Processing changes' for hours or days, new files never upload, and the activity list stays the same.

Why it happens

  • A OneDrive file is open in another app
  • A very large file such as a ZIP, long video or Outlook PST/OST is syncing
  • Many files syncing over a slow connection
  • Signed out after a password change
  • Hidden or temporary files blocking sync

How to fix it

Try these in order — the most common fix is first.

  1. 1. Close files you have open

    1. Click the OneDrive cloud icon in the taskbar (Windows) or menu bar (Mac)
    2. Check the list for files still in use
    3. Close those files in Word, Excel or other apps and wait for sync to continue

  2. 2. Move very large files out of OneDrive

    1. Find big ZIP archives, long videos or Outlook .pst/.ost files inside your OneDrive folder
    2. Move them to a folder outside OneDrive, or stop syncing the folder that contains them
    3. Delete OneDrive log files named 'aria-debug' if they are syncing

  3. 3. Sign in again

    1. If you recently changed your Microsoft password, click the OneDrive icon
    2. Choose Sign in and enter the new password

  4. 4. Give large uploads time and check your connection

    1. After signing in, updating Windows or adding many files, leave the PC on and connected
    2. Run an internet speed test; slow uploads make 'Processing changes' last much longer

  5. 5. Restart OneDrive

    1. Open Help & Settings (gear icon) > Quit OneDrive
    2. Or end OneDrive in Task Manager
    3. Start OneDrive again from the Start menu

  6. 6. Unlink and re-link OneDrive

    1. Open Help & Settings > Settings > Account
    2. Select Unlink this PC and confirm
    3. Sign in again and choose the same OneDrive folder location so files are matched, not re-downloaded

This guide also covers

  • onedrive stuck on processing changes
  • onedrive processing changes forever
  • onedrive processing changes not syncing
  • onedrive sync pending

Still not working?

If OneDrive keeps failing, you're not alone. See every OneDrive problem users report or the alternatives people switch to.

Other OneDrive errors