How to Fix OneDrive not Syncing

Users often choose to store their content on OneDrive and create a permanent backup. This convenient cloud solution allows automatic syncing of phones and other devices with the drive. This is useful for quicker sharing documents with friends or co-workers, especially if you work on the same project and want to protect confidential files from unwanted views. Unfortunately, there’s been so many discussions about OneDrive problems and once in a while you will notice that your OneDrive is out of function.

OneDrive sync issues can be a serious impediment to efficiency if they are not immediately resolved. In this guide, we listed several proven fixes that can help you get around the OneDrive sync problem.

Also Read: Easy Way to Transfer Files from Google Drive to OneDrive >

What Does Sync Pending Mean on OneDrive?

When you are waiting too long for OneDrive to be synced, that probably means the process has been blocked and the device is not actually syncing. This can occur whenever you are trying to transfer files to storage or perform a scheduled backup. There are many reasons why this problem can happen, from exceeding drive memory limitation and network connection issues to failing to update the operating system on your computer. The most common reason for the OneDrive sync pending problem is reaching the limit of the drive. With a basic OneDrive account you can back up files with assorted sizes up to 5 GB, and with a premium account, you have a maximum of 10 GB.

Any of these problems with syncing OneDrive won’t harm your data or delete it without your permission. However, you will need to find a way to resolve the underlying reason in order for your cloud backup to work as intended and provide safe storage for your various content.

Further Reading: OneDrive vs. iCloud Drive >

How to Fix OneDrive Sync Issues?

Accordingly, there are several very functional solutions for fixing OneDrive sync issues. We listed seven of the easiest and most productive methods which you can apply without any complication. Even if you are a beginner, the required steps will not be a problem for you.

1. Update Windows

This method is certainly the first thing to try if you notice that syncing is not progressing as expected. After updating Windows, OneDrive will be synced with your devices in the usual way.

1. Go to Control Panel and then click on System & Security.
2. Find Windows Update and start it.
3. At the end of the Windows update, check the OneDrive icon. If the sync issues are still bothering you, try some of the other recommended solutions.

2. Reestablish the Sync

This method is also extremely easy and probably most commonly used. You need to exit the OneDrive desktop app and restart it to establish the sync once again.

1. Right-click on the OneDrive icon allows you to choose the Exit option. If you can’t find the OneDrive shortcut in the notification bar, go to the Show Hidden Icons menu.
2. After you press Exit, close the program and restart the computer.

3. Manually Connect OneDrive Account to Windows

Usually, your Windows PC and your OneDrive account connect automatically, but when you have a sync problem you might need to make the connection manually.

1. Visit Windows settings and then go to the Account section.
2. Click on the Email & App account.
   

   Click on the Add an Account

3. On the right side of the interface, you will see Add accounts field. Manually add your OneDrive account.

4. Compress Files and Folders

The capacity of OneDrive storage is limited. So, even if you have a premium account you can’t upload any more files after you reach 10 GB. High-definition videos or other large files can cause a OneDrive sync problem if you are close to the limit. Before you decide to upload videos first check their size, and of course ascertain how much free space you have left on OneDrive. You need to consider compressing the file to avoid syncing issues. Compressing files isn’t complicated, just using WinZip software that is a default Windows feature.

1. When you right-click on the file you want to compress, a list of actions you can take will appear. Depending on the Windows version you use, the list will offer: Choose to Add to Archive or Send to Compressed folder.
2. In the pop-up window, you can select a type of compression (RAR or ZIP), set up other parameters, and limit the file size.

5. Select the Folders you want to Sync

If you have the latest version of Windows, for example, Windows 10, and you want to sync folders with One Drive for the first time, you need to select them manually. With that action, you also will resolve the situation when OneDrive not syncing Windows 10.

1. Go to the OneDrive Notification panel and then go to Settings.
2. Select the Account tab in the panel.
3. Click on the Choose folder button. In the shown list, find the folder you want to sync.
   

   Click on the Choose folder button

4. Press OK. The connection between your Windows 10 operating system and OneDrive will be established, and the folder will be synced automatically. Next time surely will not be any obstacle for syncing.

6. Switch off the Office Upload

The automatic Office uploading can sometimes compromise the proper function of OneDrive. Even if this happens, a quick remedy is readily available:

1. Go to OneDrive Settings and find and click on the Office tab.
   

   Switch off the Office Upload

2. Un-check the option – Use Office to sync Office files that I open.
3. Click the OK button to save changes.
4. Restart the drive, and continue to store or share your files.

7. Manage your Storage

Because space at OneDrive is limited, there is a chance that you eventually fill in it. In case that you want to share a file larger than your remaining free space, OneDrive sync pending will come up. To avoid this predicament, check the status storage space and delete unnecessary files.

1. Log in to your OneDrive account.
2. Open Storage options to see how much space is left. If the drive is full, try to empty it by transferring some content to a hard disk or deleting it permanently.
3. Choose Properties and then General option.
4. Click on the Disk cleanup to manage your OneDrive and free some space.

The Bottom Line

At the end of this detailed guide, we want to share one more piece of advice with you. In a situation when you see that your OneDrive is not syncing, don’t overthink and panic, because your data is safe. Just apply some of the solutions we recommend in the text above and everything will be resolved quickly. Be prepared to react if you see the One Drive not syncing message and you have nothing to worry about.