OneDrive is generally a dependable cloud storage solution, but you may sometimes run into the annoying problem of OneDrive getting stuck on processing changes. This usually happens when the sync operation is interrupted or runs into conflicts. After ruling out the usual suspects (restarting the app, verifying your internet connection, or rebooting your machine), here are some steps you can take to potentially resolve the issue.

Fix 1 – Check OneDrive Service Status

Occasionally, the problem might not be with your system at all, but rather due to issues with Microsoft’s OneDrive servers. If that's the case, there isn’t much you can do except wait it out. Here’s how to check if server problems are causing the OneDrive stuck on processing changes error.

Step 1. Launch your preferred web browser.

Step 2. Visit the Microsoft 365 Service Health page or search online for “OneDrive service status.”

Step 3. Look for any ongoing reports about OneDrive or Microsoft 365 service disruptions. If there are active issues, they will typically be listed on the status page along with expected resolution times.

Step 4. If no service issues are reported, the problem likely lies within your local setup, and you should proceed with the remaining fixes below.

Fix 2 – Restart OneDrive Sync Process

A straightforward fix is to restart the entire OneDrive syncing process. Doing this often clears up temporary glitches that cause sync operations to stall.

Step 1. Right-click the OneDrive icon in the system tray (notification area), select “Pause syncing,” then click “Quit OneDrive.”

Step 2. Wait approximately 30 seconds to ensure all background processes have stopped.

Step 3. Press “Windows R” to open the Run dialog box.

Step 4. Enter “onedrive” and hit “Enter” to restart the OneDrive application.

Step 5. Allow time for OneDrive to fully initialize and verify whether the processing changes issue has been resolved.

Fix 3 – Reset OneDrive Configuration

If simply restarting doesn't help, resetting OneDrive's configuration may clear out corrupted settings or cached data that could be causing the issue.

Method 1: Using the Reset Command

Step 1. Press “Windows R” to bring up the Run window.

Step 2. Paste the following command and press “Enter:”

%localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset

Step 3. The OneDrive icon will disappear from the system tray and return after 1-2 minutes.

Step 4. If the icon doesn't reappear after several minutes, reopen the Run dialog and type:

%localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe

Step 5. Press “Enter” to manually start OneDrive again.

Method 2: For Older OneDrive Installations

Step 1. Open the Run dialog by pressing “Windows R.”

Step 2. Use this alternate command:

C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset

Step 3. Hit “Enter” to execute the command.

Fix 4 – Check Available Storage Space

For proper synchronization, OneDrive needs enough free space on your local drive. Even though files are stored in the cloud, temporary space is needed during the sync process.

Step 1. Open “File Explorer” and go to “This PC.”

Step 2. Check the available space on your main drive (typically C:).

Step 3. If you have less than 5GB free, consider freeing up space by:

• Removing temporary files using Disk Cleanup
• Transferring large files to an external drive
• Uninstalling unnecessary applications

Step 4. Also check your OneDrive storage limit by clicking the OneDrive icon and selecting “Account” to make sure you haven't exceeded your allocated cloud storage.

Fix 5 – Reconnect OneDrive Account

Sometimes, the connection between your local OneDrive client and your Microsoft account becomes unstable or corrupted, which can lead to sync errors.

Step 1. Right-click the OneDrive icon in the notification area and choose “Settings.”

Step 2. Go to the “Account” tab and click “Unlink this PC.”

Step 3. Confirm the action when prompted.

Step 4. Reboot your computer.

Step 5. Reopen OneDrive and log back in with your Microsoft credentials.

Step 6. Select your desired sync options and allow OneDrive to re-sync your files.

Fix 6 – Remove Problematic Files

Certain files—such as very large files, corrupted ones, or those with special characters in their names—can prevent OneDrive from proceeding with sync operations.

Step 1. Click the OneDrive icon in the system tray to access the activity center.

Step 2. Search for any files showing “sync pending” or error indicators.

Step 3. Verify if you’re attempting to sync files larger than 10GB, which OneDrive does not support.

Step 4. Look for file names such as “000A0000-A000-A000-0A0A-00000A0A000A” in your OneDrive folder and delete them if found.

Step 5. Temporarily move oversized files (especially video files) out of your OneDrive folder.

Step 6. Close any files currently open from your OneDrive directory, particularly Office documents.

Fix 7 – Modify OneDrive Folder Permissions

In certain cases, permission-related issues may prevent OneDrive from properly handling changes.

Step 1. Locate your OneDrive folder in File Explorer.

Step 2. Right-click the folder and select “Properties.”

Step 3. Navigate to the “Security” tab and click “Advanced.”

Step 4. Make sure your user account has “Full control” permissions.

Step 5. If not, click “Edit” and adjust the permissions accordingly.

Step 6. Check the box labeled “Replace all child object permission entries with inheritable permission entries from this object.”

Step 7. Click “Apply” followed by “OK” to save your changes.

Fix 8 – Change OneDrive Folder Location

If the issue continues, changing the location of your OneDrive folder may help resolve any path-related conflicts.

Step 1. Right-click the OneDrive icon and choose “Settings.”

Step 2. Switch to the “Account” tab and click “Unlink this PC.”

Step 3. Sign back into your OneDrive account.

Step 4. When asked to set the OneDrive folder location, click “Change location” and pick a different drive or directory.

Step 5. Let OneDrive download your files to the new destination.

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