Note: After updating to macOS Big Sur, some Mac users may see "Processing changes" for a long time. No action is required - please wait for the changes to complete.
If OneDrive shows “Processing changes" for a long time, it could be because you have an online file open, lots of files stuck in a queue, or a very large file syncing.
Select the white or blue OneDrive cloud icon in the taskbar/menu bar to show the list of all files being synced or have recently synced.
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Problem |
Resolution |
|---|---|
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You opened an online file and are using Files On-Demand. |
Mark the file as "Always Keep on this device". |
|
You're syncing a lot of files. |
This can be resolved by pausing and then resuming your sync. For more information, read How to Pause and Resume sync in OneDrive. |
|
You're trying to sync a very large file, such as a video or your Outlook PST or OST offline files. |
You can move large files such as email data files out of your OneDrive storage folders, or choose not to sync folders which have large files such as videos in them. Tip: You cannot remove Outlook data files/folders from sync when using Files On-Demand. Outlook needs to be able to access the files on your PC. |
|
Unknown/hidden files causing the error |
Temporary or hidden files may be blocking sync. Read OneDrive status stuck on "Sync pending" for more information. |
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Something else |
If "Processing changes" remains, you can Reset OneDrive or see below for instructions and other fixes. |
If "Processing changes" remains, you can stop the OneDrive sync process using the Windows Task Manager.
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Press CTRL, ALT and DEL or right-click the Windows taskbar and select Task Manager.
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Click
More details and open the list of Apps or Background processes -
Right-click all instances of Microsoft OneDrive and select End Task:
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After you have made changes to files or folders being synced, press
, search for OneDrive and then open the OneDrive desktop app to restart syncing again. -
When OneDrive restarts, it will update OneDrive.com with any changes you made on your PC. Any files you moved out of OneDrive sync folders will remain in your OneDrive.com Recycle bin for 30 days. Read how to Restore deleted files or folders in OneDrive for more information.
If you use your device both at home and at work, try turning off the proxy settings in Microsoft Edge or Internet Explorer. If you’re using a different browser, check their help to find out how to turn off proxy settings.
Microsoft Edge
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Click the Start button
(lower-left corner) and choose Settings. -
Select Network & Internet, go to the bottom of the selections on the left side, and click Proxy.
-
In Automatic proxy setup, automatically detect settings or use setup script, by sliding to On or Off.
-
In Manual proxy setup, you can choose to use a proxy server. Generally, it will be off and if you slide it to On, be sure to select Save. And if it was off by default before you turned it on, be sure to slide back to Off when you've finished using it.
Internet Explorer 7, 8, 9, 10, or 11
-
In Internet Explorer, click Tools (upper-right corner) > Internet options.
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Click the Connections tab, and then click the LAN settings button.
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Under Proxy server, clear the option "Use a proxy server for your LAN (These settings will not apply to dial-up or VPN connections)."
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Click Apply and OK to save changes. Restart your computer.
For information about how to turn off your antivirus software, check your antivirus manufacturer's website. Uninstalling your antivirus software may also help. Don't forget to turn it on again when you've finished.
If you're not sure which antivirus software you have, use the following instructions to get to Control Panel to find the name of your antivirus software.
Tip: Windows 10 comes with default antivirus software, Windows Defender. If you determine that you're using it, select the Start button > Settings > Update & Security, and then select Windows Defender on the left. Slide the button to Off. Remember to turn it On again.
- Select your operating system
- Windows 10
- Windows 8.1
- Windows 7
-
On the Start
menu, enter Control Panel in the search box and select Control Panel from the results. -
Do one of the following:
-
In Category view, select System and Security > Security and Maintenance, and then select the down arrow next to Security.
-
In Large icons or Small icons view, select Security and Maintenance, and then select the down arrow next to Security.
-
If Windows can detect your antivirus software, it's listed under Virus protection.
-
Go to the Control Panel by right-clicking the Start button
(lower-left corner), and choosing Control Panel.
-
Do one of the following:
-
In Category view, select System and Security > Action Center, and then select the down arrow next to Security.
-
In Large icons or Small icons view, select Action Center, and then select the down arrow next to Security.
-
If Windows can detect your antivirus software, it's listed under Virus protection.
-
Go to Control Panel by choosing the Start button
(lower-left corner), and choosing Control Panel. -
Do one of the following:
-
In Category view, select System and Security > Action Center, and then select the down arrow next to Security.
-
In Large icons or Small icons view, select Action Center, and then select the down arrow next to Security.
-
If Windows can detect your antivirus software, it's listed under Virus protection.
If you're using a firewall from another manufacturer, visit the manufacturer's website for information about how to temporarily disable the firewall. For Windows Firewall, please see below.
Windows 11 and Windows 10
-
Please go to Turn Windows Firewall on or off.
Windows 8.1 and 7
-
Please scroll to Turn Windows Firewall on or off in Protect my PC from viruses.
Resetting OneDrive can sometimes resolve sync issues, and resets all OneDrive settings. OneDrive will perform a full sync after the reset.
For full steps, read how to Reset OneDrive.
Learn more
Need more help?
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Contact Support
For technical support, go to Contact Microsoft Support, enter your problem and select Get Help. If you still need help, select Contact Support to be routed to the best support option. |
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