Top 4 Quick Fixes to OneDrive Sync Pending Error

User’s case: How to handle OneDrive sync pending issue?

 

Hi, I have had a problem with syncing in One Drive. Some folders keep showing their status of being "Sync Pending" even though the One Drive icon on the taskbar indicates "Up to date" status. I found a similar question and its relevant answers from the moderator and tried to apply the solution but it did not work at all. I feel so pissed off about it. Can anyone let me know how to handle this issue? Thank you!

- Question from Microsoft Community

With the increasing use of cloud storage, many people rely on OneDrive, Microsoft's online storage service, to keep their data safe. However, while using OneDrive, users often run into issues. One common problem is "Sync pending," which occurs when OneDrive gets stuck trying to sync files. In this article, we'll explain what this issue means and provide four simple solutions to help you fix it and get your files syncing properly again.

👉How to Deal with Windows 10/11 OneDrive Sync Pending

What does sync pending mean on OneDrive?

"Sync pending" means that a file or folder is waiting to be synced to OneDrive, often because multiple items are in the queue. OneDrive also has a file size upload limit, and if a file exceeds this limit, it may cause the sync to get stuck. In some cases, files may remain stuck and never sync at all.

Poor internet connection can also slow down or stop the syncing process. Additionally, you need to make sure there’s enough storage space on your OneDrive account. If it’s full, you may experience sync issues like "Sync pending."

If you're dealing with a stuck sync, don’t worry. Below, I’ll explain three quick methods to help you fix the issue.

How to Deal with Windows 10/11 OneDrive Sync Pending

In this part, you will learn 4 ways to solve the OneDrive sync problem. 

Way 1: Using Free File Sync Software

AOMEI Backupper Standard is an excellent file sync software that lets you easily copy files and save them to a chosen location following specific settings. It's compatible with all Windows PC systems, including Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, and XP. But why do so many users prefer AOMEI Backupper? Here are a few key reasons:

AOMEI Backupper

Best Free File Sync Software 

• Different Sync Modes: Provides several sync options such as "Basic Sync," "Mirror Sync," "Real-Time Sync," and "Two-Way Sync" (available in the Pro version).
• Multiple Storage Locations: Easily sync your files to different storage locations.
• Automatic sync for Frequent Updates: Automatically sync files that change often, ensuring your data stays up to date.
• Additional Features: Includes other useful tools like system backup and restore functions.

Download Freeware
Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7

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If we encounter a sync pending problem when using OneDrive, we can easily solve it with this free software. First, download and launch it. The detailed steps are as follows:

(PS: This version only supports Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, XP, Vista. For server users, try AOMEI Backupper Server!)

Step 1. Click Sync on the left panel and select Basic Sync.

Step 2. Next, you need to click on the option of Add Folder to choose the files from the hard drive that you want to sync to OneDrive.

Tips:
◑ If you want to sync multiple folders simultaneously, click the “+” icon after you add the first source folder.
◑ Optionally, you can enable Filter settings (supported by the Professional version) to include or exclude folders and sync files with a certain file extension instead of all of them.

Step 3. Click the inverted triangle at the right edge of the second bar and choose Select a cloud drive.

Step 4. Select OneDrive cloud and click OK.

Notes✍:
◑If you cannot find OneDrive in the list, return to step 3 and manually navigate to the OneDrive local folder by clicking the folder-shaped button in the second column.
◑If your OneDrive still has problems with file sync, you could consider syncing the local folder to Dropbox or Google Drive. For free users with a few GB of cloud storage, it's suggested to create a cloud backup with AOMEI Cloud, a cloud drive developed by AOMEI Tech, which offers 1TB free space from the time you sign up until 15 days.

Step 5. Click on Start Sync to perform the operation.

Helpful tips✍:
✬ Options: You can add comments to your current task and set up email notifications to receive updates on the task status.
✬ Schedule Sync: Automate your file syncing on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. You can also use event triggers or the USB plug-in feature, but these are only available in the Professional version.
✬ Important: Avoid renaming the source folder, as it will stop the software from syncing updates.
✬ File Size Limits: Syncing doesn’t support files larger than 2GB or 4GB. If you need to sync larger files, use the File Backup option, which will automatically split them to fit the destination drive.

Way 2: Pause and Resume Syncing Process

Step 1. Right-click the OneDrive icon in the taskbar, then click Pause syncing in the context menu. And then select 2 hours.

Step 2. Open the storage path of OneDrive and find its sync folder. Then select a file to drag to the desktop.

Step 3. Back to the taskbar and right-click the OneDrive. Choose Resume syncing in the right-click menu. Then we can see if the OneDrive is syncing normally.

Way 3: Reset OneDrive

If we encounter a sync pending on OneDrive, we can also try to reset OneDrive. There are two methods provided below:

#1. By Search for Run

Step 1. Search Run in the taskbar search box and then press enter.

Step 2. Type the following command and press OK.

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

Step 3. In case the icon on the taskbar does not appear in a few minutes, you need to execute the following command.

>>%localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe

When the execution is done, we will notice the blue arrow on the OneDrive icon. This means that the file is being synchronized. After the synchronization is complete, check whether all files are synchronized correctly and whether the problem is resolved.

#2. By OneDrive Setting

If the above method is not feasible, you can try to use OneDrive settings.

Step 1. Right-click the OneDrive icon in the taskbar, then choose Settings in the context menu.

Step 2. After that, you need to turn to the Account window in the OneDrive settings and then choose "Unlink this PC"

Step 3. Provide your permission to unlink OneDrive in the confirmation window.

Step 4. OneDrive setup will appear again, you need to complete this wizard and set it up.

Way 4: Uncheck OneDrive Files on Demand 

According to Microsoft users, unchecking OneDrive Files on Demand is a very useful method if your OneDrive files or folders show a Sync pending error. And your situation may be a little different. 

#1: OneDrive Files on Demand is checked previously. In this situation, you can directly uncheck the Files on Demand feature. 

#2: OneDrive Files on Demand was unchecked previously. This may be a little more complicated, you need to check the Files on Demand feature in Microsoft One Drive and then uncheck it. 

Here take Situation 1 as an example to show you the detailed steps. If you are in Situation 2, use the following steps as a reference.

Step 1. Open OneDrive and go to the Settings tab.

Step 2. Scroll down to Files on Demand, Uncheck Save space download files as you use them, and click OK to save changes. 

Then, all files or folders stuck in sync pending status are able to finish finally.

FAQs on OneDrive Sync Pending

Fixed: How to Fix Blue Circles (Sync Pending) on OneDrive?

Blue circles with "sync pending" typically indicate that OneDrive is trying to sync files but hasn't completed the process yet. Here are some steps you can take to try to resolve this issue:

• Check internet connection: Ensure stable connectivity to prevent sync issues.
• Restart OneDrive: Close and reopen OneDrive to troubleshoot sync problems.
• Update OneDrive: Install the latest version for bug fixes and enhancements.
• Resolve conflicts: Review and manage files with identical names causing sync conflicts.
• Free up space: Clear storage to allow new files to sync.
• Restart the computer: Reboot to resolve temporary sync glitches.
• Reset OneDrive: On Windows, reset via Settings > Apps > Apps & features. On macOS, reinstall from the Mac App Store.
• Contact OneDrive support: Seek assistance if issues persist after troubleshooting.

By following these steps, you should hopefully be able to resolve the "sync pending" issue with OneDrive.

Common Causes of OneDrive Sync Pending

Understanding the root causes of sync issues helps streamline the troubleshooting process. Here are a few typical reasons:

• File Size Limits: OneDrive imposes a limit on file sizes, and large files may remain in sync pending mode indefinitely.
• Network Issues: A slow or unstable internet connection can halt syncing operations.
• File Locking: Files in use by another program or locked can’t sync until they are closed.
• Outdated Software: Using an outdated version of OneDrive can cause syncing issues.
• Corrupted Files: Damaged files within the folder can prevent other files from syncing.

Key Technical Terms

• Sync Pending: Refers to files waiting to complete synchronization between your device and the cloud.
• File Locking: A mechanism where a file is temporarily inaccessible because it’s being used by another program, preventing syncing.
• Reset OneDrive: A troubleshooting process that refreshes OneDrive’s sync mechanism by clearing local settings without deleting your files in the cloud.

Expert Tips to Prevent Sync Issues

1. Monitor File Sizes: Always ensure files are under the 15 GB limit to avoid sync issues.
2. Maintain a Stable Internet Connection: Consistent network connectivity is critical for uninterrupted syncing.
3. Regular Software Updates: Keep OneDrive and your system up-to-date to avoid compatibility problems.

Summary

When you are stuck with a OneDrive sync pending issue, try the above four methods. In any case, the third method will be the best solution due to its simple operations and reliable functions.

If your OneDrive still has problems, this software is able to sync files to other cloud drives like Google Drive or OneDrive, or external disk, USB, network drive, or NAS device. You are capable of syncing files between two computers without the cloud. 

With its Basic Sync feature, you can also create a Seagate cloud backup. You can enjoy file backup, system restore, and disk cloning features in this software. In a nutshell, with it, you will no longer have to worry about the future. Try it at once and protect your data now!