OneDrive for work or is not syncing some files

Helios Hall 0 Reputation points
2026-09-26T00:14:28.8433333+00:00

Hello,

OneDrive shows a sync warning, and several files remain in a pending sync status. I can access the files through the browser, but the files are not updated in File Explorer.

How these files can be synced normally?

Microsoft 365 and Office | OneDrive | For business | Windows
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  1. AI answer

    2026-09-26T00:14:45.53+00:00

    If OneDrive shows a warning and files stay in pending sync while the web version has the latest content, the most common causes are hidden or temporary files in the OneDrive folder, Office cache issues, or an incorrect Windows Search index status.

    Try this in order:

    1. In File Explorer, enable Hidden items and check the affected OneDrive folder for hidden files.
      • Hidden files can keep a folder in Sync pending even when no normal file is visible.
    2. Remove hidden files or folders that are not related to files currently being edited.
    3. Check for temporary Office files.
      • Close any open Office files.
      • Clear the Office document cache.
      • If temporary Office files are still shown as syncing, delete them only if it is safe to do so.
      • Warning: deleting temporary Office files can cause data loss if the file is still in use.
    4. If the pending item is a .TMP file, use one of these options:
      • Upload it manually to OneDrive on the web.
      • Rename it with a different extension.
      • Move it outside the OneDrive folder.
      • Delete it if it is no longer needed.
      • Caution: TMP files may still be required by the app that created them.
    5. If no hidden or temporary files are causing the issue, test whether the Windows Search index is showing a cached sync state:
      • Open Start > search for Services > open Services.
      • Double-click Windows Search.
      • Set Startup type to Disabled.
      • Under Service status, select Stop.
      • Select OK.
      • Refresh File Explorer.
    6. If the syncing icon disappears after refresh, rebuild the search index:
      • Go back to Services and set Windows Search back to Automatic (Delayed Start).
      • Open Start > search for Indexing > open Indexing Options.
      • Select Advanced > Rebuild.
      • This can take some time to finish.
    7. If a folder shows Sync pending but no file is visible, create a new folder, copy the files from the affected folder into the new folder, and then delete the old Sync pending folder.
    8. Review the OneDrive sync client for the exact file error:
      • Open the OneDrive icon from the Windows notification area.
      • Review the listed files with sync problems and fix the specific issue shown for each file.
    9. If the problem continues, stop and reestablish the sync connection for the affected library:
      • Right-click the OneDrive icon in the Windows notification area.
      • Select Stop syncing a folder...
      • Choose the affected folder and stop syncing.
      • Then sync the library again.
      • Note: stopping sync disconnects the folder from the library, but files remain in the previously synced folder. Syncing again creates a new local folder, and if the same name is used, OneDrive may append a number.
    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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  2. Darren Bruce 1,745 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-26T00:28:59.84+00:00

    Dear Helios Hall,

    Based on your description, since the files are accessible in OneDrive on the web but remain in a"Sync Pending" state and are not updating in File Explorer, the issue is likely related to the local OneDrive sync client rather than the files stored in the cloud.

    For better understanding your situation, please provide the following information:

    1. What exact warning or error message is displayed in the OneDrive client?
    2. Are only specific files affected, or is the entire folder/library not syncing?

    And because you posted question in business tag, so I assume you are using business account. Please correct me if I misunderstand, here are some suggestions you can try:

    1/Check for sync errors

    • Select the OneDrive cloud icon in the system tray.
    • Review any reported sync errors and identify whether a particular file is causing the issue. Common causes include invalid file names, long file paths, or files that are currently in use.

    2/Restart the OneDrive client

    • Right-click the OneDrive icon and choose Quit OneDrive.
    • Launch OneDrive again from the Start menu and check whether synchronization resumes.

    3/Check for hidden or temporary files

    • In some cases, hidden files or temporary (.tmp) files may cause folders to remain in a Sync Pending state. Review the affected folder and remove or relocate any unnecessary temporary files if appropriate

    4/Reset OneDrive

    • Press Windows + R and run: 
        %localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\OneDrive.exe /reset
    • After the reset completes, restart OneDrive from the Start menu.

    Resetting OneDrive rebuilds the sync connection and is a common fix for stuck synchronization issues

    For reference OneDrive is stuck on "Sync pending"

    Please let me know if you get stuck in any steps.

    Looking forward to your update

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