How to Fix OneDrive stuck on Preparing to upload

Some users of OneDrive on Windows 11/10 PCs have reported a frustrating issue where file uploads get stuck on "Preparing to upload" for extended periods, even for small files or limited numbers of items. This can be caused by various factors, including zero-byte files, invalid file names or types, network problems, or an outdated OneDrive application.

Before attempting the more involved fixes, ensure the following:

• Stable Internet Connection: Verify your internet connection is active and stable.

• OneDrive is Up-to-Date: Check for and install any pending updates for OneDrive.

• Sufficient Storage Space: Confirm you have enough available storage in both your OneDrive account and on your local PC.

• Files Not in Use: Make sure the files you're trying to upload are not open or actively being used by any other application or process.

If the problem persists after these preliminary checks, proceed with the following solutions:

Fix OneDrive Stuck on "Preparing to upload"

Here are several working solutions to resolve the "Preparing to upload" issue in OneDrive:

1. Pause and Resume OneDrive Sync

This simple trick often resolves temporary syncing glitches.

• Action:

• Click on the OneDrive icon in the system tray (usually located in the bottom-right corner of your screen).

• Select the Settings icon (Help & Settings).

• Choose 'Pause syncing' and select a duration (e.g., 2 hours).

• Wait a few minutes.

• Repeat the steps, but this time select 'Resume syncing.'

• Benefit: This can clear minor hang-ups in the sync process.

2. Check File Restrictions and Limitations in OneDrive

OneDrive has specific rules regarding file types, names, and paths that can cause sync failures if violated.

• Common Issues:

  • Invalid Characters: File or folder names containing characters like :, >, <, |, *, ", ?, /, \ can prevent syncing.

  • Invalid File/Folder Names: Names such as ~$, .lock, AUX, CON, PRN, NUL, COM0-COM9, LPT0-LPT9, desktop.ini, _vti_ cannot be used.

  • Blocked File Types: Certain file types (e.g., temporary files) might be blocked.

  • Junction Points or Symbolic Links: These can cause issues.

  • Virus-Infected Files: Malicious files will not sync.

• Action: Carefully review the files and folders you are attempting to upload. Rename any files or folders with invalid characters or names. Remove any blocked file types or known problematic files.

• Reference: For a comprehensive list of restrictions, consult the official Microsoft documentation at support.microsoft.com.

• Batch Uploads: If you are trying to upload a very large number of files (e.g., more than 300,000 in total across your cloud storage, or many thousands in a single batch), try uploading them in smaller batches.

3. Remove Zero-Byte Files (Empty Files) from the Sync Process

Zero-byte files, which are essentially empty files, have been reported by some users as a cause for the "Preparing to upload" stuck issue.

• Action: You need to identify and remove these empty files from the folders being synced.

• Open an elevated PowerShell window (Search for PowerShell, right-click, and "Run as administrator").

• Navigate to the directory or folder with the sync issue by adding its path to the PowerShell window using the cd command (e.g., cd "C:\Users\YourUser\OneDrive\Documents").

• Execute the following command, which will find all zero-byte files recursively within the current directory and its subfolders, and then delete them:

  
  

  
  

  PowerShell
  

  
  

  
  

  Get-ChildItem -File -Recurse | Where-Object { $_.Length -eq 0 } | Remove-Item -Force

• Benefit: This method can quickly clear blockages caused by corrupted or incomplete files.

4. Unlink and Then Relink OneDrive

This process can often resolve underlying sync issues by resetting the connection between your PC and OneDrive, without deleting your actual OneDrive data.

• Action:

• Click on the OneDrive icon in the system tray.

• Select the Settings icon (Help & Settings).

• Click on the 'Settings' option to open the OneDrive Settings window.

• Access the 'Account' section.

• Click on the 'Unlink this PC' option.

• A confirmation box will open; press the 'Unlink account' button.

• Once unlinked, click on the OneDrive icon in the taskbar again.

• Press the 'Sign in' button and follow the prompts to set up and reconnect OneDrive to your PC. You'll need to select your OneDrive folder location (usually the default is fine) and which folders to sync.

• Benefit: This is also a useful step if you intend to move your OneDrive folder to a new location on your PC.

5. Reset OneDrive

If the previous steps haven't worked, resetting OneDrive can resolve persistent syncing problems by performing a deeper reset of its settings and cache.

• Action:

• Open the Run Command box by pressing Win + R.

• Enter one of the following commands, depending on your Windows installation (try the first one, if it doesn't work, try the second):

  • C:\Program Files\Microsoft OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset

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

• Press Enter or click OK.

• If successful, the OneDrive icon in your system tray should disappear and then reappear after a minute or two. This indicates the reset is complete, and OneDrive will start a full sync automatically. If it doesn't reappear, you may need to manually launch OneDrive from your Start Menu.

• Caution: This option resets all OneDrive settings and resynchronizes all your files. While your cloud data remains safe, it can be a lengthy process if you have a large number of files.

6. Contact Microsoft Support

If none of the above solutions resolve the issue, it's time to reach out to Microsoft Support for personalized assistance.

• Action: Visit the Microsoft Support website. You can describe your problem to get initial help without signing in, or sign in with your Microsoft account to chat directly with a support agent who can provide more tailored troubleshooting.