unable to transfer files message

Question

Why do I keep getting on my PC the message 'Unable to transfer files. An error occured while transferring your file please try again'. ?

I am not trying to transfer any files at the time the message appears, it appears frequently.

A simple solution would be welcome as I'm not technically minded. Thank you

Answer 1

This happened to me after I'd connected my phone via USB to transfer files, then put my computer to sleep (without "ejecting" the phone) and then disconnected my phone. This message appeared every minute or so when I next used the computer.

I was able to "eject" the phone while that message appeared even though the phone wasn't still connected and that seems to have solved the problem. A restart probably would have worked, too.

Answer 2

Hi Barbara Leith,

Welcome to the Microsoft Q&A forum.

I understand how confusing and frustrating it can be to see an error message appear when you’re not even trying to transfer files. This message is often linked to a background feature (such as a connected device or sync service) checking for files automatically, even when you didn’t start a transfer yourself.

To help narrow this down, one or two details would be very helpful:

• Does the message appear after plugging in a phone, USB stick, or external drive?
• Does it show up shortly after starting the PC, or randomly while it’s already on?
• Are you using OneDrive, Bluetooth, or Phone Link on this PC?

In the meantime, here are some possible checking steps that you can try:

• Restart the PC – this often clears background processes that may trigger the message.
• Disconnect unused devices – unplug any USB drives, phones, cameras, or printers you’re not actively using.
• Restart File Explorer – press Ctrl + Shift + Esc, select File Explorer, then choose Restart.
• Check OneDrive status – if OneDrive is signed in, make sure it’s not paused or showing a sync warning.

I look forward to receiving your update, feel free to ask me by clicking "Add Comment" or "Add Answer" if you cannot add comment so your response will be visible. Thanks for your effort.

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Answer 3

The error message "Unable to transfer files. An error occurred while transferring your file please try again" can be caused by various issues, especially if it appears frequently without any file transfer activity. Here are some potential solutions you can try:

1. Check OneDrive Settings: If you are using OneDrive, ensure that it is properly configured. Sometimes, issues with syncing can cause error messages related to file transfers.
2. Update Windows: Make sure your Windows operating system is up to date. Outdated software can lead to various errors, including file transfer issues.
3. Reset OneDrive: If OneDrive is involved, resetting it can resolve many issues. You can reset OneDrive by following the instructions provided in Microsoft's support documentation.
4. Check Internet Connection: A poor or unstable internet connection can also lead to transfer errors. Ensure that your internet connection is stable.
5. Disable Files On-Demand: If you are using OneDrive Files On-Demand, try disabling this feature temporarily to see if it resolves the issue.

If the problem persists after trying these solutions, consider seeking further assistance from Microsoft support or a knowledgeable friend or technician.

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References:

• Error 0x8007016a when copying files in OneDrive
• Unable to reach the server error when sharing files or folders in SharePoint or OneDrive