syncing problem.

Question

OneDrive has stopped syncing some of my files even though it shows that everything is up to date. I checked the folders and restarted OneDrive, but the missing files still do not appear on my other devices. What should I check to find out why only some files are not syncing properly?

Answer 1

Hi @ashad zaid

To ensure I fully understand your situation and provide the most effective assistance, I’ll need a few additional details, such as:  

Were the files recently created, renamed, moved, or copied into the OneDrive folder?

Could you please check whether one of the missing files is visible in OneDrive on the web?

This will help me determine whether the issue is related to the file not uploading from the source device or not syncing to the affected device.

In the meantime, you could try unlinking and relinking your OneDrive account to refresh the sync connection.

You can refer to the following article for guidance: Unlink and re-link OneDrive

Any update would be appreciated.

Answer 2

If OneDrive shows Up to date but only some files are missing on other devices, check these causes first:

1. Hidden or temporary files in the OneDrive folder
   • Hidden and temporary files can show a syncing status in File Explorer but are not actually synced by OneDrive.
   • In File Explorer, enable hidden items and look for hidden files or folders in the affected OneDrive location.
   • Remove hidden files and folders that are not associated with files currently being edited.
   • Check for temporary Office files. Close open Office files, then clear the Office document cache. If temporary Office files still remain, only delete them if they can be safely removed.
   • Warning: deleting temporary Office files can cause data loss if the document is still needed.
2. Files that are stuck as hidden sync-pending items
   • If no visible file appears to be causing the issue, the problem may be a hidden file.
   • In File Explorer, go to View and enable Hidden items.
   • If no hidden file is found in the affected folder, create a new folder, copy the files from the affected folder into it, and then delete the original sync-pending folder.
3. Windows Search index showing an incorrect cached sync state
   • This can make files or folders appear to be syncing incorrectly even when OneDrive reports Up to date.
   • To test this:
     1. Open Services from Start.
     2. Open Windows Search.
     3. Set Startup type to Disabled.
     4. In Service status, select Stop, then select OK.
     5. Refresh File Explorer.
   • If the OneDrive folder no longer shows incorrect syncing status after the refresh, the cached search index was the cause.
   • Then revert Windows Search to Automatic (Delayed Start) and rebuild the index:
     1. Open Indexing Options from Start.
     2. Select Advanced > Rebuild.
   • Rebuilding the index can take time and is best done outside active hours.
4. Sync conflicts
   • A file can remain out of sync because of a conflict between the local and server copy.
   • For Office files, opening the file can start the conflict resolution experience.
   • Available actions can include Save a Copy or Discard.
   • For non-Office files, OneDrive can keep both versions, with the local copy renamed to include the device name.
5. Stop and reestablish the sync connection for the affected folder
   • In the Windows notification area, right-click the OneDrive icon and select Stop syncing a folder...
   • Select the affected folder and confirm Stop syncing.
   • This disconnects the folder from its library but keeps the files on the computer.
   • When syncing is started again, OneDrive creates a new synced folder. If the same name is used, a number may be added to the folder name.

A practical order is:

• Check hidden files and temporary Office files first.
• Then test whether File Explorer is showing a stale Windows Search index state.
• Then check for file conflicts.
• If the issue remains, stop and reestablish syncing for the affected folder.

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References:

• The OneDrive sync status icon incorrectly shows "syncing" in File Explorer
• OneDrive is stuck on "Sync pending"
• Resolve sync issues in OneDrive for work or school
• Repair sync connections in OneDrive for work or school