Uploading issue to OneDrive

The six missing items may be hidden or temporary files, so first inspect OneDrive’s activity list and reveal hidden items before resetting the sync connection.

1. Identify the pending items

1. Select the OneDrive cloud icon:
   • Windows: notification area at the right of the taskbar.
   • macOS: menu bar at the top.
2. Review the activity list. It may show files that are open, currently syncing, recently synced, or reporting an error.
3. Open the indicated folder in File Explorer or Finder.

If using Windows, reveal hidden files:

1. Open File Explorer.
2. Select View → Show → Hidden items.
3. Recheck folders displaying Sync pending.

Microsoft specifically notes that an invisible file causing this status may be hidden.^1^

2. Resolve the file that is blocking synchronization

Apply the matching action:

• Temporary .TMP file: Close the application that created it, then move the file outside OneDrive or rename it. Temporary files do not sync to OneDrive.^2^
  Moving, renaming, or deleting a temporary file can affect its original application. Do not delete it unless it is no longer needed and any work is saved.
• Open file: Close the application using it.
• Large ZIP, video, PST, or OST file: Move it temporarily outside the OneDrive folder and allow the remaining items to synchronize.
• Invalid name: Rename files or folders containing " * : < > ? / \ |, leading/trailing spaces, or names such as desktop.ini and names beginning with ~$.^2^
• Folder remains pending but contains no hidden file: Create a new folder, copy the old folder’s files into it, and then delete the old pending folder. Empty folders may remain pending until they contain a file.^1^

Before deleting or moving anything, compare the folder with OneDrive on the web and retain a separate local copy of any file that is not online.

3. Check available cloud storage

Open OneDrive on the web and check the account’s storage usage. If Microsoft storage is exceeded, OneDrive cannot upload, edit, or synchronize new files.^3^

4. Re-link OneDrive if it remains stuck

Unlinking does not delete local or cloud data; it temporarily disconnects the folders, and changes synchronize after reconnection.^4^

Windows

1. Select OneDrive cloud icon → Help & Settings → Settings.
2. Open Account and select Unlink this PC → Unlink account.
3. Sign in again.
4. When told that the OneDrive folder already exists, select Use this folder.
5. Leave OneDrive running until its status becomes Up to date.

macOS

1. Select OneDrive cloud icon → Help & Settings → Preferences.
2. Open Account and select Unlink this Mac.
3. Sign in again and select Use this folder when prompted.
4. Wait for synchronization to finish.

5. Windows-only fallback: reset the sync client

If relinking does not clear the stalled count:

1. Press Windows key + R.
2. Enter:

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

3. Wait several minutes.
4. Open Start, search for OneDrive, and launch it.

A reset does not delete the files, but OneDrive checks and synchronizes them again, which can take time.^5^

If only Office documents remain pending afterward, the OneDrive toolbar status can be blocked by the Office Document Cache. For Office versions that provide Microsoft Upload Center, open it from Start, select Settings → Delete Cached Files, and restart Windows.^6^

References

1. OneDrive is stuck on "Sync pending" | Microsoft Support
2. Restrictions and limitations in OneDrive and SharePoint | Microsoft Support
3. [Personal accounts](https://support.microsoft.com/onedrive/fix-onedrive-sync-problems)
4. Unlink and re-link OneDrive
5. Why won't my OneDrive sync with the "[username] - personal" folder? - Microsoft Q&A
6. Delete your Office Document Cache