Issue with OneDrive Stuck on Preparing to Upload? Try These Fixes

Not the only one if your OneDrive stuck on preparing to upload for too long. This is a common syncing problem that urges many users, but thankfully it has some quick solutions. File name error, storage issue, outdated software, etc., you can easily troubleshoot and fix all the problems without any hassle.

What Causes the Upload Error?

Without wasting time with fixes, let us see the reasons behind why your OneDrive stuck on preparing to upload:

• The file is open or in use.
• Poor or unstable internet connection.
• Grey link and the box said: Not enough Room in your OneDrive folder.
• OneDrive app error or bug.
• Outdated software versions.
• File name is too long / using unsupported symbols

Solutions for OneDrive Preparing for Upload Error

Start of the obvious fixes if your OneDrive stuck on preparing to upload:

• Check your internet connection stability.
• Step 2: Make sure Windows and OneDrive app are updated
• When this has been completed, restart your PC to update syncing.

Rename the File

If you ask me, how many characters are there on OneDrive, and the answer would simply be 255 characters for the file names. If your OneDrive hang on preparing to upload, rename the file with shorter file name and also avoid special characters, ie: # % & * : ?.

Check the File Size

OneDrive enables you to upload files of up to 250GB each. Even if this folder has exceptionally larger file size, the OneDrive stuck on preparing to upload issue will not stop.

Stop and Start the Upload Process

If your OneDrive stuck preparing upload the file, then sometimes starting and pausing again helps:

1. Click on the OneDrive icon on the system tray.
2. Open Settings.
3. Choose “Pause syncing.”
4. Sync them after some time (break)

Delete Zero-Byte Files Using PowerShell

Upload Blocking Blank files – Sometimes the blank files are uploaded on OneDrive which blocks the upload and leads to the OneDrive stuck on preparing to upload issue. Method 2 — Deleting Zero-Byte Files With PowerShell

• Type “PowerShell” and run it as Administrator.
• Enter:
• Get-ChildItem -Recurse -File | Where-Object { $. Where { $.Length -eq 0 } | Remove-Item -Force
• Force OneDrive restart and see if uploads resume.

Unlink and Relink OneDrive

In case your OneDrive hung on preparing to upload even after trying this all, unlinking and relinking the account might help too:

• Step 1: From the system tray, open OneDrive.
• Go to Settings > Account.
• Select “Unlink this PC.”
• Sign in again to reconnect.

FAQ