How to Check If OneDrive Is Syncing on Windows and Mac

OneDrive keeps business files up to date across computers, Microsoft 365, SharePoint and Teams.

When syncing stops, employees can end up working on outdated documents or saving changes that never reach the cloud. Fortunately, checking OneDrive’s status only takes a few moments.

This guide explains how to check whether OneDrive is syncing on Windows and Mac, what the main status icons mean, and what to do if files appear stuck.

Why OneDrive Syncing Matters

OneDrive often handles more than personal file storage. It can also synchronise:

• SharePoint document libraries

• Microsoft Teams files

• Shared project folders

• Desktop and Documents folders

• Departmental files

A document appearing in File Explorer or Finder does not always mean the latest version has uploaded successfully. Checking the sync status helps confirm that changes are safely stored in Microsoft 365.

How to Check OneDrive Syncing on Windows

Check the OneDrive Cloud Icon

Look at the right-hand side of the Windows taskbar, near the clock.

You should see a blue or white cloud icon. If it is hidden, select the small arrow to show additional icons.

Select the cloud to open the OneDrive activity window. This will show whether:

• Files are up to date

• Files are uploading or downloading

• Syncing is paused

• OneDrive needs you to sign in

• A file has encountered an error

If OneDrive reports that your files are up to date, the current sync has completed.

Check File Explorer

Open File Explorer and select your OneDrive folder.

For a business account, it will usually appear as:

OneDrive – [Your Organisation]

Look at the icon beside each file:

• Cloud: Online-only file

• Green tick: File is available on the device

• Circular arrows: File is syncing

• Red cross: Sync error

How to Check OneDrive Syncing on Mac

Check the Menu Bar

Look for the OneDrive cloud icon in the menu bar at the top of the screen.

Select it to review current activity. OneDrive will show whether files are up to date, still syncing, paused or experiencing an error.

If the icon is missing, use Spotlight to search for OneDrive and open the application.

Check Finder

Open Finder and select OneDrive from the sidebar.

You will see status icons beside your files and folders, showing whether they are stored online, downloaded, currently syncing or affected by an error.

SharePoint libraries synchronised through OneDrive will normally appear under your organisation’s name.

What Do the Main OneDrive Icons Mean?

Blue Cloud

The file is stored online and will download when you open it.

Green Tick

The file has been downloaded and is available on the computer.

Circular Arrows

OneDrive is currently uploading, downloading or processing the file.

Red Cross

The file has not synced successfully and needs attention.

Paused Symbol

Syncing has been paused and must be resumed from the OneDrive menu.

How to Check Whether SharePoint Is Syncing

SharePoint libraries usually sync through the OneDrive application.

On Windows, open File Explorer and select the relevant folder under your organisation’s name.

On Mac, open Finder and locate the SharePoint library in the sidebar.

Check the status icons beside the files and select the OneDrive cloud icon to view any current uploads, downloads or errors.

Five Quick Fixes If OneDrive Is Not Syncing

1. Resume Syncing

Select the OneDrive cloud icon and check whether syncing has been paused.

2. Check Your Internet Connection

A slow or unstable connection can delay large uploads and downloads.

3. Restart OneDrive

Quit OneDrive and reopen it from the Windows Start menu or Mac Applications folder.

4. Check Available Storage

Make sure there is enough free space on both the computer and the Microsoft 365 account.

5. Close the Problem File

A file may fail to sync if it is open, locked or being used by another application.

If the issue continues, restart the computer and check the OneDrive activity window for a specific error message.

A Simple Way to Confirm a File Has Synced

Create a small test document in the OneDrive folder and save it.

Wait for the circular arrows to change to a green tick or cloud icon. Then sign in to OneDrive or SharePoint through a browser and confirm the file appears online.

This verifies that the file has uploaded successfully rather than remaining only on the computer.

When Should You Contact IT Support?

Contact your IT provider if:

• OneDrive repeatedly stops syncing

• Several users are affected

• SharePoint libraries disappear

• Files are duplicated or conflicting

• Important changes are missing

• OneDrive keeps asking users to sign in

• Large libraries are slowing devices down

Avoid deleting or moving entire synced folders until the issue has been investigated.

How IT Desk Helps

OneDrive sync problems are often caused by more than a single file. They can point to poor SharePoint structure, incorrect permissions, limited device storage or Microsoft 365 settings that were never properly configured.

IT Desk helps businesses structure OneDrive, SharePoint and Teams around the way their people actually work. We can investigate sync errors, simplify document libraries, configure Files On-Demand and ensure staff can access the right files securely from Windows or Mac devices.

This forms part of our wider Modern Workplace approach: making Microsoft 365 easier to use, easier to manage and less likely to interrupt the working day.

People Also Ask

How do I know if OneDrive has finished syncing?

Select the OneDrive cloud icon. When syncing is complete, it should report that your files are up to date.

What do the blue arrows mean in OneDrive?

Circular blue arrows mean that a file is currently uploading, downloading or processing changes.

What does a green tick mean in OneDrive?

A green tick means that the file has been downloaded and is available on the computer.

Why is my OneDrive not syncing?

Common causes include paused syncing, account sign-in problems, insufficient storage, poor internet connectivity or a problem with a specific file.

Does SharePoint use OneDrive to sync?

Yes. SharePoint document libraries and many Teams files are synchronised to Windows and Mac devices through the OneDrive application.