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MichalMindyk's avatar
MichalMindyk
Copper Contributor
Jan 20, 2025

OneDrive Application keeps processing large number of files even if it is not syncing

We have a cloud file storage that we plan to migrate to SharePoint sites. One of the sites that I copied to test performance has approx. 550 GB and 320K files (total storage has 5.2 TB and 1.1 million files).

I opened SharePoint site and clicked button to add to OneDrive but didn't click sync button.

I want to see folder structure in Windows Explorer but don't want to download files.

The problem is that OneDrive Windows app keeps processing forever consuming a lot of CPU and memory. Most of us work on laptops and OneDrive app seems to restarting processing every time laptop is started, so it can't finish during the day.

My users want accept browsing files using a web browser, so client app is an only option for me.

Am I hitting a limit of OneDrive app?

OneDrive App
processing

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  • NikolinoDE's avatar
    NikolinoDE
    Gold Contributor
    Feb 23, 2025

    You're encountering performance issues with the OneDrive application due to the large number of files (approximately 320,000) you're attempting to sync. This exceeds the recommended limit for optimal performance.

    Microsoft recommends syncing fewer than 300,000 files across all document libraries. Exceeding this limit can lead to prolonged sync times, high CPU and memory usage, and potential application instability.

    Syncing a large number of files can cause the OneDrive application to consume significant CPU and memory resources, leading to decreased system performance.

    Proposed Solutions:

     1. Reduce the Number of Synced Files:

    • Selective Sync: Utilize OneDrive's selective sync feature to choose only the most essential folders for synchronization. This can significantly reduce the number of files the application needs to process.
    • Archive Infrequently Accessed Data: Consider moving less frequently accessed files to an archive that isn't synced with OneDrive, thereby reducing the active file count.

    2. Utilize OneDrive's "Files On-Demand" Feature:

    • Enable Files On-Demand: This feature allows you to see all your files in File Explorer without downloading them. Files are downloaded only when accessed, which can help manage local storage and reduce sync load.

    3. Access Files Directly Through SharePoint Online:

    • Web Access: For large libraries, accessing files directly through the SharePoint Online web interface can be more efficient. This approach eliminates the need for local synchronization and reduces system resource usage.

    My answers are voluntary and without guarantee!

     

    Hope this will help you.

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