Slow OneDrive Upload or Download speed

Many of us upload files to OneDrive regularly, and since the client offers automatic upload in the background, all we need to do is drag and drop the file and wait for it to sync. That said, at times, you may experience Slow OneDrive Upload or Download speed. Someone has shared a file with you, which is downloading forever, and the same applies to the files you have uploaded. In this post, we will share what measures you can take when you are facing this problem.

Slow OneDrive Upload or Download speed

It is essential to understand that it won’t be wrong to blame that your internet is slow without taking other factors in place. Not only the speed matter, but the size of the upload and download also matters, how fast the computer can read and send the data to the upload server, and restrictions from ISPs on the upload also matters.

1. Check the configured network speed for OneDrive
2. Use a wired instead of a wireless connection
3. What else are you uploading?
4. Is your computer getting into sleep mode?
5. Check with ISP.

1] Check the configured network speed for OneDrive

Right-click on the OneDrive icon in the system tray, and select settings from the menu. It will open a new window where you need to switch to the Network tab. Make sure the upload and download rate is set to Don’t limit option. If you set it to automatic or limit, then it will slow down both upload and download of the files.

2] Use a wired instead of a wireless connection

Usually, wired connections are faster than wireless connections. If the location of your laptop or computer doesn’t have good signal strength, then the upload and download will suffer.  You have two options here. Connect to an ethernet wire which is directly coming from the router or get closer to the router, which will rule out any possibility of blindspot or weak connection.

3] What else are you uploading?

Many a time, there are multiple uploads in progress, and they might be from different apps. Check if you are uploading to other services as well, including Google Drive, Dropbox, and more. When you have multiple uploads from different services, the bandwidth or upload speed is shared. It will impact the upload and download speed of OneDrive as well. So if uploading to OneDrive is a priority, then it would be best to pause everything else and let OneDrive upload download complete.

4] Is your computer getting into sleep mode?

Most of the laptops and computers are set to go to sleep mode when not used for long. If you started the upload, and went for a long break and find it confusing what the upload is still stuck, then your computer gets into sleep mode. Make sure you disable the sleep mode, and at the maximum, turn off the monitor, so the upload or download keeps running in the background.  You can even choose to keep the background process active with the laptop’s lid closed.

5] Check with ISP?

If everything else fails, its time to talk to your ISP. If they have an issue, and it is happening with every other upload download service you have tried, then it’s not your fault.  They must have restricted the bandwidth for your account, or it’s your plan that is not enough for your need. Many a time, local service providers restrict based on usage, and you only realize it when you need more. You can use services like Fast or SpeedTest to check your bandwidth if you need to give your ISP screenshot or proof that the problem is for real.

I hope the post was easy to follow, and you were able to resolve the Slow upload and download issues you have with OneDrive.