4 Ways to Fix Upload Pending Error on Microsoft Word

Quick Tips

• This upload problem often results from naming issues on your Word file.
• Repairing Microsoft Office can effectively resolve underlying problems that trigger upload errors.

Basic Fixes

• Check your internet connection: Microsoft Word needs a constant internet connection to sync the latest changes to the cloud storage. If your computer has a patchy internet connection, the Word document will continue to show an upload pending status.
• Check the OneDrive server and storage status: You may use Downdetector to confirm that OneDrive is not down. Also, ensure you have adequate storage.
• Update Microsoft Word: An updated app may fix the pending error. Navigate to File > Account > expand Update Options > click Update Now.
• Save the file locally: You may save files on your local computer as a workaround. This will be especially effective if an internet connection causes the problem.

Fix 1: Fix Naming Issues

You may rename the Word document in OneDrive or PC with an invalid character. Word won’t let you open or change until you remove special characters from the file name, like *,\, <, >, #, etc. You can rename the document from File Manager or click on the Word file name at the top and remove special characters.

Fix 2: Check File Location

When you open a Word document on one computer and use your mobile, OneDrive web, or another laptop to change the original file location, you will face an upload pending error on your main computer.

Word is trying to use the original location to sync the latest changes. But since the document has already been moved to another folder, the software can’t find it and throws an error. You need to close the current Word file, open it from a new location, and start making edits.

Fix 3: Take Total Control of File Ownership

You may encounter this problem if you do not have full access to the file. In this case, you should take control of file ownership. Follow the steps below.

Step 1: Right-click the problematic file and click Properties.

Step 2: Click the Security tab and click Advanced.

Step 3: Click the Change option next to Owner.

Step 4: Click the Advanced button.

Step 5: Click the Find Now button > select the user that needs full ownership > click OK.

Step 6: Close all open windows > right-click on your problematic word file > click Properties > go to the Security tab > Advanced > click on Add.

Step 7: Click Select a principal. In the new window, click Advanced > Find Now.

Step 8: Choose your account, click OK, then tick Full Control.

Step 9: Click OK, then Apply and OK.

Fix 4: Repair Microsoft Office

If Microsoft Word is still causing you trouble, use the default Windows repair tool to fix Office issues.

Step 1: Open the Windows 11 Settings menu (use the Windows + I keys).

Step 2: Select Apps from the left side and open the Installed Apps menu.

Step 3: Scroll to Microsoft 365 > select the three-dot menu beside it > select Advanced Options.

Step 4: Click on Repair.

Once the repair process is complete, open Word, and you won’t face the upload pending error.