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Issue with OneDrive linked files and folders extremely slow to open Windows 11 when accessing directly from Explorer

Ray H 50 Reputation points
2025-08-06T16:19:36.7+00:00

Just yesterday I started experiencing extreme slowness opening any files or folders that are in OneDrive. At the time, all files and folders were stored locally on the PC as well as in OneDrive. I've tried unlinking and reinstalling, as well as most other troubleshooting steps I've been able to find while searching the issue.

I can get around the issue with opening local files and folders when in explorer by right clicking and opening folders in a new Tab or Window, or if it is a file I can get around the issue by right click and choosing "Open With". The issue DOES occur with a file if right clicking and choosing "Open". It seems that under any circumstance opening directly from the same explorer window used to open the root OneDrive will trigger the issue. Also, if opening an individual file contained in a recent files menu, whether pinned or not, the file opens without issue.

Here is the system configuration:

OS Name Microsoft Windows 11 Pro Version 10.0.26100 Build 26100 System Model MS-7E07 System Type x64-based PC Processor Intel(R) Core(TM) i9-14900K, 3200 Mhz, 24 Core(s), 32 Logical Processor(s) Installed Physical Memory (RAM) 64.0 GB

All help is appreciated.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Performance and system failures
Accepted answer
  1. Rentier 85 Reputation points
    2025-08-06T18:00:08.77+00:00

    Try removing iCloud. That worked for my device.

    1 person found this answer helpful.

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  1. Nate Haase 0 Reputation points
    2025-08-08T15:55:59.1466667+00:00

    Thank you Ray H. Your workaround worked for the time being. A bit cumbersome, but exceptionally better than waiting half a minute for each file explorer action. I hope eventually Microsoft Support responses with an actual resolution so that a workaround is not required.

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  2. John Falkingham 0 Reputation points
    2025-08-12T17:36:44.6166667+00:00

    I found a solution that seems explainable at https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/5452204/onedrive-folders-opening-extremely-slow-in-explore.

    In my case, the offending server was iCloud. I do not have the Phonelink that others mention enabled. Removed iCloud, restarted and, at least in the first hour, problem is solved.

    Now, what to do without iCloud?

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