iCloud Sync Pending / Not Syncing: 7 Quick Fixes

Apple iCloud is a popular cloud storage service, but many Windows 10 and Windows 11 users reported that iCloud drive is not syncing.

This can be a big problem, and in today’s article, we’ll show you how to fix this issue.

How can I fix the iCloud Sync Pending issue?

1. Enable iCloud for Windows

1. You will need to specifically log in to the iCloud for Windows app for your information to be synced across all devices.
2. However, prior to that, you are required to set up iCloud on all Apple devices you have and log in at each instance of the app on each device.
3. It’s only after you are done with the above steps that you need to log in at iCloud for Windows app.
4. After logging in, you’re good to go. Check if the data is getting synced across devices.

2. Sign out and log in again with iCloud for Windows

1. Launch iCloud for Windows.
2. Click on the Sign out button at the bottom right corner to log out of the service.
3. Close the application and relaunch the same again.
4. Enter your Apple ID to sign back into iCloud.
5. As before, select the features and content that you want to sync.

3. Update the iCloud for Windows app

1. Launch Store app on your PC.
2. Click on the three horizontal dots at the top right corner and select Downloads and updates.
3. Check if there is an update available for iCloud for Windows.
4. If yes, click on the downward facing arrow to download and install the update.

4. Update Windows PC

1. Click on Start > Setting > Update & Security.
2. Click on the Check for updates button.
3. Download the updates if any are available.

5. Check available storage space on iCloud

1. Ensure there is enough storage space available on iCloud Drive.
2. For that, go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud on your iPhone (or for that matter, any iCloud compatible Apple device).
3. There will be syncing issues if there isn’t space available to host all files that you want to upload to iCloud.

6. Uninstall and reinstall iCloud for Windows

1. Click on Start > Settings > Apps.
2. Select iCloud for Windows from the list of apps installed on your Windows device.
3. Click on the Uninstall button.
4. Once the app is removed, install it again and check if the iCloud sync pending error is still there.

7. Change to a specific password for iCloud for Windows app

1. Apple recommends having a separate password for each of its services.
2. This not only allows for better security, but there are also fewer chances of system conflicts arising when using cross-platform apps such as iCloud that operates across iOS, Mac and Windows operating systems.
3. To change password, visit the Apple site here.
4. Generate a password specifically for iCloud and use the same to log in to your cloud account via iPad, iPhone, and Windows devices.

There you have it, a comprehensive list of things to do if you get the iCloud sync pending error message on your PC.