The Backup Keeps Stalling: Causes and Fixes

If your backup keeps stalling, freezing, or failing midway, it can be frustrating and even risky—especially when you're relying on that backup to protect important data. Backups can stall for a variety of reasons, including software issues, hardware limitations, or network problems. Here's a breakdown of common causes and practical steps you can take to fix the problem.

Common Reasons for a Stalling Backup

1. Slow or Unstable Internet Connection (for Cloud Backups)

If you’re backing up to a cloud service like Google Drive, OneDrive, or iCloud, a weak or unstable internet connection can cause the backup to stall or time out.

Fix: Ensure you’re on a stable Wi-Fi or wired network. Restart your router, or try moving closer to the access point. Avoid doing backups during peak usage hours when your network may be slower.

2. Insufficient Storage Space

Backups can freeze if the destination drive or cloud account runs out of space during the process.

Fix: Check how much space is available on the backup destination. Free up space or upgrade your cloud storage plan if needed.

3. Antivirus or Firewall Interference

Some security programs may interfere with backup software, especially if they scan every file during the transfer.

Fix: Temporarily disable antivirus or firewall software and try the backup again. If it works, consider adding your backup software to the program’s exception list.

4. Corrupted Files

Certain files may be corrupted or unreadable, which can cause the backup process to hang when trying to copy them.

Fix: Run a disk check on your source drive to find and fix corrupted files. You can also try manually excluding large or problematic files and backing them up separately.

5. Outdated Backup Software

If you’re using older or unsupported backup software, it may not function well with your operating system or cloud service.

Fix: Check for updates or patches for your backup application. Consider switching to a more modern backup tool if support has ended.

Additional Troubleshooting Steps

Reboot the System: Sometimes a simple restart of your computer can resolve temporary glitches affecting the backup process.

Backup Smaller Chunks: Instead of backing up everything at once, try dividing the backup into smaller sections or folders to identify what’s causing the delay.

Use an Alternative Method: If the backup to a cloud service fails, try backing up to an external drive temporarily. This can help preserve your data while you troubleshoot further.

Check Backup Logs: Many backup programs create logs that provide details about what went wrong. These can point you to the specific file or process causing the stall.

When to Seek Help

If none of these solutions work, and your backups consistently fail or stall at the same point, it may be time to:

Contact your backup software’s support team.

Consult an IT professional to check for deeper system or network issues.

Consider using a different backup service or tool.

Conclusion

A backup that keeps stalling shouldn’t be ignored—your data depends on it. By identifying the root cause and following the steps above, you can usually fix the issue and ensure your files are safely stored and protected. Regular, reliable backups are key to avoiding data loss from crashes, malware, or hardware failure.