The Backup Keeps Stalling: Causes and Fixes

Creating regular backups is one of the best ways to protect your data against hardware failure, accidental deletion, or malware attacks. However, many users run into the frustrating problem where the backup keeps stalling midway through the process. This can happen whether you are using built-in tools like Windows Backup, macOS Time Machine, or third-party software. Understanding the causes can help you resolve the issue and ensure your data is safely protected.

Common Reasons Why Backups Stall

Insufficient Storage Space

If the destination drive does not have enough free space, the backup may start but stall once it reaches the limit.

Corrupted Files

Damaged or unreadable files on the source drive can cause backup software to hang when it encounters them.

Slow or Failing Hardware

A failing hard drive or an unstable external USB connection can significantly slow down or freeze backup operations.

Network Issues (for Cloud Backups)

If you are backing up to a cloud service, slow or unstable internet connections can cause repeated interruptions.

Antivirus or Security Conflicts

Sometimes, real-time antivirus scanning interferes with backup operations, pausing or stalling them.

Too Many Processes Running

If the system is overloaded with other tasks, backup software may time out or appear to freeze.

How to Fix Backup Stalling

Check Available Space

Ensure your backup destination (external drive, NAS, or cloud account) has more than enough free storage for the job.

Scan for Disk Errors

Run disk checking utilities such as CHKDSK (Windows) or Disk Utility (Mac) to detect and fix corrupted sectors.

Test the Hardware

If you are using an external drive, try a different cable or USB port. If the drive is old and noisy, consider replacing it.

Pause Antivirus Software

Temporarily disable real-time antivirus scans during the backup process to avoid conflicts.

Break the Backup into Smaller Parts

Instead of backing up the entire system at once, start with smaller folders or incremental backups.

Check Network Stability

For cloud backups, ensure your Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection is stable. Large uploads may benefit from running overnight when usage is lower.

Final Thoughts

When a backup keeps stalling, it usually points to storage, file integrity, or hardware issues. The most important step is to secure your critical files as soon as possible—whether by copying them manually or using an alternative method—before attempting to troubleshoot further. Once resolved, set up automated backups to reduce the risk of data loss in the future.