'%3e%3cpath%20d='M8%200C12.4183%200%2016%203.58172%2016%208C16%2012.4183%2012.4183%2016%208%2016C3.58172%2016%200%2012.4183%200%208C0%203.58172%203.58172%200%208%200ZM11.6162%204.38379C11.2257%203.99337%2010.5927%203.99338%2010.2021%204.38379L8%206.58594L5.79785%204.38379C5.40732%203.99334%204.77429%203.99329%204.38379%204.38379C3.99331%204.77429%203.99335%205.40733%204.38379%205.79785L6.58594%208L4.38379%2010.2021C3.99348%2010.5927%203.99341%2011.2257%204.38379%2011.6162C4.77426%2012.0066%205.40734%2012.0065%205.79785%2011.6162L8%209.41406L10.2021%2011.6162C10.5927%2012.0066%2011.2257%2012.0067%2011.6162%2011.6162C12.0067%2011.2257%2012.0066%2010.5927%2011.6162%2010.2021L9.41406%208L11.6162%205.79785C12.0066%205.40735%2012.0066%204.77429%2011.6162%204.38379Z'%20fill='%23080E17'%20fill-opacity='0.46'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0_3761_713'%3e%3crect%20width='16'%20height='16'%20fill='white'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
Fix Cannot Copy, Delete, or Change OneDrive Files On Demand on macOS Catalina
Question details
The user is unable to manage, modify, or delete files synced via OneDrive Files On-Demand on their Mac.
- Product
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Device & OS
- macOS Catalina
- Scenario
- Attempting to copy, delete, or change files stored in the OneDrive folder using the Files On-Demand feature on macOS Catalina.
- Observed behavior
- File operations fail to execute properly, and Files On-Demand settings are unresponsive or grayed out due to compatibility or permission limitations.
Verify that your Mac has an active internet connection and check the top menu bar to ensure the OneDrive client is currently running and logged in.
Check System Requirements and Update macOS or OneDrive
Updating your operating system or installing a supported version of the OneDrive client resolves core compatibility issues with Files On-Demand.
Microsoft frequently updates OneDrive, and newer synchronization features like Files On-Demand often drop support for older operating systems such as macOS Catalina.
Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your screen and select 'About This Mac' to confirm you are running macOS Catalina.
Navigate to System Preferences > Software Update to check if a newer, compatible macOS version is available for your Mac.
If you cannot upgrade your macOS, visit the Microsoft OneDrive release notes page to download the last supported version of the OneDrive client for macOS Catalina.
Verify and Repair Folder Permissions
Ensuring your macOS user account has the correct permissions prevents the system from blocking modifications to your OneDrive files.
Use OneDrive on the Web as a Workaround
When desktop synchronization fails on older operating systems, the web version provides a reliable way to manage your files.
Manage and Edit Your Documents Smoothly on Any Mac
If compatibility issues with Microsoft OneDrive and Office on older macOS versions are slowing you down, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative that works seamlessly on various macOS systems.
- 1. Download the installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the Mac version of the software.
- 2. Install the application: Open the downloaded file and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder.
- 3. Start editing: Launch WPS Office, sign in, and instantly open your existing Microsoft Office files to begin working.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did OneDrive Files On-Demand stop working on my macOS Catalina?
Microsoft continuously updates the OneDrive application. Newer versions of the sync client and features like Files On-Demand require technologies that are only available in newer macOS versions, leading to dropped support for older systems like Catalina.
Can I still access my OneDrive files if I cannot upgrade my Mac?
Yes. You can access, edit, and download your files by logging into the OneDrive website via a web browser. Alternatively, you can search for and install an older, legacy version of the OneDrive client that still supports macOS Catalina.
How do I fix grayed-out files in my OneDrive folder on Mac?
Grayed-out files typically indicate a synchronization error or permission issue. Ensure the OneDrive app is running, check your internet connection, and verify that your user account has 'Read & Write' permissions for the OneDrive folder.
What is the difference between Files On-Demand and standard syncing?
Files On-Demand allows you to view all your cloud files in Finder without downloading them, saving hard drive space. Standard syncing downloads a local copy of every file directly to your computer.
