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Fix Cannot Open Recent Office Files from SharePoint on macOS
Question details
The user is unable to open recent Office files from a synchronized SharePoint folder on macOS because the application displays an error indicating the file was moved, renamed, or deleted.
- Product
- Microsoft Office / SharePoint
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Opening synchronized SharePoint files directly from the Recent list in local Microsoft Office applications on a Mac.
- Observed behavior
- An error message appears stating the file has been moved, renamed, or deleted, or that an HTTPS address cannot be opened, even though the file is stored locally and opens correctly on the web.
Ensure that your Mac has a stable internet connection and that the OneDrive sync client is actively running in your menu bar with no pending sync errors.
Verify File Permissions with the Folder Owner
Check if special permissions on the shared SharePoint folder are restricting local desktop access.
Since the files open successfully on the web but fail locally, the folder owner may have configured permissions that restrict downloading or opening files in desktop applications.
Log in to SharePoint online using your web browser and verify that you can open and edit the problematic document in the web version of Word or Excel.
Reach out to the person who shared the folder and ask them to verify if 'Block Download' or 'Web-only access' permissions are enabled for your account.
If restricted, request the owner to grant standard Edit or Read permissions that allow local synchronization and desktop application access.
Clear the Office Recent Files List
Remove corrupted cache links in the Recent list that are attempting to access outdated HTTPS paths instead of your local synchronized files.
Test Local and OneDrive Sync Status
Isolate the issue by testing files saved strictly to your local drive versus files saved to your personal OneDrive.
Experience Hassle-Free Document Management on Mac with WPS Office
If SharePoint sync issues and 'file moved or deleted' errors continue to disrupt your workflow on macOS, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a stable, highly compatible, and lightweight environment for all your daily productivity needs.
- 1. Download the installer: Visit the official WPS website and download the macOS version of WPS Office.
- 2. Install the application: Open the downloaded file and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder.
- 3. Open your documents: Launch WPS Office and easily open your locally saved or synced documents without complex permission errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Microsoft Office say my SharePoint file is moved or deleted?
This typically occurs when the Recent list in your Office application is trying to access an outdated cached link or an HTTPS web address instead of the actual local synchronized file path on your Mac.
How do I force OneDrive to sync SharePoint folders on macOS?
Click the OneDrive cloud icon in your Mac's top menu bar, click the gear icon (Help & Settings), and select 'Pause syncing'. Wait a few moments, then select 'Resume syncing' to force the client to refresh the SharePoint folder connections.
Can I access shared SharePoint files if I only have web permissions?
No. If the folder owner has restricted the permissions to 'Web-only' or blocked downloads, you will not be able to open or edit the files using desktop applications on your Mac. You must request full edit permissions from the owner.
