OneDrive File Issues

Fix: Cannot Select OneDrive Folders to Sync on macOS

Guest Writer Sep 30, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user is unable to choose specific OneDrive folders for synchronization on a Mac computer.

Fix: Cannot Select OneDrive Folders to Sync on macOS

Product: OneDrive for Mac
Device & OS: macOS
Scenario: Configuring local OneDrive folder synchronization preferences on a Mac device.
Observed behavior: The OneDrive application prevents the user from selecting or modifying which folders are synchronized locally to the computer.

Before you start

Verify whether you are using a personal, work, or school Microsoft account, as managed organization accounts may have administrator restrictions on folder syncing. Additionally, ensure your Mac is connected to a stable and private internet network.

Solution 1Recommended

Reset the OneDrive Application

Resetting the OneDrive app clears its cache and internal settings, often resolving application-state problems that prevent folder selection.

Running the reset command removes your app preferences but does not delete your synced files or data.

Quit the OneDrive App

Click the OneDrive cloud icon in the top Mac Menu bar, select 'Help & Settings' (the gear icon), and click 'Quit OneDrive'.

Open Application Package Contents

Open Finder, navigate to your 'Applications' folder, right-click the Microsoft OneDrive app, and select 'Show Package Contents'.

Run the Reset Script

Navigate to 'Contents' > 'Resources'. Locate the file named 'ResetOneDriveApp.command' (or 'ResetOneDriveAppStandalone.command') and double-click to run it.

Relaunch and Test

Once the script finishes executing, relaunch OneDrive from your Applications folder, sign back in, and attempt to select your folders again.

Terminal Window Prompt: When running the reset command, a Terminal window will open. You may need to enter your Mac administrator password to authorize the script.

Solution 2

Test Network Connection and Reinstall OneDrive

Network restrictions or a corrupted application installation might block OneDrive from loading the folder list properly.

Solution 3

Test with a New Local Administrator Account

Creating a new user profile helps determine if the issue is caused by corrupted permissions specific to your current macOS user account.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Enhance Your Document Workflow with WPS Office

While troubleshooting your OneDrive sync configuration, consider trying WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, comprehensive office suite that seamlessly integrates with various cloud storage platforms, making file management and document editing incredibly efficient on your Mac.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the macOS installation file.
2. Install the Application: Open the downloaded package and follow the on-screen instructions to install WPS Office on your Mac.
3. Connect Your Cloud: Open WPS Office, sign in, and connect your preferred cloud services to start managing and editing your files seamlessly.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint file formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx).Built-in WPS Cloud storage provides a reliable alternative for syncing and backing up important documents.Lightweight design ensures fast performance and smooth multitasking on macOS.Familiar user interface requires no learning curve for Microsoft Office users.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the 'Choose Folders' option greyed out in OneDrive for Mac?

This typically occurs if OneDrive is still actively calculating file changes, if there is a network connectivity issue blocking communication with the server, or if a corporate policy restricts manual folder selection on managed organizational devices.

Will resetting the OneDrive app delete my locally saved files?

No, resetting the OneDrive application using the script in the package contents will not delete your files. It only resets the application settings and forces OneDrive to perform a full sync and re-authentication upon the next launch.

How do I selectively sync folders once the issue is resolved?

Click the OneDrive cloud icon in your Mac menu bar, go to 'Preferences' or 'Settings', select the 'Account' tab, and click the 'Choose folders' button to specify exactly which directories you want synced to your local drive.

Does my network connection affect OneDrive's ability to load folder settings?

Yes. If your Mac is connected to a managed corporate network or a Wi-Fi network with strict firewall settings, it may block OneDrive from properly fetching your cloud directory structure, preventing you from selecting folders.

Document & File Issues