OneDrive File Issues

Fix OneDrive Cannot Add Your Folder Error on macOS Sonoma

Maira Mehtab Sep 24, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user is trying to set up OneDrive on macOS Sonoma but encounters an error preventing folder synchronization, even after basic troubleshooting.

Product: OneDrive for Mac
Device & OS: macOS Sonoma
Scenario: Performing the initial sign-in and folder setup for OneDrive on a Mac computer that is joined to an Active Directory environment.
Observed behavior: OneDrive displays the message 'Sorry, we can't add your folder' during sign-in. Standard fixes like resetting and reinstalling do not work, whereas Windows PCs on the same network sync normally.

Before you start

Ensure your Mac is fully updated to the latest version of macOS Sonoma and verify that you have administrative privileges to manage local user profiles and device settings.

Solution 1Recommended

Test with a New Local macOS User Profile

Creating a fresh macOS user account helps determine if the synchronization issue is caused by corrupted local profile settings or cache files.

Often, backend permission glitches or corrupted cache directories within a specific macOS user account can block OneDrive from creating its sync folder. Testing on a completely new local profile isolates the issue from your primary account.

Create a New User

Click the Apple menu and select System Settings. Scroll down to Users & Groups, click Add Account, and follow the prompts to create a new Administrator profile.

Log In to the New Profile

Log out of your current macOS account and log into the newly created local profile.

Install and Test OneDrive

Download the latest release of OneDrive for Mac, install it, and attempt to sign in to see if the folder creation succeeds.

Profile Isolation: If OneDrive works in the new profile, the issue is local to your original account. You may need to migrate your data to the new user account or perform a deep clean of OneDrive preference files in the original profile.

Solution 2

Verify Tenant Configuration and Access Controls

Check your Microsoft 365 Admin settings to ensure macOS devices are not being blocked by Conditional Access or SharePoint synchronization policies.

Solution 3

Escalate to Microsoft 365 Business Support

When local troubleshooting fails and tenant settings appear correct, contact Microsoft support to investigate backend server logs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does OneDrive say 'Sorry, we can't add your folder' only on my Mac?

This error is typically isolated to macOS when Microsoft 365 tenant policies, such as Conditional Access or SharePoint device restrictions, block non-Windows devices from syncing. It can also happen due to corrupted local user profile permissions on macOS Sonoma.

Does resetting the OneDrive app fix this macOS Sonoma issue?

While resetting the OneDrive app clears local cache and resolves basic sync problems, it will not fix the issue if the root cause is a backend device enrollment restriction or an Active Directory domain-join policy blocking the connection.

How do I find my Mac's GUID to add it to an Active Directory allow list?

You can find your Mac's Hardware UUID by clicking the Apple menu, selecting System Settings, navigating to General > About, and scrolling down to click on System Report. The Hardware UUID is listed under the Hardware Overview section.

Can Conditional Access policies block OneDrive on macOS without affecting Windows?

Yes. Conditional Access in Azure AD allows administrators to set platform-specific rules. If a policy requires devices to be marked as compliant but macOS compliance policies are improperly configured, Mac users will be blocked while Windows users sync normally.

Document & File Issues