Fix OneDrive Disappearing from macOS Login Items After Updates
Question details
The user needs to resolve an issue where OneDrive is automatically removed from macOS Login Items after app updates, preventing automatic startup and delaying file synchronization.
- Product
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Configuring the OneDrive sync client to remain in Mac startup items so continuous and automatic file synchronization is maintained.
- Observed behavior
- After automatic software updates, OneDrive removes itself from the macOS Login Items list, requiring the user to launch it manually and causing significant delays while it reviews file sync status.
Ensure your macOS is updated to the latest version and verify that you have your Microsoft account credentials ready before resetting or reinstalling OneDrive.
Reset OneDrive and Verify Finder Extensions
Resetting the OneDrive application clears internal bugs causing it to drop from login items, while checking extensions ensures proper system integration.
In newer macOS versions (12.1 and later), OneDrive relies heavily on Apple's Files On-Demand experience. Resetting the app forces it to rebuild its sync roots and re-register properly with macOS startup parameters.
Open System Settings (or System Preferences), navigate to Extensions, and ensure that the 'OneDrive Finder Integration' is checked and enabled.
Hold the Option key on your keyboard, right-click the Finder icon in your Dock, and select 'Relaunch'.
Open the Applications folder, right-click the OneDrive app, and choose 'Show Package Contents'. Navigate to Contents > Resources, and double-click 'ResetOneDriveApp.command' (or 'ResetOneDriveAppStandalone.command') to run the reset script.
Restart your Mac, open System Settings > General > Login Items, and click the '+' button to add OneDrive back to the list of applications that open at login.
Completely Uninstall and Reinstall OneDrive
Use this solution if resetting the app does not work. A clean installation removes corrupted cache files that might be causing the update loop.
Try WPS Office for Mac – A Lightweight, Seamless Office Alternative
If background sync issues and resource-heavy updates from Microsoft services are slowing down your Mac workflow, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible, and free alternative to Microsoft Office, ensuring smooth document management without the frustration of complex background agents.
- 1. Download the App: Visit the official WPS website and download the free WPS Office installer optimized for macOS.
- 2. Install and Launch: Follow the on-screen instructions to install the application, then launch WPS Office from your Applications folder.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does OneDrive keep removing itself from Mac login items?
This is a known issue often triggered when the OneDrive client performs an automatic background update. The update process sometimes fails to properly re-register the app in macOS Login Items. Resetting or cleanly reinstalling the app usually resolves the underlying permission conflict.
Where are my OneDrive files located in newer macOS versions?
From macOS 12.1 onward, to comply with Apple's new Files On-Demand experience, the default sync-root location for OneDrive files changed to '~/Library/CloudStorage'.
Does starting the Mac in Safe Mode help fix OneDrive issues?
Yes. Booting your Mac into Safe Mode clears system caches and runs disk checks. It helps identify if third-party background applications or conflicting login items are preventing OneDrive from launching automatically.
