OneDrive File Issues

Fix OneDrive Files On-Demand Extremely Slow on Mac

Emma Brown Oct 10, 2026 871 views

Question details

The user is experiencing significant delays when trying to download and open small files using OneDrive Files On-Demand from Finder.

How to Fix OneDrive Files On-Demand Extremely Slow on Mac

Product: OneDrive for Mac
Device & OS: Mac (Apple Silicon)
Scenario: Downloading and opening small cloud files directly from macOS Finder via OneDrive.
Observed behavior: Files take several minutes to download through Finder, even though the exact same files open instantly from the OneDrive web interface.

Before you start

Ensure your Mac is connected to a stable internet network, and verify that you are running the latest native Apple Silicon version of the OneDrive client rather than an outdated Intel version.

Solution 1Recommended

Check File Sync Limitations and Test Local Files

Determine if the sluggishness is caused by hitting OneDrive's file count limits or a specific issue with the sync queue.

OneDrive performance can degrade heavily if you have an extraordinarily large number of files syncing simultaneously. Testing a local file can help isolate whether the issue is network-related or limit-based.

Create a test file

Create a new text document or small file locally on your Mac's desktop to test basic system performance.

Test upload speed

Drag this new file into your OneDrive folder in Finder to monitor how quickly the local file syncs to the cloud.

Check sync volume

Right-click your OneDrive folder and check the item count. Performance drops significantly if you are attempting to sync over 300,000 files.

Review restrictions

Review your file names and paths to ensure they comply with SharePoint and OneDrive character restrictions, as invalid files can stall the entire sync engine.

Check File Sync Limitations and Test Local Files

Microsoft Investigation: Microsoft is continuously investigating performance issues on Apple Silicon. Keeping your OneDrive app up to date ensures you receive the latest backend fixes.

Solution 2

Create a New macOS User Profile

Isolate the issue to see if a corrupted macOS user profile is causing conflicts with the OneDrive Finder extension.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Apple Silicon chip affect OneDrive performance?

OneDrive has released native versions for Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3). Ensure you are not running the older Intel version via Rosetta, as emulation can cause severe performance drops and slow Files On-Demand downloads.

Is there a limit to how many files OneDrive can sync on a Mac?

Yes, Microsoft strongly recommends syncing no more than 300,000 files across your OneDrive and SharePoint libraries. Exceeding this limit can cause Files On-Demand to become extremely slow or unresponsive.

Can I force a file to always stay on my Mac to avoid download delays?

Yes. Right-click the specific file or folder in Finder and select 'Always keep on this device.' This will download the file permanently, bypassing the On-Demand download delay for future access.

Document & File Issues