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Fix OneDrive Folder Setup and Sync Problems on macOS
Question details
Users are experiencing repeated setup requests and sync failures when trying to add or synchronize a OneDrive company folder on macOS.
- Product
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Setting up or syncing OneDrive folders on an internal or external drive, especially after restarting the Mac.
- Observed behavior
- OneDrive repeatedly prompts for setup upon restart, or fails to add specific folders, often complicated by macOS Files On-Demand restrictions and default sync locations.
Ensure your macOS is fully updated and check if you can successfully access OneDrive for Business via your web browser to rule out temporary account or server outages.
Adopt the macOS Default Sync Root Location
Use this solution to align with the new macOS Files On-Demand architecture, which enforces a specific location for cloud storage synchronization.
With the recent release of the Files On-Demand experience, Apple macOS now natively controls the sync root location. This means the synchronization folder cannot be moved to an external drive or a custom internal path.
Open Finder and navigate to your user home directory, then go to Library > CloudStorage > OneDrive-Personal (or OneDrive-Business).
Accept the default path provided by OneDrive during the setup process. Do not attempt to drag or reassign this folder to an external drive, as macOS will block the sync.
Run Disk Utility to Repair the File System
File system errors on your Mac's drive can prevent OneDrive from reading or writing sync data correctly.
Verify Admin Policies and SharePoint Settings
If you are syncing a company folder, administrator restrictions or SharePoint library rules might be blocking the process.
Edit and Save Your Documents Seamlessly with WPS Office
If OneDrive sync issues are disrupting your workflow, consider using WPS Office. It is a highly compatible, free alternative to Microsoft Office that offers a familiar interface and reliable local or cloud file management without strict domain limitations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change the OneDrive sync root location to an external drive on macOS?
No. With the new Files On-Demand experience, macOS strictly controls the sync location, securely storing it inside ~/Library/CloudStorage/. It can no longer be moved to an external drive or customized.
Why does OneDrive keep asking me to set up after every Mac restart?
This can happen if there are file system errors on your disk preventing settings from being saved, or if an administrator policy is actively blocking synchronization on non-domain-joined macOS computers.
What SharePoint settings can prevent a company folder from syncing?
If the SharePoint library has 'Require Check Out' enabled, contains required columns that are empty, or restricts 'Draft Item Security' to only users who can edit items, OneDrive will fail to add or sync the folder.
How do I test if my Mac user profile is causing the sync failure?
You can go to System Settings > Users & Groups to create a new, temporary macOS user account. Log into that new profile and attempt to set up OneDrive; if it works, your original user profile's preferences or cache may be corrupted.
