Fix OneDrive for Business High CPU Usage on macOS
Question details
The user needs to reduce resource usage because the fileproviderd process is consuming approximately 120% CPU while running OneDrive for Business.
- Product
- OneDrive for Business
- Device & OS
- macOS Monterey
- Scenario
- Running OneDrive for Business to sync files on a Mac.
- Observed behavior
- The fileproviderd macOS process spikes to abnormally high CPU usage (around 120%) whenever OneDrive for Business is actively running.
Ensure that any currently syncing files are locally backed up or completely uploaded to prevent data loss before proceeding with an app reset.
Reset the OneDrive App
Resetting the OneDrive app clears its internal cache and state, which often resolves syncing loops that cause the fileproviderd process to spike CPU usage.
Resetting OneDrive does not delete your files. It only removes the application settings and cached data, forcing OneDrive to perform a clean synchronization check.
Click the OneDrive cloud icon in the macOS menu bar, click the gear icon (Settings & More), and select 'Quit OneDrive'.
Open Finder, go to the Applications folder, right-click on the 'OneDrive' app, and select 'Show Package Contents'.
Navigate to Contents > Resources. Double-click the file named 'ResetOneDriveApp.command' (or 'ResetOneDriveAppStandalone.command' if using the standalone version).
Restart your Mac. Open OneDrive from the Applications folder, sign in again, and monitor the Activity Monitor to see if CPU usage has normalized.
Test with a New macOS User Profile
Creating a new macOS user profile helps isolate whether the high CPU issue is caused by corrupted preferences in your current user account.
Update Software and Escalate to Support
If the issue persists across different profiles and resets, it may be a known software bug requiring updates or administrative intervention.
Experience Lightweight Cloud Sync with WPS Office
If background processes like OneDrive and Microsoft Office are draining your Mac's battery and CPU, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative with its own optimized cloud storage, keeping your Mac running smoothly.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Download and install the WPS Office app for macOS from the official website.
- 2. Open Your Files: Open your existing Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files directly in WPS Office without any format loss.
- 3. Enable WPS Cloud: Sign in to enable WPS Cloud, which securely auto-saves and syncs your documents with minimal impact on system resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fileproviderd process on my Mac?
The fileproviderd process is a built-in macOS background daemon responsible for managing cloud-based file synchronization services like OneDrive, iCloud, and Google Drive. When an app gets stuck syncing or encounters a cache error, this process can spike to over 100% CPU.
Will resetting OneDrive delete my locally saved files?
No, resetting the OneDrive app will not delete any of your files or folders. It simply disconnects your account, removes app configuration data, and clears the sync cache so you can start fresh.
How can I verify that OneDrive is the cause of the high CPU usage?
You can verify this by opening Activity Monitor from your Mac's Applications > Utilities folder. Check the CPU tab to see if 'fileproviderd' is using extensive resources. If you fully quit OneDrive from the menu bar and the CPU usage drops back to normal, OneDrive is the root cause.
