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Fix OneDrive for Mac Keeping Files on This Device Automatically
Question details
Users need to stop OneDrive from automatically resetting folder sync preferences to 'Make all files available' without permission.
- Product
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Managing local SSD storage space while syncing cloud files via the OneDrive desktop application on a Mac.
- Observed behavior
- OneDrive repeatedly resets synchronization settings, forces cloud files to download to the local SSD, consumes local storage space, drains battery, and occasionally prompts the user to set up the app again after a restart.
Check your current available SSD storage in macOS System Settings > General > Storage to ensure your system does not run out of space while you are configuring the sync preferences.
Review and Reset Files On-Demand Settings
Manually verifying and resetting your Files On-Demand settings can stop OneDrive from forcing local file downloads.
The macOS Files On-Demand feature is designed to save space, but misconfigured settings or a temporary glitch can cause it to default to keeping all files locally.
Click the OneDrive cloud icon located in your Mac's top menu bar, click the 'Help & Settings' gear icon, and select 'Preferences'.
Navigate to the 'Sync & Backup' or 'Preferences' tab and ensure the 'Files On-Demand' feature is turned on or toggle it off and back on to refresh the setting.
Open Finder, navigate to your OneDrive folder, right-click the folders that were downloaded automatically, and select 'Free up space' to return them to cloud-only mode.
Update OneDrive and macOS
Outdated software frequently causes synchronization bugs; updating ensures you have Microsoft's latest patches for Mac.
Reset the OneDrive Application
If the sync settings reset persists, completely resetting the OneDrive application components can resolve deep-rooted configuration errors.
Switch to WPS Office for Reliable Document Management on Mac
Tired of unpredictable OneDrive synchronization issues draining your Mac's battery and storage? WPS Office is a lightweight, highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Office that gives you complete control over your local and cloud documents without forced downloads.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free WPS Office application for macOS.
- 2. Install the Software: Open the downloaded package and drag the WPS Office icon to your Applications folder.
- 3. Open Your Files: Launch WPS Office and simply open your existing Word, Excel, or PowerPoint files directly from your local drive to start editing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does OneDrive keep asking me to set up again after I restart my Mac?
This can happen if OneDrive's configuration files become corrupted or if macOS security permissions are preventing the app from saving its background login items. Resetting the OneDrive app and ensuring it has 'Full Disk Access' in macOS System Settings usually resolves this.
Does pausing and resuming sync fix the 'Always Keep on This Device' issue?
Temporarily pausing and resuming sync from the OneDrive menu bar can sometimes refresh the connection and stop the immediate download loop. However, if this is a recurring software bug, you will likely need to update the application or reset the app preferences.
How can I quickly regain the SSD space OneDrive just consumed?
Open Finder, go to your OneDrive directory, select all the files and folders that were unexpectedly downloaded, right-click them, and click 'Free up space'. This removes the local files while safely keeping your versions stored in the cloud.
