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Fix OneDrive for Mac Keeps Closing and Failing to Sync
Question details
The user is experiencing repeated crashes and persistent sync failures with OneDrive on Mac, specifically affecting Excel and SharePoint files on newer Apple Silicon devices.
- Product
- OneDrive for Mac
- Device & OS
- macOS (Apple Silicon / M1 / M2)
- Scenario
- Attempting to keep OneDrive running in the background to synchronize local files, Excel documents, and SharePoint directories with the cloud.
- Observed behavior
- OneDrive repeatedly closes on its own, syncs very slowly, or completely fails to synchronize offline changes, even after resetting, reinstalling, or performing a clean macOS installation.
Ensure your Mac is connected to a stable internet connection and verify that you have sufficient local disk space and cloud storage available before troubleshooting OneDrive sync issues.
Reset the OneDrive App and Update macOS
Resetting the OneDrive application's configuration and updating to the latest macOS version can resolve deep-seated compatibility bugs on Apple Silicon Macs.
A simple reinstallation often leaves behind corrupted preference files. Performing a complete reset forces OneDrive to rebuild its synchronization database, which frequently resolves sudden closures and frozen sync states.
Click the OneDrive cloud icon in your Mac's top menu bar, click the gear icon (Help & Settings), and select 'Quit OneDrive'.
Open Finder and navigate to your Applications folder. Right-click the OneDrive app and select 'Show Package Contents'. Navigate to Contents > Resources and double-click the file named 'ResetOneDriveApp.command' (or 'ResetOneDriveAppStandalone.command').
Click the Apple menu and go to System Settings > General > Software Update. Download and install any available macOS updates to ensure full compatibility with your Apple Silicon chip.
Launch OneDrive from your Applications folder. Sign back in with your Microsoft credentials and allow the app to scan your files and resume synchronization.
Verify Storage Limits and Resolve File Name Conflicts
Insufficient storage or unsupported characters in file names can cause the OneDrive client to freeze or crash unexpectedly during the sync process.
Collect Sync Logs and Contact Support
If extensive troubleshooting and a clean macOS installation do not stop the crashes on your Mac Studio or M1 device, the issue may require Microsoft Support to investigate application logs.
Try WPS Office for Reliable Mac Document Management
If OneDrive and Microsoft 365 continue to crash on your Apple Silicon Mac, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible suite for your documents, spreadsheets, and presentations, with built-in cloud options that won't disrupt your workflow.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the installation package designed for macOS.
- 2. Install the Application: Open the downloaded file and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder.
- 3. Open and Edit Local Files: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing Microsoft Office files locally without relying on unstable background sync clients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does OneDrive keep crashing on my M1 Mac?
OneDrive may experience compatibility issues or background conflicts on newer Apple Silicon (M1/M2) Macs. Outdated application versions, corrupted cache files from previous installations, or deep macOS system bugs can trigger these unexpected application closures.
Will I lose my files if I reset the OneDrive app on Mac?
No, resetting the OneDrive application will not delete your actual local or cloud files. It only clears the app's configuration settings and forces a full synchronization check of your data once you sign back in.
Why are my Excel files not syncing to SharePoint through OneDrive?
Sync failures for Excel files can occur if the file is currently open in another program, contains unsupported characters in its name, or if your local OneDrive application is frozen or disconnected from the Microsoft servers.
How do I fix a slow OneDrive sync on macOS?
To resolve slow synchronization speeds, click the OneDrive menu bar icon, pause the sync, and resume it. Additionally, ensure your internet connection is stable and verify that OneDrive's network upload and download rates are not artificially limited in the application's Network Preferences.
