OneDrive File Issues

Fix OneDrive for Mac Not Syncing Locally Deleted Files

Muhammad Talha Oct 12, 2026 868 views

Question details

Users need to resolve an issue where deleting files locally on a Mac does not remove the corresponding files from the OneDrive cloud storage.

How to Fix OneDrive for Mac Not Syncing Locally Deleted Files

Product: OneDrive for Mac
Device & OS: macOS
Scenario: Attempting to delete local files to free up space or organize folders, expecting changes to accurately reflect in the cloud.
Observed behavior: OneDrive successfully synchronizes file moves and renames, but locally deleted files remain in the cloud and are not properly removed.

Before you start

Before resetting your synchronization state, manually copy and back up any important files that have not yet successfully synced to the cloud.

Solution 1Recommended

Unlink and Relink Your OneDrive Account

Resetting the synchronization state by unlinking and relinking your Mac is the most effective way to resolve persistent sync issues.

When OneDrive stops syncing specific actions like file deletions, the local sync cache may be corrupted. Unlinking your account severs the connection temporarily, allowing OneDrive to rebuild a fresh synchronization state when you sign back in.

Open OneDrive Preferences

Click the OneDrive cloud icon in your Mac menu bar. Click the gear icon (Help & Settings) and select Preferences.

Navigate to the Account Tab

In the Preferences window, click on the Account tab at the top to view your current synchronization settings.

Unlink Your Mac

Click the 'Unlink this Mac' link under your account details. A confirmation prompt will appear; confirm that you want to unlink the account.

Sign In and Rebuild

Once unlinked, the OneDrive setup screen will appear. Sign in with your Microsoft account credentials and follow the prompts to re-establish the connection. Allow some time for OneDrive to scan and rebuild the sync process.

Sync Time May Vary: Depending on the total size of your OneDrive storage and your internet connection speed, rebuilding the synchronization state may take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does OneDrive sync moves but not deletions on Mac?

This partial sync failure typically occurs when the local OneDrive database encounters a corruption or permission error, causing it to misread local macOS deletion events while still recognizing file moves.

Will unlinking OneDrive delete my local files?

No. Unlinking your Mac simply stops the synchronization process and disconnects your account. Your local files and the files already in the cloud remain perfectly intact.

Do I need to download all my files again after relinking?

Not necessarily. If you choose the same local folder during the setup process after relinking, OneDrive will scan the existing files and merge them with the cloud, only downloading or uploading what is different.

Document & File Issues