OneDrive File Issues

Fix OneDrive for Mac Showing Only My Files in Finder

Kushani Nimanthika Sep 27, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user's OneDrive desktop client on Mac only displays the 'My Files' directory in Finder, failing to show other shared folders.

How to Fix OneDrive for Mac Showing Only 'My Files' in Finder

Product: OneDrive for Mac
Device & OS: macOS
Scenario: Attempting to access shared OneDrive folders directly from the Mac Finder.
Observed behavior: Only the 'My Files' folder is visible in Finder; shared folders do not appear or sync automatically to the local directory.

Before you start

Ensure your Mac has a stable internet connection and that the folder owner has granted you editing or syncing permissions for the shared folders.

Solution 1Recommended

Add Shared Folders as Shortcuts via OneDrive Web

Shared folders do not sync to your Mac automatically. You must manually add a shortcut to them through the OneDrive web interface to make them visible in Finder.

By default, OneDrive isolates shared folders in a separate web view to save local storage space. To sync them locally on your Mac, you need to explicitly link them to your 'My Files' directory.

Log in to OneDrive on the Web

Open your preferred web browser, navigate to the official OneDrive website, and log in with your associated Microsoft account credentials.

Locate the Shared Folder

Click on the 'Shared' tab located on the left navigation pane to view all files and folders that have been shared with you.

Add Shortcut to My Files

Select the shared folder you want to sync, and click on 'Add shortcut to My files' (or select 'Sync' if available) from the top toolbar.

Allow Finder to Update

Wait a few moments for the OneDrive desktop app to detect the changes. The shared folder shortcut will soon appear inside the OneDrive folder in your Mac's Finder.

Add Shared Folders as Shortcuts via OneDrive Web

Permission Requirements: You can only add a shortcut or sync a folder if the original owner has granted you the appropriate editing permissions. View-only folders cannot be synced directly to Finder.

Solution 2

Verify OneDrive Account Linking and Sync Status

If shortcuts still do not appear in Finder, ensure your OneDrive app is actively running, linked to the correct account, and that syncing is not paused.

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Edit Your Synced OneDrive Files with WPS Office on Mac

While resolving your OneDrive synchronization settings, consider using WPS Office to open, edit, and manage your documents. It provides a seamless, lightweight, and free alternative to Microsoft Office that integrates perfectly with your local Mac Finder.

1. Install WPS Office for Mac: Download and install the free WPS Office application tailored for macOS from the official website.
2. Open Synced OneDrive Files: Navigate to your updated OneDrive folder in Finder and double-click any Word, Excel, or PowerPoint file to open it in WPS Office.
3. Edit and Auto-Save: Edit your documents normally. When you click save, the file updates in your local OneDrive folder and automatically syncs back to the cloud.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do shared OneDrive folders not sync automatically on Mac?

By default, shared folders are only accessible via the web or the 'Shared' tab to prevent unwanted files from consuming your local hard drive space. You must manually add a shortcut to 'My Files' on the web to make them appear in Finder.

What should I do if the 'Add shortcut to My files' button is missing?

If the button is not visible on the OneDrive web interface, you likely only have 'View' permissions for that folder, or the owner has restricted syncing. Contact the folder owner to request editing access.

Can I sync a shared folder if I am using a personal OneDrive account?

Yes, but both the sender and the receiver must be using compatible account types. While adding shortcuts works for personal accounts, specific organizational policies might restrict external sharing and syncing for business accounts.

Document & File Issues