OneDrive File Issues

Fix OneDrive for Mac Upload Blocked and Read-Only Files

Khadija Khan Oct 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user is experiencing an authentication conflict on Mac, causing OneDrive to restrict file editing and stop syncing.

How to Fix OneDrive for Mac Showing Upload Blocked and Read-Only Files

Product: Microsoft OneDrive for Mac, Microsoft Office
Device & OS: Mac
Scenario: Adding a second work account to Microsoft Outlook triggers a credential conflict across Microsoft 365 services.
Observed behavior: OneDrive repeatedly prompts for sign-in, displays an Upload Blocked error, and opens files from the original account in read-only mode.

Before you start

Verify that your files can still be edited through the OneDrive for Business website, and manually copy any unsynced local changes to a separate folder before clearing your cache.

Solution 1Recommended

Clear Office Credentials and Reset OneDrive

Removing conflicting Microsoft identities from your Mac's Keychain and resetting the OneDrive application will restore proper account synchronization.

When multiple Microsoft work accounts are linked to Office apps on a Mac, the macOS Keychain can occasionally cache conflicting login tokens. This results in continuous authentication loops and prevents OneDrive from verifying your write permissions.

Close all Office applications

Completely quit all Microsoft Office applications running on your Mac, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and the OneDrive sync client.

Remove Office credentials from Keychain

Open Spotlight search (Cmd + Space), type 'Keychain Access', and open the app. Search for 'Microsoft Office' and delete all related identity and credential cache entries.

Clear Group Containers cache

Open Finder, press Cmd+Shift+G, and navigate to ~/Library/Group Containers. Locate and delete folders associated with Office identities (such as UBF8T346G9.Office). Note: Ensure you have backed up any local Outlook data before doing this.

Reset the OneDrive app

Right-click the OneDrive app in your Applications folder and select 'Show Package Contents'. Navigate to Contents > Resources and double-click the 'ResetOneDriveApp.command' or 'ResetOneDriveAppStandalone.command' script.

Restart and sign back in

Restart your Mac. Open OneDrive, sign in with your primary work account, and re-enable the Office file-sync option in OneDrive settings.

Clear Office Credentials and Reset OneDrive

Sync Restored: Once you sign back in with a clean credential slate, your files should open with full editing permissions and uploads will resume.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office for a Hassle-Free Experience

If Microsoft Office account conflicts and OneDrive sync errors are frequently disrupting your workflow on Mac, consider trying WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative for Mac users without complex background credential issues.

1. Download and install WPS Office: Get the official WPS Office for Mac installer from the WPS website and complete the quick installation process.
2. Open your local files directly: Launch WPS Office and open your downloaded OneDrive documents directly from your Mac's local storage to bypass cloud sync conflicts.
3. Edit and save in standard formats: Edit your documents smoothly. WPS automatically saves them in native Microsoft Office formats, ensuring total compatibility when sharing with colleagues.

Avoid complex Microsoft account conflicts and continuous sign-in prompts on Mac.Fully compatible with standard Microsoft Office formats, including .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx.Seamlessly open and edit local files or connect directly to third-party cloud drives without forced sync barriers.Lightweight installation that consumes far fewer system resources than Microsoft 365.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does OneDrive say 'Upload Blocked' on my Mac?

'Upload Blocked' typically occurs when there is an authentication conflict between multiple Microsoft accounts signed into Office apps. This prevents the sync client from verifying your permissions to upload modified files.

How do I stop OneDrive from making my files read-only?

You can resolve this by signing out of your Office applications, clearing your Mac's Keychain Access of old Microsoft credentials, and re-signing in with the specific account linked to your active OneDrive subscription.

Will running the reset script delete my OneDrive files?

No, resetting the OneDrive app only clears the local sync state, connection settings, and app configurations. It does not delete any of your files stored in the cloud, though you will need to re-select which folders you want to sync locally.

Document & File Issues