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Fix OneDrive Free Up Space Still Showing Local Disk Usage on Mac
Question details
The user needs to resolve an issue where OneDrive continues to report local disk space usage on Mac even after the 'Free Up Space' feature has been applied.
- Product
- OneDrive for Mac
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Attempting to clear local storage space using the OneDrive Files On-Demand feature on a Mac.
- Observed behavior
- Files successfully display cloud icons and download only when opened, but folder properties in Finder incorrectly show 'Size' and 'Size on Disk' as equal.
Before making application changes, log in to OneDrive on the web to verify that all your files are fully synced and safely available in the cloud.
Unlink and Relink Your OneDrive Account
Disconnecting and reconnecting your account forces OneDrive to resync file properties with macOS, which often corrects storage reporting issues in Finder.
This process will not delete your files. It simply disconnects the sync relationship between your Mac and the OneDrive cloud server, allowing it to rebuild the file index upon reconnecting.
Click on the OneDrive cloud icon located in the Mac menu bar. Click the gear icon (Help & Settings) in the top right corner of the flyout, and select 'Preferences'.
Navigate to the 'Account' tab in the Preferences window. Click the 'Unlink this Mac' link and confirm your choice in the dialog box.
Restart the OneDrive application and sign in with your Microsoft credentials to set up the sync folder again. Ensure 'Files On-Demand' is active to keep files online-only.
Reset the OneDrive Mac Client
If relinking does not fix the local disk usage report, resetting the app will clear its internal cache and completely reset synchronization processes.
Looking for a seamless Office suite that works perfectly on Mac?
While troubleshooting cloud storage issues, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Office, integrating smoothly with your local and cloud files without heavy resource consumption or complex sync issues.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the Mac version of WPS Office.
- 2. Install and Launch: Follow the straightforward installation prompts to install the suite on your Mac, then open the application.
- 3. Open Your Files: Directly open your existing Microsoft Office documents, spreadsheets, and presentations with perfect formatting preservation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Mac show full size for OneDrive online-only files?
macOS Finder sometimes relies on cached index data or misinterprets the placeholder files created by OneDrive's Files On-Demand feature. This leads Finder to display the file's logical size instead of the physical disk space it occupies.
What happens to my local files if I reset the OneDrive app?
Resetting the app does not delete any of your files or folders. It only clears application settings and the sync cache, meaning OneDrive will perform a comprehensive sync check to match cloud files upon restarting.
Can I check my actual disk usage using Mac System Settings instead of Finder?
Yes. Go to the Apple Menu > System Settings > General > Storage. This system storage overview often provides a much more accurate representation of your available local disk space compared to individual folder properties in Finder.
