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Fix OneDrive on Mac Showing Only an Empty Attachment Folder
Question details
The user needs to fix a synchronization failure where OneDrive on their Mac only displays an empty 'attachment' folder instead of their actual cloud files.
- Product
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Device & OS
- macOS (MacBook with M1 Pro chip)
- Scenario
- Syncing cloud files to local storage via the OneDrive desktop application.
- Observed behavior
- The synchronization process appears stuck or incomplete, displaying only a single empty folder named 'attachment' rather than the user's files and directories.
Verify that your MacBook is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network and temporarily pause any third-party antivirus or firewall software that might be blocking the OneDrive connection.
Unlink and Relink Your OneDrive Account
Signing out and back into OneDrive forces the application to refresh its connection to the cloud and restart the syncing process from scratch.
Often, temporary authentication glitches or network interruptions cause the sync process to stall. Relinking your account is a safe and effective way to reset the connection without losing data.
Click on the OneDrive cloud icon located in the Mac menu bar at the top of your screen.
Select 'Help & Settings' (the gear icon) from the dropdown menu, then click on 'Settings'.
Navigate to the 'Account' tab and click on the 'Sign out' button.
Relaunch the OneDrive application, sign in with your Microsoft credentials, and allow the initial file synchronization to complete.
Update or Reinstall the OneDrive Application
Running an outdated or corrupted version of OneDrive on an M1 Mac can cause severe compatibility issues and sync failures.
Enjoy Seamless Document Management with WPS Office
If you frequently encounter syncing issues with Microsoft Office and OneDrive, consider trying WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, free alternative to Microsoft Office with robust cloud storage features, ensuring your documents are always accessible and secure on your Mac.
- 1. Download for Mac: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the macOS version.
- 2. Install and Launch: Open the installer and drag the WPS Office icon to your Applications folder.
- 3. Sign In and Sync: Log in to your WPS account to instantly access your free cloud storage space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my OneDrive only show an empty attachment folder?
This usually happens when the initial sync is interrupted, blocked by antivirus software, or due to account authentication glitches between your Mac and the Microsoft servers.
Will reinstalling OneDrive delete my cloud files?
No, uninstalling the OneDrive application from your Mac will only remove the local software. Your files remain completely secure in your online OneDrive account.
How do I know if my antivirus is blocking OneDrive?
You can temporarily disable your antivirus software or Mac firewall to see if the missing files begin to sync. If they do, you will need to add OneDrive to your antivirus software's exception list.
