OneDrive File Issues

Fix OneDrive Stops Syncing and Shows Start OneDrive on macOS

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 870 views

Question details

Users experience periodic syncing interruptions with OneDrive on macOS, accompanied by a Finder prompt instructing them to start OneDrive, despite the app already running.

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: macOS Monterey (macOS 12)
Scenario: Syncing local files to cloud storage via the Finder integration on Mac.
Observed behavior: OneDrive stops syncing randomly. The macOS Finder displays a message telling the user to 'Start OneDrive' even though the application is actively open. Restarting the application only restores syncing temporarily.

Before you start

Ensure you have a stable internet connection and verify that your macOS operating system has the latest available security patches installed before troubleshooting the application.

Solution 1Recommended

Update and Reset the OneDrive App

Updating to the latest supported version and resetting the application configuration can resolve underlying sync stalls on macOS.

Resetting Microsoft OneDrive can sometimes resolve sync issues and resets all OneDrive settings. Rest assured, resetting OneDrive will not result in the loss of any of your files.

Quit OneDrive completely

Click on the OneDrive cloud icon in the top menu bar, select the gear icon for 'Help & Settings', and click 'Quit OneDrive'.

Update the application

Download and install the latest OneDrive version supported by your macOS version from the official Microsoft website or the Mac App Store.

Locate the reset command

Open your Applications folder in Finder, right-click on the OneDrive app, and select 'Show Package Contents'.

Run the reset script

Navigate to 'Contents' > 'Resources'. Find and double-click the file named 'ResetOneDriveApp.command' or 'ResetOneDriveAppStandalone.command'.

Restart and sign in

Launch OneDrive from your Applications folder again and complete the sign-in process to re-initialize file syncing.

Initial Sync Time: After resetting, OneDrive will perform a full scan of your files. This may take some time depending on the volume of data stored in your cloud.

Solution 2

Restart OneDrive (Temporary Workaround)

If you are unable to install updates due to an error, manually quitting and restarting the application temporarily forces syncing to resume.

Solution 3

Contact Microsoft Support for Diagnostics

If updates fail to install or the reset does not fix the continuous syncing loop, professional support can analyze backend diagnostic logs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Mac Finder say 'Start OneDrive' when the app is already open?

This typically occurs when the Finder extension loses communication with the main OneDrive application process. It is often caused by a background crash, an outdated app version, or compatibility glitches with older operating systems like macOS Monterey.

Does resetting OneDrive delete my locally saved files?

No, resetting the OneDrive application only clears its settings and sync cache on your Mac. Your actual files remain safely stored on your hard drive and in the cloud. However, the app will need to perform a complete re-sync to match the files up again.

Can I still get OneDrive updates on macOS Monterey?

Microsoft generally supports the three most recent major versions of macOS. As new macOS versions are released, older versions like Monterey may eventually stop receiving new feature updates, but you can usually still download the last compatible build to maintain basic functionality.

Document & File Issues