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Fix Read-Only OneDrive and SharePoint Folder Sync Issues on Mac
Question details
Users are unable to synchronize files dragged from a Mac desktop to a SharePoint folder linked via a OneDrive shortcut due to a read-only error.
- Product
- Microsoft OneDrive and SharePoint
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Dragging and dropping local files from a Mac desktop into a SharePoint folder that was added as a shortcut in OneDrive.
- Observed behavior
- The dropped files fail to synchronize, displaying a read-only message on the Mac, even though uploading the same files via the web browser works perfectly.
Verify that your Mac has a stable internet connection and ensure your OneDrive client for macOS is updated to the latest version before modifying any synchronization settings.
Reset the OneDrive Client and Sync Directly
If the sync issue is only happening on one specific Mac, resetting the OneDrive client and removing the problematic shortcut will often restore normal sync behavior.
Folder shortcuts in OneDrive can sometimes conflict with Mac local file permissions, causing a read-only status. Bypassing the shortcut and syncing the SharePoint library directly is the most reliable fix.
Open your web browser and sign in to OneDrive. Navigate to 'My files', locate the SharePoint folder shortcut causing the issue, right-click it, and select 'Remove'.
Quit the OneDrive application. Open Finder, go to the Applications folder, right-click on OneDrive, and select 'Show Package Contents'. Navigate to Contents > Resources, and double-click 'ResetOneDriveApp.command'.
Restart your Mac. Open the OneDrive app and sign in again. Open the SharePoint library in your web browser and click the 'Sync' button at the top to establish a direct connection without using a shortcut.
Check SharePoint Library Settings and Restrictions
If multiple users are facing the same read-only sync issue, the problem likely stems from the SharePoint document library's configuration.
Escalate to a Microsoft 365 Administrator
If local resets and library setting adjustments do not resolve the issue, advanced administrative support is required.
Try WPS Office for Seamless Document Management on Mac
If you are experiencing continuous sync restrictions and compatibility bugs with Microsoft 365 on your Mac, WPS Office offers a lightweight, highly compatible, and free alternative. It features robust local file management and flexible cloud storage options that work smoothly on macOS without complex sync errors.
- 1. Download the Mac version: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the installation package tailored for macOS.
- 2. Install and launch: Open the downloaded file, drag the WPS Office icon to your Applications folder, and launch the suite.
- 3. Edit your documents: Open your local or cloud-stored documents effortlessly and enjoy seamless, sync-error-free editing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my SharePoint folder say read-only on my Mac?
This usually happens due to synchronization errors with a OneDrive folder shortcut, incorrect SharePoint site permissions, or library restrictions such as mandatory check-outs and required metadata columns.
How do I remove a OneDrive shortcut without deleting the actual SharePoint files?
Sign in to OneDrive on the web, select 'My files', locate the folder shortcut (indicated by a small link icon on the folder), right-click it, and choose 'Remove'. This deletes the shortcut from your local Mac without affecting the original files in SharePoint.
Can required metadata in SharePoint block OneDrive sync?
Yes. If a SharePoint document library requires specific metadata columns to be filled out before saving, OneDrive cannot automatically sync files dropped into local Mac folders because it cannot prompt you for that information locally.
How do I sync a SharePoint library directly on Mac without a shortcut?
Open the target SharePoint library in your web browser, click the 'Sync' button in the top command bar, and allow the prompt to open Microsoft OneDrive. This creates a direct, reliable sync link in your Finder rather than relying on a nested folder shortcut.
