Fix Safari Downloading Empty GUID Files from SharePoint
Question details
Users experience automatic downloads of zero-byte files with GUID names in Safari when accessing Microsoft web services.
- Product
- SharePoint / Office for the web
- Device & OS
- Mac
- Scenario
- Attempting to open password-protected files in SharePoint or Office for the web using the Safari browser.
- Observed behavior
- Safari automatically downloads multiple empty (zero-byte) files with GUID-like names instead of opening the requested document.
Ensure your Mac is connected to the internet and verify whether you have an alternative web browser, such as Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge, installed on your system.
Use a Supported Alternative Browser
Since this is a known compatibility issue specific to Safari, switching to Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge bypasses the problem immediately.
This bug occurs because of how Safari handles the authentication redirects for password-protected Microsoft Office files hosted on SharePoint. Other major browsers handle this process correctly without triggering false downloads.
If not already installed, download and install Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge on your Mac.
Go to Safari, highlight the address of the SharePoint page or file you are trying to access, and copy the URL.
Open Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge, paste the copied URL into the address bar, and press Enter.
Sign in to your Microsoft account if prompted. The password-protected file should now open normally in Office for the web without triggering zero-byte downloads.
Modify Safari Download Preferences
Changing website preferences in Safari can stop the browser from automatically downloading the empty files in the background.
Manage Your Documents Locally with WPS Office
Avoid browser-specific download errors and web service compatibility issues by handling your Office documents locally. WPS Office is a free, powerful alternative that easily manages password-protected files.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free macOS client.
- 2. Install the Software: Run the downloaded installer package and follow the on-screen instructions to set up WPS Office on your Mac.
- 3. Open Password-Protected Files: Drag and drop your downloaded documents directly into WPS Office and enter the password to securely view or edit your content offline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Safari download zero-byte GUID files from SharePoint?
This happens due to a compatibility error between Safari's download manager and Microsoft SharePoint's authentication process when handling password-protected web files.
Are these zero-byte GUID files viruses?
No, they are harmless empty files generated by a browser error during the document fetching process from SharePoint. You can safely delete them from your Mac.
Will updating my macOS fix the SharePoint Safari issue?
It is possible. Both Apple and Microsoft regularly release patches for browser and web service bugs. Keeping your macOS and Safari fully updated ensures you have the latest bug fixes.
Can I stop Safari from automatically downloading files?
Yes. In Safari, go to Settings > Websites > Downloads. Find the SharePoint site in the list and change its permission to 'Ask' or 'Deny' to prevent automatic background downloads.
