Fix SharePoint Downloading Blank Files from Shared Folders on Mac
Question details
Users experience automatic downloads of unreadable, blank files when attempting to open a shared SharePoint link.
- Product
- SharePoint / Outlook
- Device & OS
- Mac
- Scenario
- Opening a SharePoint shared folder link received via the Outlook application on a macOS device.
- Observed behavior
- Instead of simply opening the shared folder, SharePoint automatically downloads several blank files with long, encrypted-looking GUID names.
Ensure your Mac's default web browser is up to date and verify that you have the correct permissions to view the shared SharePoint folder.
Test with Outlook on the Web and Different Browsers
Isolating the issue by using web versions can determine if the local Outlook app or browser caching is causing the automatic downloads.
Sometimes the desktop version of Outlook on Mac handles SharePoint links differently than the web version, triggering unintended file downloads. Testing in an alternative environment helps identify the root cause.
Open a web browser, navigate to Outlook on the web, and log in to your account.
Locate the email containing the SharePoint link and click it to see if the folder opens correctly without downloading blank files.
If the issue persists, copy the SharePoint link and paste it into a completely different browser (such as Safari, Chrome, or Edge) to rule out browser-specific glitches.
Sync the Folder Using OneDrive for Mac
Bypass web browser download issues entirely by syncing the shared folder directly to your Mac using the OneDrive client.
Request a New Test Folder from the Owner
Determine if the issue is isolated to a specific folder's corruption or permission settings by testing a newly created folder.
Manage and Edit Documents Seamlessly with WPS Office
If SharePoint and Outlook sync issues are slowing down your workflow on Mac, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, unified, and stable environment for handling all your documents without unexpected web errors.
- 1. Download the software: Visit the official WPS website and download the Mac version of WPS Office.
- 2. Install and launch: Follow the installation prompts and open the application.
- 3. Open your files: Directly open your Word, Excel, or PowerPoint files without any conversion required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does SharePoint download blank files with long GUID names?
This usually happens due to a miscommunication between the Outlook desktop app and your Mac's default browser, causing the browser to download temporary reference files instead of rendering the web page.
Can I stop my browser from automatically downloading files from SharePoint?
Yes. You can go into your web browser's settings (such as Chrome or Safari preferences) and enable the option that asks where to save each file before downloading. This will prompt you to cancel the download of any unwanted blank files.
Does syncing with OneDrive fix SharePoint download errors?
Yes, utilizing the OneDrive sync client for Mac is a highly effective workaround. It connects the SharePoint library directly to your local Finder, allowing you to access and open files naturally without relying on browser-based downloads.
