Fix SharePoint Files Opening Locally Instead of AutoSave on Mac
Question details
SharePoint documents opened from Finder are saving locally rather than syncing with AutoSave.
- Product
- SharePoint / Microsoft Office
- Device & OS
- macOS Monterey
- Scenario
- Opening SharePoint documents directly from the Mac Finder after a recent macOS upgrade.
- Observed behavior
- Files display a 'Saved to my Mac' status and AutoSave is disabled, preventing real-time cloud syncing.
Verify that your OneDrive sync client is running smoothly on your Mac and that you have an active internet connection to communicate with SharePoint.
Open Files Directly from the SharePoint Website
Bypass the Mac Finder and open the documents directly through your web browser to force the cloud connection.
Due to compatibility changes in macOS Monterey's file provider, opening files via local Finder directories may sever the connection to Microsoft's cloud services. Initiating the file open process from the web guarantees that AutoSave recognizes the SharePoint location.
Open your preferred web browser, log in to your Microsoft 365 account, and navigate to the SharePoint document library containing your file.
Browse the library to find the specific Word, Excel, or PowerPoint document you need to edit.
Click the three vertical dots next to the file name, select 'Open', and then choose 'Open in Desktop App'. This prompts your local Office application to open the file with AutoSave enabled.
Update Office and OneDrive for Mac
Ensure you are running the latest versions of your Microsoft applications, which contain patches for macOS Monterey sync issues.
Sync and Edit Documents Seamlessly with WPS Office
If you are frustrated by AutoSave errors and file syncing issues on Mac, WPS Office offers a lightweight, highly compatible alternative. With built-in cloud support, you can enjoy hassle-free real-time saving and collaboration.
- 1. Install WPS Office for Mac: Download and install the WPS Office application tailored for your macOS environment.
- 2. Sign in to WPS Cloud: Create a free account or log in to enable instant cloud storage and auto-backup features.
- 3. Open and Edit Your Files: Seamlessly open your existing .docx, .xlsx, or .pptx files and edit them with full formatting preservation.
- 4. Enable Auto Backup: Turn on Auto Backup to automatically save your progress to WPS Cloud without relying on local Finder directories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does AutoSave turn off when I open SharePoint files from Finder on Mac?
Upgrading to macOS Monterey introduced changes to how local file paths are handled by cloud storage providers. This can cause Office apps to view synced files as standard local files ('Saved to my Mac'), which disables the real-time cloud AutoSave feature.
Will Microsoft release a permanent fix for the macOS Monterey AutoSave issue?
Yes, Microsoft continuously updates the OneDrive for Mac sync client to comply with new Apple File Provider APIs. Keeping your macOS and Microsoft 365 applications updated will ensure you receive these integration fixes as they are released.
How can I manually force a file to save to SharePoint if it says 'Saved to my Mac'?
If your document opens locally without AutoSave, you can use the 'Save As' feature. Select your connected SharePoint or OneDrive account as the destination, and save the file back to the cloud. This will re-establish the connection and enable AutoSave.
