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Fix Two OneDrive Versions on Mac Causing Sync Issues
Question details
The user is experiencing folder access problems, connection errors, and browser unavailability due to having two separate OneDrive installations running simultaneously on a single Mac.
- Product
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Device & OS
- Mac
- Scenario
- Managing OneDrive sync clients and resolving conflicting duplicate application installations on macOS.
- Observed behavior
- Files become unavailable in the browser, and the device experiences folder access problems and sync connection errors even when the internet network is functioning correctly.
Before troubleshooting, ensure you know your Microsoft account credentials, as you will need to sign back in after clearing the conflicting installations.
Unlink and Remove the Duplicate OneDrive App
The most effective way to resolve sync conflicts is to identify the duplicate OneDrive app, sign out of it, and remove the extra installation from your Mac.
Click the OneDrive cloud icon in your Mac menu bar, select 'Help & Settings' (the gear icon), choose 'Preferences', navigate to the 'Account' tab, and click 'Unlink this Mac'.
Click both OneDrive icons in your menu bar (if two are visible) and select 'Quit OneDrive' to completely close the applications.
Open your 'Applications' folder via Finder. Locate the two OneDrive applications (often one from the App Store and one standalone version) and drag the duplicate one to the Trash.
Launch the remaining single OneDrive application, sign in with your Microsoft account credentials, and follow the setup prompts to reconnect your sync folder.
Reset the OneDrive Sync Client
If removing the duplicate app does not immediately resolve folder access issues, resetting the remaining OneDrive client can clear corrupted cache settings.
Troubleshoot Mac Network and DNS Settings
If resolving the duplicate app issue doesn't fix the connection errors, and other Microsoft applications are also failing, you may need to refresh your Mac's network settings.
Switch to WPS Office for a Conflict-Free Workflow on Mac
Tired of dealing with Microsoft app conflicts and complex sync errors? WPS Office offers a lightweight, unified suite that combines powerful document editing with seamless built-in cloud storage for your Mac.
- 1. Download the Mac Suite: Visit the official WPS website to download the free, unified macOS version of WPS Office.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Open the downloaded package and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder.
- 3. Sync Effortlessly: Launch the suite, sign in to enable WPS Cloud, and enjoy real-time document syncing without third-party app conflicts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have two versions of OneDrive running on my Mac?
You can check by looking at your Mac menu bar at the top of the screen. If you see two separate OneDrive cloud icons, you have two instances running. Alternatively, check your Applications folder for duplicate OneDrive app icons.
Will uninstalling the duplicate OneDrive delete my local synced files?
No. Unlinking your account and moving the duplicate application to the Trash only removes the software. Your local files in the OneDrive folder remain completely intact on your Mac's hard drive.
Why does having two versions cause folder access connection errors?
When two OneDrive installations run simultaneously, they both attempt to lock and sync the exact same local files to the cloud server. This creates a loop of access violations and conflicts, leading to sync halts and files becoming unavailable.
