OneDrive File Issues

How to Change OneDrive Folder Location on Mac (Fix Freezing)

Nimra Malik Oct 19, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to move their OneDrive sync folder to a new custom location, such as an external SSD, to save internal storage space.

How to Change the OneDrive Folder Location on macOS

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: macOS Monterey
Scenario: Moving the default OneDrive storage directory to a large-capacity external drive to keep creative files locally accessible without relying on files-on-demand.
Observed behavior: OneDrive freezes during the folder location change, fails to update the path, or creates an alias pointing back to the default Library/CloudStorage path instead of physically moving the files.

Before you start

Ensure your external SSD is formatted properly for macOS (such as APFS) and remains securely connected to your Mac during the entire relocation and syncing process.

Solution 1Recommended

Unlink Account and Relocate the OneDrive Folder

This is the standard and recommended method for changing the OneDrive sync folder location to an external drive on macOS.

To safely move your OneDrive folder, you must first unlink your Mac from the cloud service. This prevents sync errors while you physically transfer the folder to the new drive.

Unlink your Mac

Click the OneDrive cloud icon in the top menu bar. Click the gear icon or three dots to open Settings/Preferences. Go to the Account tab and select 'Unlink this Mac'.

Move the folder via Finder

Open Finder and navigate to your current OneDrive folder. Drag and drop the entire OneDrive folder to your preferred location on the external SSD.

Relink and change location

Open OneDrive again and select 'Get started' to set up your account. Proceed until you reach the screen displaying your OneDrive folder location. Click 'Change Location'.

Confirm the new path

Select the OneDrive folder you just moved to the external drive and click OK. When prompted that the folder already contains files, click 'Use this location' and finish the setup.

Unlink Account and Relocate the OneDrive Folder

Syncing verification: OneDrive will briefly scan the existing files in the new location to ensure they match the cloud. It will not re-download everything.

Solution 2

Clear OneDrive Cache and Reset App Credentials

Use this solution if OneDrive freezes while trying to change the location, or if the system creates an alias instead of updating the actual path.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my OneDrive folder on Mac show up as an alias?

On newer versions of macOS, cloud storage providers use the built-in File Provider API. This API defaults the physical storage to the '~/Library/CloudStorage' directory and creates an alias in your user folder to comply with macOS system architecture.

Can I keep all my OneDrive files offline on an external drive?

Yes. After successfully changing your OneDrive folder location to the external drive during the initial setup, you must disable the 'Files On-Demand' feature in OneDrive settings, or manually select folders and choose 'Always keep on this device'.

What happens if I disconnect the external SSD with my OneDrive folder?

If the drive is disconnected, OneDrive will display an error stating that the folder is missing or cannot be found. To fix this, close OneDrive, reconnect your external SSD, and relaunch the application to resume syncing.

Document & File Issues