How to Fix Finder Not Searching SharePoint Folders on Mac
Question details
The user is unable to perform localized folder searches within SharePoint directories using Finder after migrating to a new Mac.
- Product
- macOS Finder and Microsoft OneDrive
- Device & OS
- Mac (Apple Silicon)
- Scenario
- Searching for specific files within synced SharePoint folders using Finder on a newly migrated Mac.
- Observed behavior
- Finder successfully locates SharePoint files during a whole-computer search but fails to find any matches when the search is restricted to specific SharePoint folders.
Ensure your OneDrive application is fully updated to the native Apple Silicon version, and check if the SharePoint folders are fully synced locally, as cloud-only files may not always be indexed correctly by Spotlight.
Rebuild the Mac Spotlight Index
Rebuilding the index forces macOS to re-scan your drive, fixing corrupted search pathways for migrated SharePoint and OneDrive folders.
When migrating from an Intel Mac to an Apple Silicon Mac, the Spotlight index can become corrupted or experience permission mismatches. Rebuilding the index resolves most localized Finder search issues within specific folders.
Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select 'System Settings'. Navigate to 'Siri & Spotlight' in the sidebar.
Scroll to the bottom of the Spotlight settings menu and click the 'Spotlight Privacy...' button.
Drag the problematic SharePoint or OneDrive folder (or your entire Macintosh HD) into the privacy list. Once added, select it and click the minus (-) button to remove it.
Click 'Done'. macOS will now begin re-indexing the removed folders in the background. Wait for the process to complete before attempting your search again.
Reset the Microsoft OneDrive App
Resetting the OneDrive sync client can clear corrupted caches and restore proper Finder extension integration.
Use WPS Office for Seamless Document Management on Mac
If you are experiencing ongoing sync or search issues with Microsoft Office files on your newly migrated Mac, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Office that natively supports Apple Silicon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Finder locate SharePoint files in 'This Mac' but not in the specific folder?
This typically happens due to a broken Spotlight index specifically within the OneDrive or SharePoint sync directory. The global search ('This Mac') uses cached index metadata, while localized searches require functional folder-level indexing which can break during system migration.
Do I need to re-download all my SharePoint files after resetting OneDrive on my Mac?
No, resetting OneDrive does not delete your locally synced files. However, it will perform a full sync check upon restarting, which may take some time as it compares local files with the cloud to ensure everything is up to date.
Can OneDrive 'Files On-Demand' cause Finder search issues?
Yes. If Files On-Demand is enabled, files that are only available in the cloud (marked with a cloud icon) might not be fully indexed by Mac Spotlight. Try downloading the required files locally by right-clicking them in Finder and selecting 'Always keep on this device'.
