How to Fix OneDrive Files Not Downloading on macOS Monterey
Question details
Users are unable to download OneDrive files marked for offline use on macOS Monterey, with files stuck in a downloading state inside the CloudStorage folder.
- Product
- OneDrive
- Device & OS
- macOS Monterey (M1 Macs)
- Scenario
- Syncing or downloading files for offline use from OneDrive to a local Mac folder.
- Observed behavior
- Files are moved to the CloudStorage folder but remain stuck in a 'Downloading' state. Reinstalling OneDrive does not restore local files.
Verify that your internet connection is stable and log into OneDrive Online via a web browser to ensure your files are safely backed up in the cloud before troubleshooting local sync issues.
Install the Standalone OneDrive App and Check Permissions
Using the standalone version of OneDrive and ensuring macOS has the correct permissions can resolve cloud storage sync conflicts on Monterey.
In some cases, the Mac App Store version of OneDrive may experience restrictions under macOS Monterey's new cloud storage architecture. Switching to the standalone version and verifying disk access permissions can force the download to resume.
Uninstall your current OneDrive app, then download the standalone OneDrive application directly from the official Microsoft website rather than the Mac App Store.
Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner, go to System Preferences, and select Security & Privacy. Navigate to the Privacy tab.
Scroll down the left pane and select 'Full Disk Access'. Click the padlock icon to authenticate, then ensure the checkbox next to OneDrive is checked to grant it the necessary system permissions.
Restart the OneDrive application, sign back into your account, and monitor the sync-status icons in your menu bar to confirm the files begin downloading.
Review Files On-Demand Settings
Toggling the Files On-Demand feature forces OneDrive to re-evaluate which files need to be kept locally.
Experience Seamless File Management with WPS Office
While troubleshooting Mac cloud sync issues, consider WPS Office as your primary productivity suite. It’s a free, lightweight, and user-friendly Microsoft Office alternative that integrates smoothly with local and cloud storage, ensuring your documents are always accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did macOS Monterey move my OneDrive files to the CloudStorage folder?
macOS Monterey (12.2 and later) introduced a new File Provider API for cloud storage services. This forces OneDrive and similar apps to move their sync folders into the hidden '~/Library/CloudStorage' directory to comply with Apple's new cloud integration standards.
Will I lose my files if OneDrive is stuck on downloading?
No, your files remain secure in the cloud. You can always access and download them manually by logging into OneDrive Online through a web browser while you troubleshoot the local Mac sync issue.
Does fixing OneDrive permissions require a Mac restart?
Yes, after granting Full Disk Access to OneDrive in System Preferences, it is highly recommended to restart both the OneDrive app and your Mac to ensure the new permissions take effect properly.
