OneDrive File Issues

How to Fix OneDrive for Mac Not Syncing Files from Finder

Khadija Khan Oct 9, 2026 868 views

Question details

Users are unable to automatically upload files added to the local OneDrive folder in Finder to OneDrive online.

Product: OneDrive for Mac
Device & OS: macOS
Scenario: Adding, editing, or saving files into the local Mac Finder folder expecting them to sync automatically with Microsoft cloud storage.
Observed behavior: Files fail to upload to the cloud automatically. The sync client frequently gets stuck displaying 'Changes are being processed', though downloading files from the website to the Mac may still work.

Before you start

Ensure that you are signed into the correct Microsoft account on your Mac and verify that your internet connection is stable before attempting to troubleshoot the sync client.

Solution 1Recommended

Reset the OneDrive Sync App

Resetting the OneDrive application clears temporary files and forces a complete resync, which is highly effective for resolving the 'Changes are being processed' error.

This process will not delete any of your personal files, but it will require OneDrive to re-sync your data. Depending on the size of your cloud storage, this might take some time.

Quit OneDrive

Click the OneDrive cloud icon in the Mac menu bar, click the gear icon (Help & Settings), and select 'Quit OneDrive'.

Access Package Contents

Open the Finder, navigate to the Applications folder, right-click the OneDrive app, and select 'Show Package Contents'.

Run the Reset Command

Navigate to Contents > Resources. Find and double-click the file named 'ResetOneDriveApp.command' or 'ResetOneDriveAppStandalone.command'.

Restart and Sign In

Launch OneDrive from the Applications folder again and follow the prompts to sign back into your account.

Sync Restored: Once signed back in, OneDrive will perform a full scan of your files. Wait for the initial scan to complete before adding new files via Finder.

Solution 2

Pause and Resume Syncing

A simple pause and resume cycle can often kickstart a stalled sync process without altering any deeper settings or requiring a full re-sync.

Solution 3

Reinstall the OneDrive App

An outdated or corrupted application can prevent local Finder files from communicating with the cloud servers.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does OneDrive say 'Changes are being processed' endlessly on Mac?

This usually happens when the OneDrive sync client gets stuck trying to resolve a file conflict, encounters an invalid character in a file name, or experiences a corrupted cache. Resetting the app typically clears the queue.

Can I manually force OneDrive to sync on my Mac?

While there isn't a single 'Force Sync' button, you can trigger a manual check by pausing and resuming the sync from the OneDrive menu bar icon, or by quitting and restarting the application.

Why do files download from the web but not upload from Finder?

This one-way sync issue often indicates a permissions problem with your local macOS folders or a bug specific to your macOS version. Reinstalling the app or granting OneDrive Full Disk Access in your Mac's System Settings can resolve it.

Are there characters I should avoid when naming files for OneDrive?

Yes. OneDrive will fail to sync files if their names contain certain characters such as <, >, :, ", |, ?, *, /, \, or if the file path is excessively long.

Document & File Issues