OneDrive File Issues

How to Fix OneDrive Keeping Syncing a Deleted File on Mac

WPS Content Manager Sep 25, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user needs to stop OneDrive from repeatedly attempting to sync or download a file that has already been permanently deleted.

How to Fix OneDrive Continuously Syncing a Deleted File on Mac

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: macOS 15.0.1 (Apple Silicon)
Scenario: A file with an unusually long path, its parent folders, and the recycle bins were all deleted and emptied, yet the OneDrive client is stuck in a loop attempting to sync it.
Observed behavior: OneDrive continuously attempts to download the deleted file, and standard troubleshooting like unlinking and relinking the user account fails to resolve the sync loop.

Before you start

Before proceeding, ensure your Mac is connected to a stable internet connection and that you have your administrator password ready, as resetting the OneDrive app requires system permissions.

Solution 1Recommended

Reset the OneDrive App on Mac

Resetting OneDrive clears the local sync cache and forces the app to rebuild its database, which is highly effective for fixing stuck sync loops involving unusually long file paths.

This process will not delete your data, but it will resync all your OneDrive data, which may take some time depending on your library size.

Quit the OneDrive App

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

Locate the App Package

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

Run the Reset Command

Navigate to Contents > Resources. Double-click the file named 'ResetOneDriveApp.command' (or 'ResetOneDriveAppStandalone.command' if you are using the standalone version).

Restart OneDrive

Once the script finishes executing, open OneDrive from the Applications folder and sign back in to allow the app to rebuild the sync state.

Verified Fix: This method has been confirmed to resolve sync loops involving unusually long file paths on macOS 15.0.1 (Apple Silicon).

Solution 2

Create a New macOS User Profile

If resetting OneDrive doesn't work, a corrupted local user profile might be interfering with local cache and file permissions.

Solution 3

Completely Reinstall OneDrive

Uninstalling and reinstalling the client ensures you have the latest, uncorrupted version of OneDrive running on your device.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does OneDrive keep trying to sync a file I already deleted?

This typically occurs when the local sync cache becomes corrupted or if the deleted file had an unusually long file path that exceeds macOS or OneDrive limitations, causing the client application to get stuck in a continuous sync loop.

Will unlinking my OneDrive account delete my local Mac files?

No, unlinking your account only stops the synchronization process between your Mac and the cloud servers. Your locally downloaded files will remain safely intact in your Mac's OneDrive folder.

Where can I find the ResetOneDriveApp.command on Mac?

You can locate the reset command by right-clicking the OneDrive application in your Applications folder, selecting 'Show Package Contents', and navigating to the Contents > Resources directory.

What should I do if resetting OneDrive doesn't fix the syncing loop?

If resetting fails, you should completely uninstall the OneDrive application, clear out its residual support files from ~/Library/Application Support/, and reinstall the latest standalone version. Alternatively, creating a new macOS Administrator user profile can rule out local profile corruption.

Document & File Issues