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How to Fix OneDrive Repeatedly Restarting Setup on macOS Sonoma
Question details
The user needs to resolve an issue where the OneDrive application continuously prompts for setup and sign-in while failing to sync files on a Mac.
- Product
- OneDrive
- Device & OS
- macOS Sonoma (MacBook Air M1)
- Scenario
- Attempting to sign in and synchronize cloud files using the OneDrive desktop client on an Apple Silicon Mac.
- Observed behavior
- OneDrive repeatedly requests sign-in and setup details, closes unexpectedly, and fails to synchronize files.
Ensure you have your Microsoft account credentials ready, as you will need to sign back into OneDrive. Additionally, verify that your Mac is connected to a stable internet connection to allow for software updates and syncing.
Reset OneDrive and Clear App Preferences
Resetting the OneDrive client clears corrupted configuration files and is often the most effective way to resolve persistent setup loops on macOS.
This process will reset all your OneDrive settings, but it will not delete any of your actual files. After the reset, OneDrive will perform a full sync.
Click the OneDrive cloud icon in the Mac menu bar, select the gear (Help & Settings) icon, and choose 'Quit OneDrive'.
Open Finder, go to the Applications folder, right-click on the OneDrive app, and select 'Show Package Contents'.
Navigate to Contents > Resources. Find and double-click the file named 'ResetOneDriveApp.command' (or 'ResetOneDriveAppStandalone.command').
Once the script finishes running in Terminal, launch OneDrive again from your Applications folder and complete the initial setup.
Update macOS and Reinstall OneDrive
Compatibility issues between older OneDrive versions and macOS Sonoma can cause unexpected crashes.
Boot into Safe Mode to Check for Conflicts
Safe Mode helps determine if background applications or system extensions are interfering with OneDrive's operation.
Try WPS Office for Seamless Document Management on Mac
If you are experiencing persistent issues with Microsoft services on your Mac, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Office, featuring built-in cloud synchronization that works flawlessly on Apple Silicon and macOS Sonoma.
- 1. Download the Mac installer: Visit the WPS Office website and download the version optimized for Mac.
- 2. Install and launch: Drag the WPS Office icon to your Applications folder, then open the app.
- 3. Sign in for cloud features: Create a free account to access WPS Cloud for seamless cross-device synchronization.
- 4. Open your files: Directly open, edit, and save your existing Microsoft Office documents with perfect formatting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does OneDrive keep crashing on my M1 Mac?
OneDrive may crash on M1 Macs due to corrupted application preferences, outdated software versions, or compatibility issues with macOS Sonoma. Resetting the app and updating to the latest Apple Silicon native version usually resolves the issue.
Will resetting OneDrive delete my locally saved files?
No, resetting the OneDrive application does not delete your personal files. It only clears the app's configuration settings and forces a full re-synchronization of your metadata to ensure everything is up to date.
How do I know if OneDrive is running natively on Apple Silicon?
Open the Activity Monitor on your Mac, locate OneDrive in the process list, and check the 'Kind' column. It should say 'Apple' instead of 'Intel'. If it says 'Intel', you are running it via Rosetta 2 and should download the native version.
What should I do if Safe Mode fixes my OneDrive issue?
If OneDrive works in Safe Mode but not during a normal boot, it indicates a conflict with a background application, login item, or system extension. Check System Settings > General > Login Items and disable unfamiliar background apps.
