OneDrive File Issues

How to Fix OneDrive Showing Empty Folders and Not Syncing on Mac

Maira Mehtab Sep 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to resolve an issue where OneDrive files are visible on the web but appear as empty folders or fail to sync entirely in macOS Finder.

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: macOS
Scenario: Accessing and syncing cloud files locally via macOS Finder.
Observed behavior: Finder displays only a few empty folders instead of the files visible in the OneDrive cloud, and standard troubleshooting like reinstalling or relinking the account fails to restore synchronization.

Before you start

Verify that your MacBook has an active internet connection and temporarily pause any firewall or antivirus software that might be blocking OneDrive's network access.

Solution 1Recommended

Reset the OneDrive App on Mac

Resetting the OneDrive client clears the local application cache and configuration settings, which often resolves deep-rooted synchronization glitches.

A full reset forces OneDrive to re-evaluate all cloud and local files. It will not delete your data, but it will clear customized app settings and require you to sign in again. After the reset, OneDrive will perform a complete sync, which may take some time depending on the size of your storage.

Quit the Application

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

Locate the App Package

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

Run the Reset Command

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

Restart and Sign In

Once the terminal script finishes executing, open OneDrive from your Applications folder again and sign in to set up your sync folder.

Terminal Window Prompt: You may see a Terminal window open during the reset process. Allow the script to run completely before closing the window.

Solution 2

Contact Microsoft 365 Administrator

If resetting the client does not work, the synchronization block may be caused by backend service configurations or account restrictions.

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Try WPS Office for Seamless Document Management on Mac

If persistent Microsoft 365 sync issues are interrupting your workflow, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative for macOS, complete with its own robust built-in cloud storage for reliable file access.

1. Download the App: Visit the WPS Office website and download the macOS version.
2. Install and Launch: Open the downloaded package, move WPS Office to your Applications folder, and launch it.
3. Enable WPS Cloud: Sign in with your email to access free cloud storage and effortlessly sync your documents.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats (DOCX, XLSX, PPTX)Built-in WPS Cloud ensures reliable file syncing without Finder conflictsLightweight architecture runs smoothly on all MacBooksFree to use with a familiar, intuitive interface

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does OneDrive show empty folders in Mac Finder but files online?

This discrepancy occurs when the OneDrive client fails to download the local placeholders due to a corrupted cache, macOS permissions issues, or a stalled sync process. The files still exist safely in the cloud.

Will resetting OneDrive delete my locally saved files?

No, resetting the OneDrive client only deletes the app's configuration and cache. Your files remain untouched in the cloud and will re-sync to your Mac once you sign back in.

How do I force a OneDrive sync on macOS?

You can attempt to force a sync by clicking the OneDrive icon in the menu bar, selecting 'Pause syncing', and then immediately clicking 'Resume syncing'. If this doesn't trigger the download, resetting the app is the next best step.

Can I open OneDrive files directly using WPS Office on my Mac?

Yes, as long as the files are synced to your Mac's local OneDrive folder, you can open, edit, and save them directly using WPS Office with full format compatibility.

Document & File Issues