How to Fix OneDrive Stopped Syncing and Missing Files on Mac
Question details
The user needs to recover recent files that disappeared from the local OneDrive folder on a Mac after a synchronization failure and a subsequent system or app update.
- Product
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Updating macOS or the OneDrive app after a period where local synchronization had stopped.
- Observed behavior
- Files created locally after the last successful cloud synchronization are missing from the OneDrive folder.
Ensure your Mac is connected to a stable internet network and have your Microsoft account login credentials ready to access OneDrive on the web.
Restore Files from OneDrive Online
Use the web version of OneDrive to check the Recycle Bin and utilize the built-in account restore feature to recover files synced prior to the issue.
If files successfully synced to the cloud before disappearing locally, they can often be recovered directly from your online account.
Open your web browser, navigate to the official OneDrive website, and sign in with your Microsoft account credentials.
Click on 'Recycle bin' in the left-hand navigation pane. If you see your missing files here, select them and click 'Restore' at the top of the page.
If the files are not in the Recycle Bin, click the Settings gear icon at the top right, select 'Restore your OneDrive', and choose a specific date before the files disappeared to revert your account state.
Recover from SharePoint or Local Mac Backup
If files were saved to a shared workspace or were never successfully uploaded to the cloud, use SharePoint recovery options or your Mac's Time Machine backup.
Try WPS Office for Reliable Built-in Cloud Syncing
Tired of encountering OneDrive sync failures and losing your recent work? WPS Office is a lightweight, fully compatible alternative to Microsoft Office that comes with highly reliable, built-in WPS Cloud auto-sync, keeping your files safe on Mac.
- 1. Download and install: Get the free WPS Office application for your Mac from the official website or the Mac App Store.
- 2. Sign in to WPS Cloud: Create a free account or log in to instantly activate your WPS Cloud storage space.
- 3. Enable auto-save: Turn on the auto-sync feature to ensure every document you edit is securely backed up to the cloud in real-time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my local OneDrive files disappear after a Mac update?
If OneDrive stopped syncing before your Mac or app updated, your newest local files were never pushed to the cloud. Following the update, the OneDrive app may have reset its local folder to strictly mirror the cloud, effectively wiping out the unsynced local files.
Can I recover my Mac files if they never synced to OneDrive?
Yes, but only if you have a local backup. Because the files never reached the cloud, Microsoft cannot restore them. You will need to use your Mac's Time Machine or a third-party data recovery tool to retrieve the previous state of your local drive.
How far back can I restore my OneDrive online?
If you are a Microsoft 365 subscriber, the 'Restore your OneDrive' feature allows you to roll back all actions on your files and folders to any point within the last 30 days.
