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How to Fix OneDrive Sync Keeps Stopping on macOS Monterey
Question details
The user is experiencing recurring OneDrive synchronization failures on a Mac, where the application displays prompts asking to start it even though it is already running.
- Product
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Device & OS
- macOS Monterey 12.6
- Scenario
- Attempting to keep files synchronized continuously in the background on macOS Monterey without manual restarts.
- Observed behavior
- OneDrive repeatedly stops syncing and displays a misleading prompt asking the user to start the application, despite it actively running in the background.
Ensure your Mac is connected to a stable internet network and that you have administrative privileges to install updates or modify application settings. Temporarily pause any heavy background network activity before troubleshooting.
Update and Reset the OneDrive Application
Updating to the latest supported version and clearing the app's cache settings can resolve persistent synchronization glitches on macOS.
Microsoft frequently releases patches for OneDrive. If your hardware does not support upgrading to macOS 13, you must ensure you are running the specific OneDrive build optimized for macOS Monterey.
Click the OneDrive cloud icon in your Mac's top menu bar, select the Help & Settings gear icon, and choose 'Quit OneDrive'.
Visit the official Microsoft OneDrive release notes page and download the latest compatible installer for macOS Monterey.
Run the downloaded installer. If you encounter an installation error, open your Applications folder, drag the existing OneDrive app to the Trash, empty the Trash, and try running the installer again.
Open Finder, go to the Applications folder, right-click on the OneDrive app, and select 'Show Package Contents'. Navigate to Contents > Resources and double-click the file named 'ResetOneDriveApp.command'. Alternatively, run the reset command via Terminal.
Launch OneDrive from your Applications folder and sign back in to re-establish the synchronization connection.
Gather Diagnostic Logs and Contact Microsoft Support
If the issue persists after a reset, the problem might be related to account backend glitches or specific hardware compatibility issues that require developer intervention.
Experience Reliable File Management with WPS Office
If you are tired of dealing with persistent sync errors and heavy resource usage from Microsoft services, try WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, unified office suite with its own reliable cloud storage (WPS Cloud), offering seamless compatibility with Microsoft Office formats without the synchronization headaches on older Mac systems.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Navigate to the official WPS Office website and download the correct installer for your Mac.
- 2. Install the Suite: Open the downloaded package and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder.
- 3. Sync with WPS Cloud: Open WPS Office, sign in to activate your free WPS Cloud space, and start saving files with reliable, automatic background syncing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does OneDrive say it isn't running when it is open on my Mac?
This misleading prompt usually occurs due to a corrupted application cache, outdated app files, or compatibility bugs specific to macOS Monterey 12. Resetting the OneDrive app can clear these erroneous state messages.
What should I do if the OneDrive update fails to install on macOS Monterey?
If you receive an error message during installation, completely uninstall the existing OneDrive app by moving it from the Applications folder to the Trash. Empty the Trash, restart your Mac, and then run the newly downloaded installer.
Can I run the latest OneDrive version on older Intel Macs?
Yes, Microsoft continues to update OneDrive for older architectures, but some newer features may require macOS 13 or later. Always check the Microsoft release notes to download the specific build recommended for macOS Monterey and Intel processors.
Will resetting the OneDrive app delete my local files?
No, resetting the OneDrive application does not delete your files. It simply disconnects the sync connection and clears local application settings. Once you sign back in, OneDrive will verify and reconnect your existing synced folders.
