OneDrive File Issues

How to Fix OneDrive 'This File Cannot Be Opened' Error on Mac

Elise Williams Sep 30, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is unable to open various document types like Pages, Word, and PDF from OneDrive on a Mac.

How to Fix OneDrive 'This File Cannot Be Opened' Error on Mac

Product: OneDrive
Device & OS: Mac
Scenario: Attempting to access and open synced documents stored in the local OneDrive folder on macOS.
Observed behavior: OneDrive repeatedly displays a "This file cannot be opened" error message when trying to access the files locally.

Before you start

Verify that your Mac has an active internet connection to communicate with OneDrive servers, and ensure macOS is fully updated to prevent compatibility bugs with the sync client.

Solution 1Recommended

Test Online Access and Reset the Local OneDrive Client

This solution verifies if the files are intact on the cloud and then resets the local macOS OneDrive application to fix the syncing glitch.

Often, the files themselves are perfectly fine in the cloud, but the local macOS sync client experiences a caching or permissions error that prevents them from opening. By verifying the files online first, you can safely reset the local application without risking data loss.

Open files via the web

Navigate to the official OneDrive website in your browser, log in with your account, and try opening the affected Word, PDF, or Pages files directly online.

Unlink your Mac

If the files open correctly on the website, click the OneDrive cloud icon in your Mac's top menu bar, go to Settings (gear icon) > Account, and select 'Unlink this Mac'.

Relink the account

Sign back into the local OneDrive application using your Microsoft credentials to see if the fresh connection resolves the error.

Reset the OneDrive app

If unlinking does not work, close OneDrive completely. Open Finder, go to the Applications folder, right-click on OneDrive, and select 'Show Package Contents'. Navigate to Contents > Resources and double-click 'ResetOneDriveApp.command' to reset the client.

Test Online Access and Reset the Local OneDrive Client

Further Diagnosis: If the error continues after a full reset, capture a screenshot of the exact error message and contact Microsoft Support for advanced diagnosis.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Edit Word and PDF Files Seamlessly on Mac with WPS Office

If you are tired of cloud syncing errors preventing you from accessing your documents, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, local-friendly, and highly compatible alternative for Mac users to reliably open, edit, and manage Word, PDF, and other files.

1. Install the software: Download and install the free WPS Office application for Mac from the official WPS website.
2. Open the application: Launch WPS Office and click on the 'Open' button located on the main dashboard.
3. Access your local files: Navigate to your local storage or OneDrive folder and select the document you wish to read or edit.

Excellent compatibility with Microsoft Office file formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx) to prevent formatting loss.Built-in PDF reader and editor so you do not need separate applications for different file types.Lightweight architecture that runs smoothly on macOS without heavy background sync processes.Free to use with an intuitive, all-in-one tabbed interface for streamlined document management.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does OneDrive say my files cannot be opened on Mac?

This error typically occurs when the local OneDrive sync application encounters a conflict, corrupted cache, or permissions issue, meaning the file hasn't downloaded properly to your Mac. The original file usually remains safe on the cloud.

Will resetting the OneDrive app delete my files?

No. Resetting the local OneDrive client on your Mac does not delete any files stored on the cloud servers. It simply resets the sync settings and prompts the application to perform a fresh synchronization.

How do I know if my file is corrupted or if it's just a OneDrive error?

You can verify this by logging into the OneDrive website via your browser. If you can view and open the file online, the file is not corrupted, and the issue lies entirely with your Mac's local OneDrive client.

Document & File Issues