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How to Fix OneDrive Unable to Sync an Existing Folder on Mac
Question details
The user is unable to synchronize an existing local folder with OneDrive on macOS after choosing the "Use This Folder" option during setup.
- Product
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Reconnecting or configuring OneDrive to sync with an existing local directory on a Mac to avoid downloading all files from the cloud again.
- Observed behavior
- OneDrive refuses to sync the existing folder and triggers an error, which persists even after removing aliases, resetting the OneDrive app, and reinstalling the software.
Before proceeding with advanced troubleshooting, ensure your macOS is updated to the latest version and verify that the local folder you are trying to sync does not contain any hidden symbolic links or restrictive system permissions that might block OneDrive's access.
Follow Microsoft's Official Folder Error Troubleshooting
Address the specific "Sorry, OneDrive can't add your folder right now" error by verifying local folder conditions that typically block macOS synchronization.
When OneDrive is unable to select an existing folder on macOS, it is often due to strict folder permissions, unsupported characters, or hidden system files remaining from previous sync attempts.
Click the OneDrive cloud icon in your Mac menu bar to read the exact error message. Look specifically for the prompt stating "Sorry, OneDrive can't add your folder right now."
Right-click the local folder in Finder, select "Get Info," and scroll down to "Sharing & Permissions." Ensure your current macOS user account has "Read & Write" privileges.
Search the folder for any remaining aliases, symbolic links, or files with unsupported characters (like <, >, :, ", |, ?, *, /) and remove them temporarily.
Escalate the Issue to Microsoft Support
Since resetting and reinstalling the application did not resolve the problem, the issue requires diagnostic log review by the Microsoft development team.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does OneDrive say "Sorry, OneDrive can't add your folder right now" on Mac?
This error generally occurs when the selected local folder contains symbolic links, lacks correct read/write permissions, or contains file types and characters that are unsupported by the macOS version of OneDrive.
Can I force OneDrive to sync an existing folder without re-downloading files?
Yes, by choosing the "Use This Folder" option during the OneDrive setup, the app attempts to merge local files with your cloud files. However, if the local folder contains corrupted hidden sync files or conflicts, the merge process may fail.
Where can I find OneDrive error logs on a Mac?
OneDrive diagnostic logs on macOS are typically stored in the hidden library directory at ~/Library/Logs/OneDrive/. Microsoft support may request these files to perform advanced troubleshooting.
What should I do if resetting and reinstalling OneDrive doesn't fix the sync issue?
If basic resets fail and local workarounds are impractical, the issue is likely rooted in system-level permissions or a bug requiring developer intervention. You should contact your Microsoft 365 administrator to open an official support ticket for log analysis.
