OneDrive File Issues

How to Fix OneDrive Using Excessive Space in Mac Group Containers Folder

Steve K Oct 13, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user is experiencing high storage consumption on their Mac due to OneDrive files accumulating in the local Library Group Containers folder.

How to Fix OneDrive Using Excessive Space in Mac Group Containers Folder

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: Mac
Scenario: Managing local disk space when syncing files with OneDrive on macOS.
Observed behavior: OneDrive consumes a huge amount of Mac storage space because cached copies of synchronized files are saved and kept in the Library Group Containers folder.

Before you start

Before making changes to your OneDrive folders or deleting cached files, ensure your Mac is connected to the internet and all important files are fully synced to the cloud to prevent accidental data loss.

Solution 1Recommended

Adjust OneDrive Files On-Demand Settings

Change your OneDrive settings to keep files online-only, which removes the local cached copies from the Group Containers folder and frees up Mac storage space.

MacOS uses the Group Containers folder to sandbox application data. When you use OneDrive's File Provider features, macOS caches copies of your synchronized files in this directory. If files are set to "Always keep on this device," they will permanently consume local storage.

Open OneDrive Settings

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

Enable Files On-Demand

Navigate to the Sync and Backup tab, scroll down to Advanced settings, and ensure that Files On-Demand is enabled to allow files to be stored online only.

Free Up Local Space

Open Finder and go to your OneDrive folder. Right-click the files or folders taking up too much space and select "Free Up Space". This will remove the local cached copy from your Group Containers folder while keeping the file safe in the cloud.

Adjust OneDrive Files On-Demand Settings

Storage Reclaimed: Files marked as "Online-only" will show a cloud icon and will no longer take up physical space on your Mac's hard drive.

Solution 2

Reset the OneDrive Application

If adjusting the settings does not clear the cache, resetting the OneDrive app can force a clean sync state and remove unnecessary cached data.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does OneDrive store files in the Mac Group Containers folder?

MacOS uses the Group Containers folder to securely sandbox application data. When OneDrive syncs files, it stores cached copies and necessary synchronization metadata in this folder to integrate properly with the macOS File Provider framework.

Can I safely delete the OneDrive folder in Group Containers manually?

Manually deleting files directly from the Group Containers folder is not recommended, as it can corrupt your OneDrive sync state or cause permanent data loss. You should always use the 'Free Up Space' option in Finder instead.

How do I know which OneDrive files are taking up local space on my Mac?

Open Finder and navigate to your synced OneDrive folder. Look for files with a solid green checkmark icon next to them; these are stored locally on your Mac. Files with a cloud icon are stored online-only and do not consume local disk space.

Document & File Issues