OneDrive File Issues

How to Reset and Reinstall OneDrive on Mac Pro to Fix Sync Issues

Rana Garcia Sep 30, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to fix a OneDrive sync issue where local Mac files fail to upload to the cloud due to application or account conflicts.

How to Reset and Reinstall OneDrive on Mac Pro

Product: OneDrive
Device & OS: macOS Sonoma
Scenario: Attempting to sync local Mac files to OneDrive online, but the uploads are stuck despite showing cloud icons in Finder.
Observed behavior: Files added from a PC appear online, but files added to the Mac OneDrive folder do not upload. The My Files folder appears blank in web browsers even though Finder indicates the files are synced.

Before you start

Before resetting the application, ensure that you have only one version of OneDrive installed in your Applications folder and temporarily copy any unsynced local files to your Mac's desktop for safekeeping.

Solution 1Recommended

Reset the OneDrive Application on macOS

Running the built-in reset command clears the sync engine's cache and resolves most file upload issues without deleting your data.

Resetting OneDrive forces the application to perform a full sync. This process checks all files and ensures that the local folder accurately mirrors the cloud repository.

Quit OneDrive

Click the OneDrive cloud icon in your Mac's menu bar, select the gear icon (Settings), and click 'Quit OneDrive'.

Locate the Reset Command

Open Finder, go to the Applications folder, right-click the OneDrive app, and select 'Show Package Contents'.

Execute the Reset

Navigate to Contents > Resources. Double-click the file named 'ResetOneDriveApp.command' or 'ResetOneDriveAppStandalone.command'.

Restart and Sign In

Open OneDrive from the Applications folder again, sign in with your Microsoft account, and allow the application to complete the initial setup and sync.

Safe Data Process: This reset procedure does not delete any of your actual files. It only resets the application settings and sync cache.

Solution 2

Unlink Account and Clear Keychain Credentials

If a simple reset does not fix the issue, you may have conflicting cached credentials from multiple Microsoft accounts that need to be manually removed.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Seamless File Management and Cloud Syncing

If you are tired of dealing with app conflicts and sync freezes on your Mac, WPS Office offers a unified, lightweight alternative. It provides a robust built-in cloud drive without the hassle of multiple client installations, ensuring your files are always securely synced across all your devices.

1. Install WPS Office for Mac: Download the lightweight installer from the official WPS website and drag it into your Applications folder.
2. Activate Free Cloud Storage: Launch the application and sign in with your email or Google account to unlock your built-in WPS Cloud space.
3. Save and Sync Automatically: Create or open existing Microsoft Office documents and save them directly to the cloud for instant access on any device.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose my files if I reset OneDrive on my Mac?

No, resetting the OneDrive application will not delete any local files or files stored in the cloud. It only resets the application settings and forces the app to perform a complete sync to match your local folder with the cloud.

Why does Finder show a cloud icon but my files aren't visible online?

This happens when the OneDrive sync engine freezes or encounters a conflict, often due to multiple Microsoft accounts or leftover credentials in the Mac's Keychain. Resetting the app usually forces the upload to complete.

How do I remove duplicate OneDrive applications on my Mac?

Open Finder and navigate to your Applications folder. If you see multiple copies of the OneDrive app, drag the duplicates to the Trash, leaving only one version installed. Empty the Trash to prevent future application conflicts.

Do I need to remove my Microsoft 365 license to fix a sync error?

In most cases, removing the Microsoft 365 license is not required to fix sync issues. Simply resetting the OneDrive app or unlinking your account from the application settings is enough to resolve the problem.

Document & File Issues