OneDrive File Issues

How to Stop OneDrive from Opening a Finder Window at Mac Login

Elise Williams Oct 1, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to stop the OneDrive folder from automatically launching a Finder window every time they log into their Mac.

How to Stop OneDrive from Opening a Finder Window at Mac Login

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: macOS
Scenario: Signing into a Mac where OneDrive is configured to sync files in the background.
Observed behavior: A Finder window displaying the OneDrive folder opens automatically upon every login, despite unlinking and resetting the app.

Before you start

Ensure you have your Mac administrator password handy, as modifying System Settings and login items may require administrator privileges.

Solution 1Recommended

Remove OneDrive Folder from macOS Login Items

Check your Mac's system settings to ensure the OneDrive folder or shortcut isn't set to open automatically when you sign in.

The most common reason for a Finder window appearing at startup is that the folder itself was accidentally added to your macOS Login Items list. Removing it will not stop the OneDrive application from syncing.

Open System Settings

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS versions).

Navigate to Login Items

Go to General, then click on Login Items. Here you will see a list of applications and folders that open automatically when you log in.

Remove the Folder

Select the OneDrive Finder window or folder shortcut from the list (make sure you do not remove the actual OneDrive background app), then click the minus (-) button at the bottom of the list.

Restart Your Mac

Restart your Mac to verify that the OneDrive Finder window no longer opens automatically upon login.

Remove OneDrive Folder from macOS Login Items

Background Syncing Assured: Removing the folder shortcut from Login Items only stops the visible Finder window from popping up. Your files will continue to sync in the background.

Solution 2

Check OneDrive App Preferences

Review the built-in settings within the OneDrive application to ensure it isn't configured to open the folder at startup.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does unlinking and resetting OneDrive not fix the Finder window issue?

Unlinking or resetting OneDrive only affects the app's synchronization state and account connection. It does not alter macOS system-level login items, which is where the command to open the Finder window is usually stored.

Will my files stop syncing if I remove OneDrive from Mac Login Items?

No. As long as you only remove the specific Finder window or folder shortcut from the Login Items list, the OneDrive application itself will continue to launch and sync your files in the background.

How do I ensure OneDrive still launches in the background at startup?

In your Mac's System Settings under Login Items, scroll down to the 'Allow in the Background' section. Ensure that the toggle for Microsoft OneDrive is turned on so it can sync files automatically when your Mac boots.

Document & File Issues