SharePoint Document Issues

How to Sync a SharePoint Folder with Mac Finder

WPS Editor Oct 10, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to synchronize a SharePoint document library to access and manage team files natively within the macOS Finder.

How to Sync a SharePoint Folder with Mac Finder

Product: SharePoint
Device & OS: macOS
Scenario: Setting up local file synchronization to access remote SharePoint team files directly through the local macOS file system.
Observed behavior: The user needs the correct procedure to initiate the sync connection between SharePoint and OneDrive on macOS, and troubleshoot if the sync fails.

Before you start

Ensure that the Microsoft OneDrive application is installed on your Mac and you are signed in with your organization's work or school account.

Solution 1Recommended

Sync SharePoint Document Library via OneDrive

Use the native Sync button in SharePoint online to automatically connect the library to your local Mac Finder.

This is the standard method for bringing your online SharePoint libraries into your local file manager. It utilizes the OneDrive sync client to keep files updated in real-time.

Open the SharePoint Library

Navigate to your organization's SharePoint site using your web browser and open the specific document library you wish to sync.

Click the Sync Button

Look at the command bar at the top of the document library and click the 'Sync' button.

Allow App Launch

A browser prompt will appear asking for permission to open Microsoft OneDrive. Click 'Allow' or 'Open Microsoft OneDrive'.

Complete Setup

The OneDrive app will launch on your Mac. Follow the on-screen prompts to finish the setup. Once completed, your files will appear in Finder under a folder named after your organization.

Sync SharePoint Document Library via OneDrive

Files On-Demand: Your files will be synced using 'Files On-Demand', meaning they won't take up local hard drive space until you open them or choose to keep them on your device.

Solution 2

Troubleshoot Synchronization Failures

Follow these steps if clicking the Sync button fails or if folders are not updating in Mac Finder.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Edit Your Synced SharePoint Files with WPS Office

Once your SharePoint files are synced to Mac Finder, use WPS Office as a lightweight, lightning-fast alternative to edit your documents without heavy subscription costs.

1. Install WPS Office: Download and install the free WPS Office application for macOS.
2. Locate SharePoint Files: Open Mac Finder and navigate to the organization folder in the left sidebar where your SharePoint documents are synced.
3. Edit and Save: Double-click a document to open it in WPS Office, make your edits, and hit Save. The OneDrive client will automatically sync the changes back to SharePoint.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats including .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx.Open synced SharePoint files directly from Mac Finder and save changes back seamlessly.Lightweight application that runs smoothly on macOS without draining battery.Familiar user interface ensures a zero-learning-curve migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find my synced SharePoint files in Mac Finder?

Once the sync setup is complete, open Mac Finder. Look at the left sidebar under the 'Favorites' or 'Locations' section. You will see a folder icon with a building symbol, usually named after your company or organization. Click it to view your synced SharePoint libraries.

Why is the Sync button missing in my SharePoint document library?

The Sync button can be missing for a few reasons: your IT administrator may have disabled syncing for security purposes, you might not have the correct permissions for the library, or you are using an unsupported web browser. Contact your IT admin if the issue persists.

Can I select specific folders to sync instead of the entire library?

Yes. After setting up the initial sync, click the OneDrive icon in your Mac menu bar, go to Settings (gear icon) > Preferences > Account. Find the SharePoint location, click 'Choose folders', and uncheck any folders you do not want to sync to your Mac.

How do I make my synced SharePoint files available offline on macOS?

By default, files are synced as cloud-only to save disk space. To edit them without an internet connection, right-click the file or folder in Finder and select 'Always Keep on This Device'. A green checkmark will appear once the download is complete.

Document & File Issues