OneDrive File Issues

How to Sync Documents and Desktop Folders with OneDrive on Mac

Partner Editor Oct 12, 2026 871 views

Question details

The user wants to sync their local Mac Documents and Desktop folders with OneDrive, but these folders do not appear in the Choose Folders dialog.

How to Sync Documents and Desktop Folders with OneDrive on Mac

Product: OneDrive for Mac
Device & OS: macOS Sonoma
Scenario: Attempting to link and sync local macOS system folders (Desktop and Documents) to Microsoft OneDrive.
Observed behavior: The local Documents and Desktop folders do not show up in the OneDrive Choose Folders list.

Before you start

Ensure that your Mac has an active internet connection and that you are signed into the OneDrive application with your Microsoft account.

Solution 1Recommended

Manually Move Folders to the Local OneDrive Directory

The Choose Folders dialog in OneDrive only manages folders that are already located inside your local OneDrive directory. You must move the files there manually first.

By design, OneDrive for Mac requires files and folders to be placed directly into its designated sync folder. The 'Choose Folders' feature allows you to select which existing cloud folders download to your Mac, rather than adding new local system folders.

Open Finder

Click the Finder icon in your Mac's Dock to open a new file browser window.

Locate System Folders

Navigate to your local 'Documents' or 'Desktop' folders via the Finder sidebar.

Move Files to OneDrive

Select the files or folders you want to sync, and drag them into the 'OneDrive' folder located in your Finder sidebar.

Verify Synchronization

Wait for the sync status icons next to your files to show a green checkmark, indicating they have been successfully uploaded to OneDrive.

Manually Move Folders to the Local OneDrive Directory

Sync Behavior: Once moved, you should access and edit these files directly from the OneDrive folder to ensure ongoing synchronization.

Solution 2

Update OneDrive and Check the User Profile

If you experience ongoing sync failures or missing icons, updating the application and checking your macOS user profile can resolve underlying system conflicts.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Seamless Document Management on Mac

If managing cloud files with Microsoft OneDrive feels overly complicated, WPS Office offers a free, lightweight alternative. It provides its own built-in cloud sync for your documents while ensuring a familiar tabbed interface and complete compatibility with Microsoft formats.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the Mac version.
2. Install the Application: Open the downloaded file and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder.
3. Save and Sync: Create new documents and save them directly to WPS Cloud for effortless access across all your devices.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx).Built-in WPS Cloud ensures your documents are automatically synced and backed up.Lightweight installation tailored for optimal macOS performance without heavy background sync engines.Free to use with a familiar, easy-to-navigate user interface.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why aren't my Mac Desktop and Documents folders in the OneDrive Choose Folders list?

The 'Choose Folders' dialog only displays folders that already exist within your main OneDrive cloud directory. It does not scan your Mac for local system folders like Desktop and Documents. You must manually move or copy these files into the OneDrive folder first.

Does OneDrive on Mac automatically back up my Desktop and Documents?

Unlike the Windows version of OneDrive which includes a PC Folder Backup feature, OneDrive for macOS historically requires you to manually place files into the OneDrive folder to sync them. Third-party workarounds like symlinks are generally discouraged as they can cause sync errors.

What do the sync status icons in the Mac Finder mean?

A cloud icon indicates the file is available online only and does not take up space on your Mac. A green checkmark means the file is downloaded and available offline. A circular arrows symbol means the file is currently uploading or downloading.

Document & File Issues