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How to Troubleshoot Slow Sync with Two OneDrive Accounts on Mac
Question details
The user needs to identify the active account and fix slow synchronization speeds when running two visible OneDrive instances or folders on a Mac.
- Product
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Device & OS
- Mac
- Scenario
- Managing file synchronization across devices when multiple OneDrive accounts are configured on a single Mac.
- Observed behavior
- OneDrive synchronization is noticeably slow, and two distinct OneDrive application instances or folders are visible on the system.
Before troubleshooting, ensure you have the login credentials for both OneDrive accounts and avoid deleting any sync folders or instances until their active sync status is fully confirmed.
Identify Active Accounts and Sync Status
Determine which OneDrive instance corresponds to which account to prevent accidental data loss before making changes.
Seeing two OneDrive instances typically means two accounts (such as a personal and a work account) are configured in the sync client. Both clients can synchronize changes simultaneously.
Click the first OneDrive cloud icon in the Mac menu bar, click the gear icon (Help & Settings), and select Preferences.
Navigate to the Account tab to see the email address linked to this specific instance and check its current sync status.
Repeat the process for the second OneDrive cloud icon in the menu bar to verify the identity and status of the other account.
Troubleshoot Network and Security Interference
Temporarily disable software or settings that might be throttling or blocking the OneDrive sync process.
Verify Folder Inclusion and Cross-Device Sync
Ensure the specific Mac folders you need are selected for synchronization and test the connection to your office computer.
Try WPS Office for Seamless Cross-Device File Management
While resolving Microsoft OneDrive sync issues, consider using WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, free alternative to Microsoft Office with built-in cloud synchronization, ensuring your documents are always up to date across your Mac and office computers.
- 1. Download the installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free version for Mac.
- 2. Install the application: Open the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions to install WPS Office.
- 3. Sign in to WPS Cloud: Launch WPS Office and sign in to access seamless cross-device cloud synchronization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I see two OneDrive folders on my Mac?
This typically occurs when you have configured two separate accounts, such as a personal account and a work or school account, in the OneDrive sync client. Both instances operate and sync simultaneously.
Can I safely delete one of the OneDrive instances?
You should not delete any OneDrive instance or local folder until you have checked the Preferences menu to confirm which account it belongs to, and verified that all necessary files are fully synced to the cloud.
How do I check if my Mac files are syncing with my office computer?
First, log into OneDrive online via a web browser to verify that the files from your Mac have uploaded successfully. Once confirmed, check your office computer to ensure those same files have downloaded to its local OneDrive folder.
