Sync a Shared OneDrive for Business Folder on Mac
Question details
The user wants to sync a shared OneDrive for Business folder to Finder on macOS so the folder is available locally and can be used offline.
- Product
- OneDrive for Business
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- A user received a shared folder link in OneDrive for Business and needs to access it from Finder on a Mac, including offline use.
- Observed behavior
- The shared folder is only available through the browser until OneDrive sync is configured; offline files are not kept on the Mac by default.
Make sure the latest OneDrive for Mac app is installed and you have the sign-in credentials for the business account that has access to the shared folder.
Sync the shared folder with OneDrive for Mac and keep files offline
Use this when the shared OneDrive for Business folder needs to appear in Finder and remain available without an internet connection.
Syncing is handled by Microsoft OneDrive for Mac. After the folder appears in Finder, you can open and edit the downloaded files directly with WPS Office.
Download and install the latest OneDrive app from the Mac App Store, then open OneDrive from the Applications folder.
In a browser, open the shared OneDrive for Business folder link and select Sync.
Enter your Microsoft 365 business account credentials, approve the sign-in prompt, and complete the OneDrive setup.
Open Finder and locate the synced shared folder under OneDrive in the sidebar or in your OneDrive folder.
Right-click the folder or individual files and select Always Keep on This Device.
Open and Edit Synced OneDrive Files with WPS Office
Once the shared OneDrive for Business folder is synced to Finder, WPS Office gives you a free, lightweight way to open and edit the downloaded Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files. It keeps familiar Office formatting, supports Microsoft Office file formats, and lets you migrate your workflow without purchasing Microsoft Office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Microsoft 365 business account to sync a shared OneDrive for Business folder on Mac?
Yes, you must sign in with the business account that has permission to the shared folder. The OneDrive for Mac client uses that account to sync the folder to Finder.
Where does the synced OneDrive for Business folder appear on macOS?
After sync setup, the shared folder appears under the OneDrive location in Finder, usually in the sidebar or in your OneDrive folder.
How do I make a shared folder available offline on Mac?
Right-click the synced folder or file in Finder and select Always Keep on This Device. Files marked this way stay downloaded on the Mac.
Can WPS Office open files after the OneDrive folder is synced?
Yes. Once the folder appears in Finder, you can open, edit, and save Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files using WPS Office.
What if the Sync option does not appear for a shared OneDrive for Business folder?
Make sure you are signed in to OneDrive for Mac with the correct business account and that your admin has allowed syncing for shared libraries.
