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How to Fix Duplicate OneDrive Installations on Mac and PC
Question details
The user is receiving an error message stating there are two copies of OneDrive installed and only one can run at a time.
- Product
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Device & OS
- Mac and Windows PC
- Scenario
- Attempting to run or synchronize files using the desktop cloud storage application.
- Observed behavior
- An error prompt interrupts the user, claiming two copies of the application exist on the computer. It prompts the user to uninstall one, but the second copy is often difficult to locate in the system.
Before making any changes to your installed applications, verify that your most recent local files have successfully finished syncing to the cloud to prevent any accidental data confusion.
Locate and Uninstall the Extra OneDrive Application on Mac
Find the hidden or duplicated OneDrive application in your Mac's Applications folder and safely move it to the Trash.
On macOS, the system might have downloaded a standalone version of OneDrive while another version was installed via the Mac App Store or a Microsoft Office bundle. Removing one of the applications resolves the conflict.
Open Finder on your Mac. In the top menu bar, click on 'Go' and select 'Applications' from the dropdown list.
In the Applications folder search bar, type 'OneDrive'. Look closely at the results to see if there are two icons or versions of the OneDrive app.
Right-click (or Control-click) on one of the duplicate OneDrive applications—preferably the older one if you can see the version details—and select 'Move to Trash'.
Right-click the Trash icon on your Dock, select 'Empty Trash', and then restart your Mac to clear the conflict.
Remove the Duplicate OneDrive Installation on a Windows PC
Use the Windows Settings to identify and remove the secondary OneDrive installation that is causing the error.
Experience a Seamless and Lightweight Workflow with WPS Office
Dealing with duplicate installations and complex cloud setups can be frustrating. Try WPS Office, a comprehensive, free, and lightweight Office suite that includes built-in cloud storage, eliminating the need to juggle multiple third-party sync apps. It provides highly compatible Word, Excel, and PowerPoint alternatives in one unified application.
- 1. Download the Free Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website to download the lightweight, all-in-one suite for your Mac or Windows PC.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the setup file. WPS Office installs as one unified application, preventing duplicate software clutter on your operating system.
- 3. Open and Edit Your Files: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing Microsoft Office documents with perfect format retention and built-in cloud syncing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will uninstalling the duplicate OneDrive app delete my files?
No, uninstalling the OneDrive application only removes the software program used to sync your files. Your local files in the OneDrive folder and the files stored safely in the cloud will not be deleted.
Why do I have two versions of OneDrive installed?
This usually happens if you manually installed a standalone version of OneDrive while also having the version bundled automatically with macOS, Windows 10/11, or a Microsoft Office package installed on the same device.
How do I know which duplicate OneDrive application to delete?
Check the version numbers or installation dates if your operating system displays them. It is generally best to keep the most recently updated version and uninstall the older one. If you are unsure, you can uninstall both copies and download a fresh, single installation from the official Microsoft website.
