Microsoft Account Errors

Fix OneDrive for Mac Quits After Changing Microsoft Account Alias

WPS Editor Oct 9, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user is experiencing crashes or sign-in failures with the OneDrive application on Mac immediately after modifying the primary alias of their Microsoft 365 account.

How to Fix OneDrive for Mac Quitting After Changing a Microsoft Account Alias

Product: OneDrive for Mac
Device & OS: Mac
Scenario: Attempting to sign in to the OneDrive desktop client on macOS after changing the primary email alias associated with a Microsoft 365 Family account.
Observed behavior: The OneDrive for Mac application unexpectedly quits or refuses to sign in, even though the same account works fine on OneDrive for Web and other accounts function normally on the same Mac.

Before you start

Ensure you have access to a web browser to manage your Microsoft account settings and keep your linked mobile device handy if two-step verification is enabled.

Solution 1Recommended

Sign In Using an Alternate Alias or Mobile Number

Bypass the primary alias sync crash by logging into the OneDrive app using a previously linked Microsoft domain alias or your associated mobile phone number.

Often, the OneDrive for Mac client struggles to authenticate immediately after a primary alias is switched to a non-Microsoft domain (like Gmail or Yahoo). Using a native alias or phone number can force the token to refresh without crashing.

Open OneDrive for Mac

Launch the OneDrive application from your Mac's Applications folder or the menu bar at the top of the screen.

Enter an alternate sign-in method

Instead of entering the new primary alias that is causing the crash, type in the mobile phone number associated with your Microsoft account, or use an older @outlook.com alias.

Complete authentication

Proceed with the password entry and any two-factor authentication prompts to finish setting up the OneDrive connection.

Sign In Using an Alternate Alias or Mobile Number

Authentication Tip: If the sign-in is successful, OneDrive will automatically resync your local folders with the cloud without requiring you to redownload all your files.

Solution 2

Create a New Outlook.com Alias and Set it as Primary

Generate a fresh Outlook.com email alias directly through Microsoft's account portal to restore compatibility with the Mac OneDrive client.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Experience Stable Document Management on Mac with WPS Office

If OneDrive account sync errors and application crashes are interrupting your workflow, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly stable environment on Mac, offering fully compatible document editing and its own reliable cloud sync without complex alias dependencies.

1. Download for Mac: Visit the official WPS website and download the macOS version of WPS Office.
2. Install the Application: Open the downloaded installer and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder.
3. Start Editing Instantly: Launch WPS Office, sign in for free cloud storage, and seamlessly open your existing Microsoft Office files.

Completely free and lightweight Microsoft Office alternative for macOSSeamless format compatibility with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx)Integrated WPS Cloud for reliable, crash-free file synchronization across all your devicesAll-in-one workspace featuring a familiar tabbed interface to boost productivity

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does changing my primary alias cause OneDrive for Mac to crash?

When a primary alias is updated, especially to a non-Microsoft domain, the Mac client can experience an authentication token mismatch. If the new credentials haven't fully propagated through Microsoft's servers, the desktop app may enter an authentication loop and unexpectedly quit.

Can I access my OneDrive files while the Mac application is broken?

Yes, your files remain safely stored in the cloud. You can access, download, and upload files by logging into OneDrive on the web via any browser, or by using another user profile on your Mac that isn't experiencing alias issues.

How long does it take for a new Microsoft alias to fully sync?

Alias changes can sometimes take anywhere from a few hours to 48 hours to fully propagate across all Microsoft services, applications, and third-party integrations. Waiting a day before trying to sign in on Mac again often resolves the issue naturally.

Will I lose my files if I sign in with a different alias?

No. An alias is simply an alternative login name for the exact same Microsoft account. All your files, subscriptions, and settings remain untouched regardless of which alias you use to sign in.

Login & Account Issues