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How to Back Up OneDrive Files to a Remote Network Server on Mac
Question details
The user needs to automatically copy or back up files from Microsoft OneDrive to a remote network server, NAS device, or shared folder using a Mac.
- Product
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Device & OS
- Mac
- Scenario
- Creating a secondary backup of cloud-stored files to a local network storage device.
- Observed behavior
- OneDrive does not support configuring a network server as its standard sync location, requiring users to find a workaround to back up local OneDrive folders.
Make sure your Mac is currently connected to the same local network or VPN as your remote server. Additionally, verify that the files you want to back up are fully downloaded to your Mac's local storage and not marked as cloud-only.
Mount the Network Server and Sync Local OneDrive Files
Since OneDrive requires a local sync folder on macOS, you must mount the remote server via Finder and use a backup utility to copy the downloaded files from your local OneDrive folder to the network share.
Microsoft OneDrive officially supports syncing only to a local drive formatted with APFS. Directly setting your OneDrive sync folder to a network share is not supported and can cause sync failures. The most reliable method is to maintain your OneDrive folder locally and mirror it to your server.
Open Finder and locate your OneDrive folder. Right-click the folder (or specific files you want to back up) and select 'Always keep on this device' to ensure they are physically stored on your hard drive rather than just in the cloud.
In Finder, click on 'Go' in the top Apple menu bar, then select 'Connect to Server'. Enter your remote server or NAS address (e.g., smb://server-address) and click 'Connect'. Enter your credentials if prompted.
Use a macOS file synchronization or backup tool (such as Time Machine, Carbon Copy Cloner, or FreeFileSync). Configure the tool to use your local OneDrive folder as the source and the newly mounted network server volume as the destination.
Manage and Save Your Documents Locally with WPS Office
If dealing with cloud synchronization limits on Mac is slowing you down, consider switching to WPS Office. It is a highly compatible, free Microsoft Office alternative that lets you save, edit, and back up your documents directly to any remote network server or NAS without complex cloud sync restrictions.
- 1. Download and Install WPS Office: Download WPS Office for Mac from the official website and complete the installation.
- 2. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Office and open your existing Word, Excel, or PowerPoint files.
- 3. Save Directly to Server: Click 'Menu' > 'Save As', and select your mounted remote network server from the Finder dialog to save your files safely on your network.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I set my OneDrive sync folder directly to a NAS on a Mac?
No. Microsoft OneDrive on Mac requires the sync folder to be located on a local drive formatted with APFS. Using a network share (SMB/AFP) as the direct sync location is unsupported and will likely result in sync errors.
Why are some of my OneDrive files not copying to the server?
If you are using the 'Files On-Demand' feature, some files only exist in the cloud and are represented as placeholders on your Mac. You must right-click these files in Finder and select 'Always keep on this device' to download them completely before your backup software can copy them.
Will copying the OneDrive folder also back up my OneNote notebooks?
No. OneNote backup features are separate and do not use the standard OneDrive sync folder. To back up OneNote notebooks to a server, you must use the export or backup features directly within the OneNote application.
