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Office for Mac Issues

Fix OneDrive Compatibility Issues on macOS Catalina 10.15.7

Nimra MalikNimra Malik Oct 8, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs a compatible version of OneDrive to resolve crashes and upgrade errors occurring on macOS Catalina 10.15.7.

Fix OneDrive Compatibility Issues on macOS Catalina 10.15.7
Product
OneDrive for Mac
Device & OS
macOS Catalina 10.15.7
Scenario
Attempting to sync files or run the OneDrive desktop application on an older macOS version.
Observed behavior
OneDrive abruptly stops working on macOS Catalina 10.15.7, and older Office versions prompt upgrade errors that prevent the app from launching.
Before you start

Verify your exact macOS version by clicking the Apple menu and selecting 'About This Mac', and ensure your important local files are backed up before uninstalling or rolling back your OneDrive application.

Solution 1Recommended

Install OneDrive Version 23.086 for macOS Catalina

Manually downgrade and install a specific version of OneDrive (23.086) that is known to remain fully compatible with macOS Catalina.

Microsoft frequently updates OneDrive, and newer versions often drop support for older operating systems like macOS Catalina (10.15.x). When the app auto-updates to an unsupported version, it will stop functioning. Reverting to a confirmed working build, such as version 23.086, will restore your sync capabilities.

1
Uninstall the incompatible OneDrive version

Quit OneDrive if it is running. Open your 'Applications' folder in Finder, locate the OneDrive app, and drag it to the Trash. Empty the Trash to completely remove the incompatible version.

2
Download OneDrive version 23.086

Navigate to the official Microsoft OneDrive release notes or a trusted Microsoft installer archive to download the standalone Mac package for OneDrive version 23.086.

3
Install the compatible version

Double-click the downloaded .pkg file and follow the on-screen installation prompts. Once installed, launch OneDrive from your Applications folder and sign in to your Microsoft account.

4
Monitor or disable automatic updates

To prevent the issue from returning, monitor the Microsoft AutoUpdate tool. You may need to uncheck automatic updates for OneDrive so it does not overwrite version 23.086 with an incompatible newer release.

Install OneDrive Version 23.086 for macOS Catalina
Version Confirmation: User reports confirm that while version 23.081 produces upgrade errors on Catalina, version 23.086 installs and syncs properly without triggering macOS compatibility warnings.
Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Seamless Mac Compatibility

If Microsoft Office and OneDrive compatibility limits are causing frustration on your macOS Catalina device, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative with its own built-in cloud synchronization that works smoothly on older Macs.

  1. 1. Download the Mac installer: Visit the official WPS website and download the free WPS Office installer designed for macOS.
  2. 2. Sign in for cloud syncing: Create a free account to activate WPS Cloud, giving you a reliable alternative to OneDrive for backing up your documents.
  3. 3. Open existing files natively: Drag and drop your existing Microsoft Office files into WPS Office to continue working with zero formatting loss.
Fully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx).Lightweight design that runs smoothly on older macOS versions like Catalina.Built-in WPS Cloud service for reliable file syncing across macOS, iOS, Windows, and Android.Familiar, intuitive user interface ensuring a seamless migration from Microsoft Office.
microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did OneDrive suddenly stop working on macOS Catalina?

Microsoft periodically updates OneDrive and phases out technical support for older macOS versions. When OneDrive auto-updates to a version requiring macOS 11 (Big Sur) or later, the application will crash or refuse to open on Catalina (10.15.7).

How can I stop OneDrive from automatically updating on my Mac?

You can manage OneDrive updates by adjusting the Microsoft AutoUpdate (MAU) settings. Open MAU from your Mac's Library or through any Office application's Help menu, and disable the automatic updates option to maintain your working version.

Can I use OneDrive on the web instead of the Mac app?

Yes. If the desktop application is incompatible with your current macOS version and you cannot install an older build, you can always access, upload, and download your files by logging into OneDrive via a web browser like Safari or Google Chrome.

Does WPS Office support saving to my local OneDrive folder?

Yes, if you have a working version of OneDrive installed, you can save WPS Office documents directly to your local OneDrive sync folder. Alternatively, you can use WPS Cloud as a built-in syncing solution.