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How to Fix Excel OneDrive Sign-in Issues on macOS Sonoma
Question details
Users are unable to sign into OneDrive through the Excel application on Mac after upgrading their operating system.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel for Mac, OneDrive
- Device & OS
- macOS Sonoma 14.1
- Scenario
- Attempting to sign in to OneDrive or access cloud files directly within the Excel desktop app after a macOS update.
- Observed behavior
- Excel becomes stuck on the sign-in screen when connecting to OneDrive, even though the files remain accessible through Microsoft 365 on the web.
Verify that your Mac has a stable internet connection and ensure you can successfully log in to your Microsoft 365 account via a web browser before troubleshooting the desktop app.
Update Excel via Microsoft AutoUpdate
Older versions of Excel often have compatibility issues with newer macOS releases. Updating the software usually restores OneDrive connectivity.
In many reported cases, older application builds (such as version 16.20) struggle with macOS Sonoma's updated security and networking frameworks. Updating to the latest stable release (e.g., 16.78 or newer) resolves these authentication freezes.
If you do not have it, download and install the latest version of Microsoft AutoUpdate directly from the official Microsoft 365 website.
Open your Mac's Applications folder, locate 'Microsoft AutoUpdate', and double-click to launch it.
Click the 'Check for Updates' button to scan for the latest versions of Microsoft Excel and other Office applications.
Click 'Update' next to Excel to install the newest version. Once the installation is complete, relaunch Excel and attempt to sign in to OneDrive again.
Clear Outdated Credentials from Keychain Access
Corrupted or outdated login tokens stored on your Mac can block Excel from successfully authenticating with OneDrive.
Reset Excel Preferences and Reinstall
If updating and clearing the keychain fail, resetting corrupted application preferences or performing a clean reinstall can fix persistent launch and sign-in bugs.
Switch to WPS Office for a Seamless Mac Experience
Tired of troubleshooting Office compatibility issues and login freezes after every macOS update? WPS Office provides a lightweight, highly compatible, and free alternative to Microsoft Office, ensuring your spreadsheets open smoothly without frustrating cloud sync hangs.
- 1. Download the software: Visit the official WPS website and download the Mac version of WPS Office.
- 2. Install and launch: Follow the simple installation prompt, then open WPS Spreadsheets.
- 3. Open files effortlessly: Sign in with your preferred cloud account and open your existing .xlsx files directly without any formatting loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Excel stuck on the OneDrive sign-in screen on my Mac?
This usually happens after a major macOS update, like Sonoma, when an older version of Excel struggles to communicate with the newly updated OS networking or credential frameworks. Updating the application typically resolves the conflict.
Will deleting Keychain credentials delete my OneDrive files?
No. Deleting credentials from Keychain Access only removes the saved login passwords stored locally on your Mac. Your actual OneDrive files remain secure in the cloud.
How do I force Microsoft AutoUpdate to check for Excel updates?
If you cannot open Excel to check for updates, you can open another Office app like Word, click 'Help' in the top menu bar, and select 'Check for Updates'. Alternatively, open Microsoft AutoUpdate directly from your Mac's Applications folder.
