Office for Mac Issues

How to Remove OneDrive from Save Dialogs in Office for Mac

John Wilson Sep 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to completely remove the OneDrive option from appearing as a location in the Save dialogs of Office applications on a Mac.

How to Remove OneDrive from Save Dialogs on a Mac

Product: Microsoft Office
Device & OS: Mac
Scenario: Saving a document in Office applications and encountering unwanted OneDrive location options.
Observed behavior: The OneDrive location continues to appear in Office Save dialogs even after the OneDrive menu-bar icon is hidden, typically because residual components and cache folders are still installed on the Mac.

Before you start

Ensure you have closed all running Microsoft Office applications (such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and completely quit the OneDrive app from the top menu bar before modifying system library files.

Solution 1Recommended

Uninstall OneDrive and Remove Residual Library Folders

This solution completely removes the OneDrive application and its hidden cache folders, preventing Office from detecting and displaying it in the Save dialog.

Microsoft Office relies on background system folders to detect installed cloud services. Simply dragging the OneDrive application to the Trash is often not enough to remove it from the Office Save menu. You must also clear out the specific library containers.

Quit and Trash OneDrive

Click the OneDrive icon in your Mac's top menu bar, select 'Help & Settings', and click 'Quit OneDrive'. Then, open your Applications folder and drag the OneDrive app to the Trash.

Access Hidden Library Folders

Open Finder. Press Command+Shift+G on your keyboard to open the 'Go to Folder' window. Type ~/Library/CloudStorage/ and hit Return.

Delete CloudStorage Remnants

In the CloudStorage folder, locate the OneDrive folder and drag it to the Trash.

Remove Group Containers

Press Command+Shift+G again and enter ~/Library/Group Containers/. Look for folders named 'OneDriveSyncClientSuite' or 'OneDriveStandaloneSuite' and move them to the Trash.

Restart Your Mac

Empty your Mac's Trash and restart your computer. Open Word or Excel to confirm that OneDrive is no longer listed in the Save dialog.

Uninstall OneDrive and Remove Residual Library Folders

Verification: After restarting, your Office applications will only display local folders or remaining active cloud drives when you choose 'Save As'.

Solution 2

Submit Feedback to Microsoft

If you are forced to keep OneDrive installed for other reasons but do not want it in the Office Save dialog, submit feedback directly to Microsoft to request better interface controls.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office for a Clutter-Free Saving Experience

If you are tired of persistent and unwanted cloud save options in Microsoft Office, consider switching to WPS Office. It is a lightweight, user-friendly alternative that gives you full control over where you save your local files, without forcing unwanted cloud integrations.

1. Download and Install: Download WPS Office for Mac from the official website and follow the simple installation prompt.
2. Open Your Files: Launch WPS Office and open your existing Microsoft Word, Excel, or PowerPoint files with perfect formatting compatibility.
3. Save Locally with Ease: Click 'Save As' to open a clean save dialog that defaults to your preferred local Mac directories without unnecessary cloud service clutter.

Clean, customizable interface without forced or hidden cloud integrations.Fully compatible with all Microsoft Office formats (DOCX, XLSX, PPTX).Lightweight application that doesn't leave complex background cache folders.Completely free to download and use on Mac.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does OneDrive still appear in my save dialog after I uninstalled the app?

Even after you move the main OneDrive application to the Trash, macOS often retains residual configuration and cache files in hidden library folders (like ~/Library/CloudStorage/). Office detects these leftover files and assumes the service is still active.

Will removing the Group Containers library folders delete my actual documents?

No, deleting the configuration folders from ~/Library/Group Containers/ only removes the application's syncing settings and preferences. However, you should ensure any files inside the CloudStorage folder are backed up before moving that specific folder to the Trash.

Can I simply hide OneDrive in Office without uninstalling it?

Microsoft Office heavily integrates with OneDrive. If the application is actively installed and you are signed in, it is designed to appear in your save locations. Completely removing it from the menu usually requires unlinking your account or thoroughly uninstalling the software.

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