How to Stop OneDrive Adalcache Keychain Prompt on Mac
Question details
The user needs to stop OneDrive from repeatedly asking for permission to access the adalcache entry in the macOS Keychain.
- Product
- OneDrive / Microsoft Office
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Using OneDrive or other Microsoft Office applications on a Mac system.
- Observed behavior
- A macOS security prompt repeatedly appears, asking for permission to access confidential information stored in the Keychain under "adalcache," disrupting normal workflow.
Before modifying your Keychain entries, ensure you capture a screenshot of the specific prompt for reference and verify that your macOS, OneDrive, and Microsoft Office applications are updated to the latest versions.
Update Microsoft Office and OneDrive
Outdated versions of Microsoft applications are a common trigger for credential loops and synchronization errors on macOS.
Microsoft frequently releases patches to address macOS compatibility issues, including Keychain access bugs. Updating your software ensures that any known credential caching issues are resolved.
Launch any Microsoft Office application like Word or Excel, click on 'Help' in the top menu bar, and select 'Check for Updates'.
If an update is available for OneDrive or Office, click 'Update' to install it. If you downloaded OneDrive from the Mac App Store, open the App Store and check the Updates tab.
Once the updates are fully installed, restart your Mac to ensure the new application versions initialize correctly.
Clear Adalcache Entries in Keychain Access
Removing corrupted cached credentials forces OneDrive to generate a fresh, error-free authentication token.
Switch to WPS Office for a Hassle-Free Experience
If you are tired of dealing with constant Keychain prompts and Microsoft Office login loops, try WPS Office. It is a powerful, lightweight alternative that works seamlessly on Mac without complicated credential dependencies.
- 1. Download the installer: Visit the official WPS website and download the Mac version of WPS Office.
- 2. Install the application: Open the downloaded file and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder.
- 3. Open your files instantly: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing Microsoft Office documents with perfect formatting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is adalcache in the macOS Keychain?
Adalcache stands for Active Directory Authentication Library cache. It is a secure storage area used by Microsoft applications, including OneDrive and Office, to keep your sign-in tokens so you do not have to log in repeatedly.
Why does the adalcache prompt keep reappearing even after I click Allow?
The prompt typically loops because the saved credential token is corrupted, your application is outdated, or there is a permission conflict in macOS that prevents OneDrive from reading the saved data correctly.
Is it safe to delete adalcache entries from my Keychain?
Yes, deleting these entries is perfectly safe. It simply removes the saved authentication tokens. You will just need to sign back into your Microsoft accounts, which will generate a fresh, uncorrupted set of tokens.
Will reinstalling OneDrive fix the adalcache keychain issue?
Reinstalling the app can fix software corruption, but it usually does not clear your Mac's Keychain data. You should manually remove the adalcache entries from the Keychain Access utility first before resorting to a full reinstall.
