How to Unsync OneDrive and SharePoint from Word on Mac
Question details
The user needs to disconnect or reset conflicting OneDrive and SharePoint accounts connected to Microsoft Word on macOS.

- Product
- Microsoft Word for Mac
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Resolving synchronization failures and constant folder access requests caused by account conflicts between Office apps and cloud storage.
- Observed behavior
- Word repeatedly requests access to company folders or fails to sync SharePoint changes because Office and OneDrive are operating under different logged-in accounts.
Before making any changes, log in to your OneDrive or SharePoint account via a web browser to verify that your recent file edits have been successfully synchronized and saved online.
Unlink Accounts and Remove Office Licenses
Resolve the account conflict by resetting the OneDrive sync connection and using the Microsoft Office license removal tool.
This method completely clears out the conflicting account credentials from your Mac, allowing you to establish a fresh, error-free synchronization connection between Word and your cloud storage.
Click the OneDrive cloud icon in your Mac menu bar, navigate to Help & Settings > Preferences, and click 'Unlink this Mac' to disconnect the incorrect account.
Open Finder, locate the local OneDrive or SharePoint folder that is no longer syncing properly, and move it to the Trash to avoid file duplication issues.
Close all Office applications including Word. Download and run the official Microsoft Office License Removal Tool to safely erase conflicting Office account data from your system.
Open Microsoft Word, sign in with the correct account credentials, and follow the prompts to create a new OneDrive or SharePoint sync connection.

Switch to WPS Office for Hassle-Free Cloud Syncing
If you are tired of dealing with Microsoft Word account conflicts and complex SharePoint synchronization issues on your Mac, WPS Office offers a straightforward, lightweight alternative. Enjoy seamless cloud management without restrictive account dependencies.
- 1. Download the software: Visit the official WPS website and download the installation package tailored for Mac.
- 2. Install on your Mac: Open the downloaded file and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder.
- 3. Edit documents effortlessly: Launch WPS Office, open your existing Word documents, and easily save them to your preferred local or cloud destination.

Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Word on Mac constantly request access to my SharePoint folder?
This happens when Word is logged in with an account that lacks the correct permissions to access the SharePoint folder being synced by OneDrive. Re-authenticating with the matching account resolves the access prompts.
Will I lose my files if I unlink OneDrive from my Mac?
No, unlinking OneDrive only stops the synchronization process. All your previously synced files remain securely stored in your online cloud storage, and you can download them again at any time.
How do I completely reset the OneDrive app on a Mac?
Quit the OneDrive app, go to your Applications folder, right-click OneDrive, and select 'Show Package Contents'. Navigate to Contents > Resources and double-click the 'ResetOneDriveApp.command' file to clear the app's cache.




