Sep 28, 2020 • Filed to: Solve Mac Problems • Proven solutions
- Download and install Microsoft OneDrive for Windows PC, Mac, iOS and Android. Download and install Microsoft OneDrive for Windows PC, Mac, iOS and Android. Skip to main content. Get the OneDrive mobile app 1. Enter your email address and we’ll send a download link.
- Download Microsoft OneDrive for Mac to access OneDrive online storage from your Mac. If you have previously installed the SkyDrive App, please remove the app from your applications folder.
To install the OneDrive sync app for Mac, a user has to be administrator on the Mac or know an administrator account name and password. Download the installer package file to your local network, and then use your software distribution tools to deploy the app to your users. The next step is to download and install OneDrive App for Mac. Create OneDrive folder on your hard disk when prompted. That’s it – the setup process is complete. Your OneDrive folder contains three default folders – Documents, Pictures and Public. You can add other folders and change their hierarchy as you wish. Download OneDrive for macOS 10.12 or later and enjoy it on your Mac. Start with 5 GB of free cloud storage or upgrade to a Microsoft 365 subscription to get 1 TB of storage. Microsoft 365 includes premium Office apps, 1 TB cloud storage in OneDrive, advanced security, and more, all in one convenient subscription.
With the influx of cloud-based storage services like MEGA, Google Drive, iCloud and pCloud over the years, it can be quite daunting to decide on which of them to use. To be frank, it can be pretty frustrating, because all of them claim to be the best at what they do. Well, it's time to find out.
The safety of your files takes priority over anything else, so you need a storage service that's secure as well affordable, which is why the focus of today will be on Mac OneDrive. Take a backseat for this one, Google Drive.
Before you close this webpage, you'll know all there is to know about Microsoft's proprietary storage service. It now works effortlessly on your Mac, so this should be a very pleasant read for you.
Part 1: What Is OneDrive
OneDrive is a storage service developed by Microsoft for storing or hosting files in the cloud (online). This means as long as you have a computer with an internet connection, be it Windows or Mac, you can easily access your files from wherever you are. Terribly convenient, isn't it?
How does it work, you ask? The process is simple: You only need a Microsoft account, an internet connection and a little bit of patience; or rather, a lot of it, if your files are on the larger side.
Here's what happens: The Microsoft account will enable you to access One Drive; then an internet connection will serve as a bridge to those files; then patience as the process is carried out because the upload of files, regardless of internet speed and strength, takes longer than downloading them.
Part 2: How to Use OneDrive on Mac
It's always such a pleasant surprise when applications developed by Microsoft end up with Apple. The rivalry between the two companies makes it seem unlikely they would shake hands and develop apps that complement both their individual operating systems. But OneDrive is proof that the needs of both their customers outweighs anything else.
With that out of the way, is using Mac OneDrive easy and convenient? Yes. Using it is really little different from using any folder on your Mac. The only real difference is the data you store in your local OneDrive folder is also stored on OneDrive servers.
The default folders in OneDrive are Pictures, Documents, and Public, but you can add and name as many as you want. Copying files into OneDrive couldn't have been easier too: Just copy or drag and dump everything into the folder and it will seamlessly be uploaded to the cloud.
Accessing the floating files in the cloud is even easier because you can do so from any computer or device via the OneDrive web interface; some devices even have versions of the OneDrive app, negating the need to access the web interface.
Solution 1: How to Download and Install OneDrive on Mac
1. If you don't have a Microsoft Live ID, the first step is to create it. Follow this link to do that: https://signup.live.com/
2. Once you're done with that, go to this website https://onedrive.live.com/
3. Logged in to the website above with your newly-created Microsoft Live ID by clicking on 'Sign In'. It's located at the top-right part of the window.
4. Despite the type of web browser you are using, the next window to open up you will show you the default configuration for the OneDrive folder. At the bottom-left of the sidebar, you will see 'Get the OneDrive apps'. Click on it.
5. It will open up a new window. Click on 'Download.'
6. Once it's done, open up your Mac's downloads folder.
7. You will see 'OneDrive.pkg' in the folder. Double-click it.
8. A set of instructions will guide you towards the OneDrive installation. Follow them appropriately.
That's one way to download and install OneDrive, but you can also download it via your Mac App Store.
1. Open up your Mac App Store.
2. Type 'OneDrive' in the search field at the upper right section of the window.
3. Once you find it, click on 'Install' below the OneDrive icon.
4. Once that's done, you only need to go to your Mac's 'Applications' folder and click on the OneDrive icon (two blue clouds) to open it up. There are other ways you can launch the app but this method is quite convenient.
Solution 2: How to Set Up and Reset OneDrive on Mac
Setting OneDrive up can be done two ways, and they are dependent on whether you have an account signed in to OneDrive or not.
Set Up OneDrive
First Method (No Accounts Signed into OneDrive)
1. Press these keys, 'cmd' + 'Space', to start a Spotlight query.
2. Type 'OneDrive' in it and the 'OneDrive Setup' will begin
3. Type in your school or work account and choose 'Sign In.'
Second Method (Personal Account Already Signed into OneDrive)
1. On your Mac's Menu bar, you should be able to see the 'OneDrive' icon. Click on it.
2. Click the 3 dots you see to launch the menu.
3. Choose 'Preferences.'
4. Click on 'Account.'
5. Choose 'Add Account.' That will start up OneDrive.
6. Type in your school or work account.
7. Click on 'Sign In.'
Reset OneDrive
There could be instances where OneDrive on your Mac might fail sync properly with your cloud storage. To break this down, it means all the files you've saved in your OneDrive folder on your Mac won't sync with the real OneDrive in the cloud; or perhaps your other devices. Fortunately for you, this is neither a rare nor difficult problem to deal with. Fixing it just requires you to reset your OneDrive app. Then again, for someone who has never done something that, could prove to be quite the challenge. A little help should do you some good, don't you think?
There are several ways you can reset OneDrive on Mac but three methods take priority over all others: Kill OneDrive processes, access and delete the OneDrive keys, and utilize the covert reset OneDrive script.
Kill OneDrive Processes
1. Open up your 'Utilities' folder.
2. Launch 'Activity Monitor.'
3. Sort the column alphabetically by clicking on 'Process Name.'
4. Scroll down with your cursor and you'll eventually see 'OneDrive' among the list of active processes. There will most likely be two OneDrive items for you to kill: 'OneDrive Finder Integration' and 'OneDrive.'
If you see more than one item with the name 'OneDrive', you will need to kill the others too. This is mostly the case if your Mac is running both the Personal and Business version of OneDrive.
5. Highlight the items mentioned above to kill them (so much killing going on here).
6. Click on the 'X' icon at the top of the window.
7. You will see a prompt asking you to 'Quit' or 'Force Quit' the highlighted items. Click on 'Quit', but if it fails to close the items, try 'Force Quit.'
Access and Delete the OneDrive keys
1. Open up 'Utilities.'
2. Launch the 'Keychain Access' utility.
3. Type 'OneDrive' in its search panel.
4. In the search results, you will see several items, but only highlight or select those related to OneDrive.
5. Press the 'Delete' key.
6. Close 'Keychain Access.'
Utilize the Covert Reset OneDrive Script
1. Go to 'OneDrive' in your Applications folder.
2. Control-click on it.
3. In the menu you see, click 'Show Package Contents.'
4. Several folders will open up. Click on the 'Contents' folder.
5. Click on 'Resources.'
6. Look for 'ResetOneDriveApp.command' and double-click it to run the script. Mind you, it's not an application. If you're prompted to authenticate as an administrator, do so.
7. Once you run the script, 'Terminal' should open up automatically. It will run through some options and close once it's done.
Once you take these 3 steps and launch OneDrive, it will run as if it's a fresh install. You'll have to type your login details and set OneDrive up again, but you've already been taught how to do that, haven't you?
Solution 3: How to Add a Folder to OneDrive on Mac
1. Navigate to your Mac's taskbar notification area and choose 'OneDrive' from it.
2. Click 'More.'
3. Click 'Preferences.'
4. Choose 'Accounts.'
5. Select 'Choose Folders.'
6. A 'Sync files from your OneDrive' dialogue box will open up. Untick all the folders you don't want to be added to your Mac. The folders you don't untick have automatically been added to OneDrive.
7. Click on 'OK.'
Solution 4: How to Change OneDrive Location on Mac
1. Start 'OneDrive' from your Applications folder.
2. On the OneDrive window, click on 'Choose OneDrive Folder Location.'
3. You can now choose a particular folder on your Mac to be the default directory for storing and syncing folders and files to OneDrive.
To do that, just click on the chosen folder. Doing that will change the default directory set by OneDrive to the one you chose.
4. Click on 'Choose this location.' The app will create a new folder in the default folder you selected and name it 'OneDrive.'
5. A 'This is your OneDrive Folder' page will open up. Click on 'Change Location.'
6. File Explorer will open up with a list of folders on your Mac. Choose the one you want and it will be the new location for your OneDrive, effectively changing your OneDrive main folder.
Solution 5: How to Sync Folder on Mac OneDrive
1. Launch 'OneDrive.'
2. On the welcome window of the app, you will see 'Choose OneDrive Folder Location' to the bottom right. Click on it.
3. You can now select any folder on your Mac and designate it as the primary folder for storing and syncing other files and folders to OneDrive. Once you decide on a folder in the file explorer window, simply click on it.
4. Click 'Choose this location.' A new folder titled 'OneDrive' will then be created in the main folder you chose.
5. A window called 'This is your OneDrive Folder' will open up. Click 'Next.'
6. This will show you a list of subfolders that can also be synced between OneDrive and your Mac.
7. Tick any, all or none of them.
8. Click 'Next' again to confirm.
Solution 6: How to Download and Share Files from OneDrive
Download Files
1. Go to this website: https://onedrive.live.com
2. Sign in to your account. All your folders will be on the first page you see.
3. Move your mouse cursor over to the particular folder or file you wish to download. A checkbox will appear at the top-right corner of the file or folder.
4. Tick on the checkbox of the file or folder and it will turn blue, meaning it has been selected.
5. To download the selected files, click on the 'Download' button located on the menu bar at the top. Alternatively, you can right-click the file and click on 'Download' in the menu you see.
6. You might be asked to save the download in zip format. Select a location to save it to and the files will then be downloaded. The time it takes for them to be downloaded depends on size and internet speed, of course.
Share Files
1. Open up your browser and go this site: https://onedrive.live.com
2. Sign in to your OneDrive. Your folders should be visible on the first page you see.
3. Tick the checkbox of any file or folder you want to share and click on 'Share' at the top-left section of the screen.
![Download Onedrive App For Mac Download Onedrive App For Mac](/uploads/1/0/5/3/105347747/266957103.png)
4. A 'Send Link' box will open where you will be asked for the name or email address of the person to receive the file or files. Do that and proceed to the next step.
5. Click on 'Anyone with the link can edit' and a 'Share' box will appear. This is where you set an expiration date and a password if you so wish.
6. Click 'Apply.'
7. The 'Send Link' box will appear again. Click 'Send' and the files will be shared.
Solution 7: How to Remove OneDrive on Mac
1. You have to close the OneDrive app first. Go to your Mac's toolbar.
2. Click the 'OneDrive' icon.
3. Click 'Settings.'
4. Chose 'Quit OneDrive.'
5. Next, you have to delete the executable file of the OneDrive. Go to your 'Applications' folder.
6. Locate 'OneDrive' and right-click on it.
7. Choose 'Move to Trash.'
8. Alternatively, you can just drag the OneDrive icon-if it's on your desktop-to your Trash.
Solution 8: How to Update OneDrive on Mac
1. Launch 'Mac App Store.'
2. Click on 'Update' in the toolbar. If there's an update for your OneDrive, you'll see it here.
Download One Drive On Mac
3. Alternatively, you can launch the OneDrive app itself and see if there is an 'Update' button you can click.
One Drive For Business Desktop Application
Part 3: OneDrive Won't Sync? Fix OneDrive Sync Issues
You don't have to worry much about your OneDrive breaking down in mid-use, but there's a possibility that could still happen for any number of reasons. There are steps you can take to get it back in top shape again, though, and they've been listed out for you below. Happy reading.
Solution 1 (Rectify 'Upload Blocked' Error)
1. This error message entails problems when you try to sync Office files. Click on the 'OneDrive' cloud icon you see on your Mac's menu bar.
2. Click on the three dots to open it up.
3. Choose 'Preferences.'
4. Choose the 'Office' tab.
5. Untick 'Use Office 2016 to sync Office files that I open.' There, that should do it. The Office Upload cache system will no longer give your OneDrive sync any more trouble; it was the initial cause of the error, anyway.
Solution 2 (Fix Internet Connection)
OneDrive needs an internet connection to sync files and work properly, obviously, so any drop in internet connection could lead to an error of sorts.
Solution 3 (Reduce File Size)
Try to compress or reduce your OneDrive files to be less than 15GB. Anything larger than that could culminate in errors when syncing files and folders
Solution 4 (Ascertain the OneDrive Process is Still Running)
Open up 'Activity Monitor' and select the 'CPU' tab. Check the 'Process Column' to see if OneDrive is there. For all you know, it might not even be running, hence leading to errors.
Solution 5 (Shorten the File Path)
Any file path that contains more than 255 characters is likely to give errors, so shorten the name of your files, folders, and sub-folders in OneDrive
Part 4: How to Recover Downloaded OneDrive Files
Once you put your files in OneDrive, their safety is guaranteed because they are stored in the cloud; inaccessible to anyone else but you. And you have copies of the files on your Mac too, so even if you lose either of them, it's safe to assume you still have the files either on your Mac or OneDrive servers, isn't it?
Wait, you don't have copies of the files? And you deleted both the ones on your Mac and in your OneDrive? That's not a very smart thing to do, is it?
No worries. You can save yourself the trouble of installing and uninstalling different recovery apps because all you need is one: Recoverit Mac Data Recovery.
Recoverit won't break a sweat in recovering your deleted OneDrive files. The cavalry is here, so chill. Look below and do as instructed. Everything should turn out fine in the end.
Step 1: Choose a Location
- Open Recoverit from your Applications folder.
- Click on one hard disk from 'Devices'. It should be the disk with the deleted OneDrive files.
- Click 'Start.'
Step 2: Scan the Location
- Make use of filters 'File Type' and 'File Path' to speed up the scan process so it takes even fewer minutes to conclude. Stop or pause the scan if necessary; it will neither affect nor tamper with the state of your files once they've been recovered.
- Recoverit will show you the deleted OneDrive files in a preview window of sorts once the scan is complete.
Step 3: Preview & Recover Downloaded Onedrive Files
- Do you see the little square checkboxes to the left of the Recoverit window? Those are your OneDrive files. Check the ones you want; tick all of them, if that's what you prefer,
- Click the 'Recover' button and wait for some minutes for the software to work its magic and recover your files back to your drive and where they should be. Save all the recovered files on the secondary drive in your Mac. And you're all done.
Wondershare has done it again. The brains behind it have developed a software that's capable of effectively recovering data which was lost in different ways, with special emphasis on accidental data loss and formatting.
It's arguable if anyone can truly explore the full potential of Recoverit because it has so much going for it. Give it a go and see what all the hype is about. You'll be glad you did.
Closing Words
Using OneDrive is easy if you follow the appropriate steps. Is there any marked difference in how efficient OneDrive is between the Windows and Mac versions? No, none whatsoever at all. OneDrive for Mac comes with all the benefits of its Windows counterpart.
You have free 5GB of storage space, which can be upgraded if the need arises. The tool is also compatible with your Mac's native cloud storage service, iCloud. Likewise, you can use it with other storage platforms, so it's as versatile as it is simple to use.
And if in the event you delete your OneDrive files, you can recover them by clicking on that little blue 'Recoverit' icon on your Mac's desktop. The software gets everything back without missing a beat, so what are you waiting for?
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What does OneDrive do? Keep your files protected and accessible on all your devices with Microsoft OneDrive. Easily share documents, photos, and other files with friends, family, and colleagues, and even collaborate in real-time in Office. OneDrive can help you quickly organize and find the things that matter most.Anywhere accessEasily store, access and discover your personal and shared work files in Office 365, including Microsoft Teams, directly in Finder. Edits you make offline are automatically uploaded next time you connect.Seamless collaborationWork faster and smarter with anyone inside or outside your organization. Securely share files and work together in real-time using Word, Excel and PowerPoint across web, mobile and desktop.Controls for securityOneDrive helps protect your files. You can easily recover files from accidental deletes or malicious attacks and administrators can manage security policies to help keep your information safe.Note: For you to sign in to OneDrive for Business, your organization needs to have a qualifying SharePoint Online or Office 365 business subscription plan. Learn more about Office 365Office 365 is a cloud-based subscription service that brings together premium versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and OneDrive, with the best tools for the way people work today. Please visit: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=2015120 for information on Licensing Terms.Unlock the full Microsoft Office experience with a qualifying Office 365 subscription for your phone, tablet, PC, and Mac. Office 365 annual subscriptions purchased from the Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook or OneNote apps will be charged to your App Store account and will automatically renew within 24 hours prior to the end of the current subscription period unless auto-renewal is disabled beforehand. You can manage your subscriptions in your App Store account settings. This app is provided by either Microsoft or a third-party app publisher and is subject to a separate privacy statement and terms and conditions. Data provided through the use of this store and this app may be accessible to Microsoft or the third-party app publisher, as applicable, and transferred to, stored, and processed in the United States or any other country where Microsoft or the app publisher and their affiliates or service providers maintain facilities. Please refer to the Microsoft Software License Terms for Microsoft Office. See “License Agreement” link under Information. By installing the app, you agree to these terms and conditions.
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