OneDrive for Mac Now Supports Removable Drives
Earlier this year, we announced support for several improvements to OneDrive for Mac, including support for external, non-removable drives. We’ve heard feedback about the differences between “non-removable” and removable drives, and wanting the flexibility to sync OneDrive to any external drive—no matter the type. Now, with OneDrive version 25.127 or later, you can seamlessly sync your OneDrive files to any external drive, including removable ones. Syncing to a removable drive works just like any other drive, except that if you unplug your drive, OneDrive will stop syncing and show an error. You’ll need to plug your drive back in and restart OneDrive to resume syncing. There’s a short grace period between when a drive gets disconnected and when OneDrive shows an error to handle drives that sporadically disconnect. There are a few requirements your system must meet to use this feature: You’ll need version 25.127 or later of OneDrive. You also need to be running macOS 15.0 or later. The drive you select must meet the following requirements: Formatted for APFS Protected by FileVault (see below for instructions) Not read-only, a network drive, or marked as quarantined by macOS. Just like before, you'll need to manually set up a new sync relationship on the new drive. Sync settings won't transfer automatically. You cannot use OneDrive by moving your external drive between Macs; you must set up OneDrive again on each new Mac with the external drive. To protect a drive with FileVault: Format the drive for case-insensitive APFS, if it is not already. Find the drive in the Finder. Option/right click the drive and choose Encrypt. Follow the prompts. That’s it! We’d love to hear your feedback about this change! The best way to do that is to click on the OneDrive icon in the macOS Menu bar (near the clock), click the gear icon, and choose Send Feedback. You can also leave a comment here. We read them all, even if we can’t reply to them all.AutoSave disabled when opening SharePoint-synced files from Finder after macOS Tahoe 26.6 update
Files stored in SharePoint Online and synchronized locally through OneDrive are opened as local documents when launched from Finder. Office applications display "Saved to my Mac" and AutoSave is turned off by default. However, opening the exact same files through Word/Excel > Open > Sites, or via SharePoint "Open in Desktop App", correctly identifies them as cloud documents. In that scenario, AutoSave is enabled and collaboration/version history features work as expected. Troubleshooting already performed: OneDrive reset and re-linked SharePoint library re-synced Signed out and back into both Office and OneDrive Removed Microsoft credentials from macOS Keychain and re-authenticated Recreated local OneDrive sync relationships Verified OneDrive File Provider extensions are enabled Verified Office applications and OneDrive are fully up to date Tested with newly created files and existing files Tested "Always Keep on This Device" with no change in behavior The issue appears to be specific to the Finder-to-Office launch path after upgrading to macOS Tahoe 26.6. Before upgrading to macOS Tahoe 26.6, opening the same SharePoint-synchronized files directly from Finder correctly preserved cloud document identity and AutoSave was enabled as expected. I discussed this issue in detail with Apple Support, but they quickly dismissed it, saying that the problem is not on Apple's side and that I should contact Microsoft instead.Making Mac OneDrive Faster and More Reliable
OneDrive on macOS is getting a major update to how it syncs! The Native Sync Engine is rolling out to Insiders today with version 26.098. It's up to 2x faster on initial sync and on-disk state changes, uses less CPU, memory, and battery, and removes the hidden cache folder that's been the source of most reliability issues since 2022. It's the latest in an ongoing effort to make OneDrive feel native on Mac. Earlier this year we shipped a redesigned Activity Center with Liquid Glass and native dialogs, and the Native Sync Engine is a major step in that journey. The cache folder problem When we moved OneDrive to Apple's File Provider platform in 2022, we needed a way to bridge the existing sync engine with how File Provider expected things to work. Broadly, there are two parts to OneDrive sync: the sync engine itself, and the code that OneDrive uses to work with files. To support File Provider, we had to change how OneDrive interacted with the file system. However, to reduce risk, we decided to use a hidden cache folder that mirrored your OneDrive contents, so the sync engine could remain largely unchanged. That cache folder solved the immediate problem and unlocked features like Known Folder Move. Over time, however, feedback and telemetry showed us that it was root cause of many of the reliability and performance issues users have reported since. The Native Sync Engine removes it. What’s changed Over the past several years, we’ve been working behind the scenes on the Native Sync Engine. Building it required us to completely rebuild large portions of our code and build a new sync platform that allows OneDrive to work better with the File Provider system. The Native Sync Engine provides the fastest, most reliable experience we’ve ever delivered on the Mac. It has a simplified architecture, eliminates entire classes of errors, and integrates more deeply with macOS. In our performance testing, the new system is about 2x faster for initial sync and on-disk state changes. It also uses fewer system resources, helping preserve your Mac’s battery life while improving overall responsiveness. We’ve also put the new system through multiple tests that simulate usage well beyond what the average user would ever do, and it has held up extremely well in those scenarios. It’s a massive improvement, and one we are very excited to bring to you. On the surface, the Native Sync Engine looks and feels very similar to what we had before, but there are a few important changes. Let’s walk through a few of them. Hidden folders no longer hold data OneDrive's hidden folders now contain metadata only. Your file data only lives in the OneDrive folder you interact with directly. There are a few cases where a copy of file data will exist in the hidden folder: Files you've created or changed that haven't uploaded yet. The copy is removed once the file has fully synced to the cloud. OneNote shortcuts and similar "link" file types. These are typically a few hundred bytes at most, and we retain them in the hidden folder indefinitely. Some kinds of macOS packages, such as GarageBand files, .app bundles, and certain older iWork files. Copies of these files are retained for longer than most files. Files and folders are always browsable Files in a folder used to be created on disk only the first time the folder was accessed. That led to Finder showing "Loading..." while you browsed and apps hanging while they waited for folders to materialize. Now, every folder and file is always browsable on disk. Navigating your OneDrive folder feels like navigating any other folder. It’s snappy, responsive, and just works. Note that Files On-Demand is unchanged with the Native Sync Engine. Files you haven't opened remain online-only unless you either open them or mark them Always On This Device. External drive support The Native Sync Engine also supports external drives, such as USB drives you can plug into your Mac. If your system and your external drive meet the requirements, all of your files and OneDrive's metadata folder will be placed on this drive. On older versions of macOS and on drives that don't meet the requirements, your files and OneDrive metadata will be stored on the home volume. Syncing shared folders and libraries If your organization has disabled the “Sync” button on SharePoint and your users are using “Add shortcut to My Files”, you can skip this section, as you are already in the ideal state! If you are still using synced libraries, each synced library now appears as its own root in the Finder sidebar, instead of nested under a single tenant entry. Add shortcut to OneDrive remains the modern way to access shared content. Admins can hide the Sync button via aka.ms/HideSyncButton. Identifying the Native Sync Engine You can identify whether your Mac is using the Native Sync Engine by inspecting the OneDrive version in the Preferences dialog: If the version ends with a value such as "(26K)", you are running the Native Sync Engine. If the version ends with the version of macOS, you are not yet running the Native Sync Engine. Rollout Starting today, we’ll be gradually rolling out this new experience to our Insiders audience. This rollout will take several weeks to complete. If you aren't already in Insiders and want to try the new update, simply open OneDrive preferences, click on the About tab, and check the box to join the Insiders program. Your Mac will upgrade to the Native Sync Engine automatically when it receives the update. It might take a couple of minutes for OneDrive to complete the upgrade, and a little while longer for File Provider to finish with the upgrade, but you can still use your OneDrive while this is taking place. We would love to hear your feedback, good or bad. Just click “Send Feedback” in the OneDrive Activity Center and share your thoughts! To learn more, watch the latest Sync Up podcast below:
OneDrive Access Issue – User Unable to Access OneDrive Despite Multiple Troubleshooting Attempts
Hello Community, We are facing an issue with a user who is unable to access their OneDrive. Whenever the user tries to access OneDrive, the same error message continues to appear (screenshot/error attached). We have already performed the following troubleshooting steps: Removed and re-assigned the Microsoft 365 license. Executed the required PowerShell commands and confirmed that the user has a valid OneDrive URL and access permissions. Verified OneDrive and SharePoint settings from the SharePoint Admin Center. Used Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant (SaRA) and reviewed the recommendations provided. Attempted to re-provision the user's OneDrive site. Despite completing all the above steps, the issue persists and the same error continues to be displayed. Additional Information: User has a valid Microsoft 365 license assigned. OneDrive service is enabled for the user. SharePoint Online is functioning normally for other users. Re-provisioning OneDrive did not resolve the issue. Has anyone encountered a similar issue or can suggest additional troubleshooting steps to identify the root cause? Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.
Planning a Google Workspace to Microsoft 365 Migration? What Should You Consider?
Hi everyone, Has anyone recently migrated from Google Workspace to Microsoft 365? I’m interested in knowing what challenges you faced during the migration, especially around mailbox data, calendars, contacts, user mapping, or the final cutover process. For those planning the migration, what are the key things you recommend preparing before getting started? Would like to hear your experiences and suggestions.Introducing Markdown support in SharePoint and OneDrive
Today, we’re introducing native Markdown support in SharePoint and OneDrive, now rolling out to general availability across both consumer and commercial audiences. As AI and agents increasingly create and update Markdown files to carry out work, teams need a reliable place to manage that content. SharePoint and OneDrive make it easy to view and edit these files in the browser when precision, intent, or changes are required, with built‑in versioning and governance. Markdown files are now fully integrated into the Microsoft 365 file experience, behaving like any other file in your workflow.
A few questions to the new Outlook365 on Windows
Hey. After many years, i switched from Office2021 to Office365, mostly because of the 1TB OneDrive storage and more up2date software. I installed the so called "new Outlook365" desktop on my Windows computer. The program says: Microsoft Outlook-Version 1.2024.807.100 (Production). I am not sure if its already a final product or a beta version 😕 I use outlook for many of my e-mails and to manage my calendar/tasks/to do lists. My questions: 1) I added in the new Outlook365 several IMAP e-mail accounts and found nowhere a possibility to change the senders name, which is shown normally next to the e-mail adress. I changed the name in the webmail client from my webhosting account, but that didnt help either. --> Is it not possible in the acutally version for IMAP e-mail accounts to change the senders name? 2) How can i customize the left app bar in the new Outlook365? I see there only a few app icons, but no option to change them or to add for example OneDrive, To Do, etc. 3) How i can integrate my To Do List & One Note from Microsoft365 in Outlook? I have looked everywhere, but have found no option, how i can integrate them in the new outlook. Hope the community can help to resolve my problems. Thanks in advance. GreetsNOW ON DEMAND | OneDrive Office Hours | July 2026
Get ready for the July 2026 OneDrive Customer Office Hours! This session creates space for open conversation around the latest updates and how they support the way you use your files every day. In this month’s session, we’ll walk through what’s new and open the floor for questions, feedback, and shared experiences. Join us for our next call Date: July 15, 2026 Time: 8:00 AM-9:00 AM Pacific Time (US & Canada) Special Topic: Hero Link Sharing with Stephen Rice Register Today: aka.ms/OneDriveOfficeHours Join the OneDrive team to learn about Hero Link sharing, a single link that controls access to your files, so you can quickly share content and clearly understand who has permission to view, edit, or reshare. This updated sharing experience makes collaboration easier and gives you control with a single, unified experience to both share and manage permissions. Anyone can join this one-hour webinar to ask us questions, share feedback, and learn more about the features we’re releasing soon and our roadmap. We can't wait to share, listen, and engage every month! Note: Our monthly public calls are not an official support tool. To open support tickets, go to see Get support for Microsoft 365; distinct support for educators and education customers is available, too. New way to register and watch on demand! Go to: Microsoft OneDrive: Customer Office Hours – Microsoft Adoption to see upcoming sessions, to register and rewatch previous sessions! Save the Calendar invite so you never miss a call: https://aka.ms/OfficeHoursCalendar Each call is recorded and made available on demand shortly after. Stay up to date on Microsoft OneDrive adoption on adoption.microsoft.com. Join our community to catch all news and insights from the OneDrive community blog. And follow us on X: @OneDrive. Thank you for your interest in making your voice heard and taking your knowledge and depth of OneDrive to the next level. You can ask questions and provide feedback in the chat during the meeting, and we will do our best to answer them. Register and join live: aka.ms/OneDriveOfficeHours.
Dynamic Mandatory Fields
In a SharePoint library, I have folders which are = a. Admin b. Events c. Furniture and Moves d. Janitorial and Maintenance e. Parking and Transportation f. Shipping and Receiving g. Supplies and Equipment h. Waste and Recycling I have Meta data across the library whose data type are all choices and are: a. Document Type = Contract, Financial, planning b. Building = Gym, Garage, Heating c. Asset Category = Office, Playground d. Fiscal Year = FY23, FY24, FY25, FY26, FY27 e. Vendor = Maple Leaf, Canadian Tire, Home Depot f. Status = Active, Pending, Not Active g. Retention Label = 3 years, 5 years h. Service Type = Admin, Events, Furniture and Moves, Janitorial and Maintenance, Parking and Transportation, Shipping and Receiving, Supplies and Equipment, Waste and Recycling Service Type and Retention Label are mandatory fields, with the Rule below for all the files in the various folders: IF Folder Name = Admin, then Service Type = Admin and Retention Label = 5 years; the mandatory fields should be Document Type, Status and Fiscal Year IF Folder Name = Events, then Service Type = Events and Retention Label = 3 years; the mandatory fields should be Document Type, Status and Fiscal Year, Building and Vendor IF Folder Name = Furniture and Moves, then Service Type = Furniture and Moves and Retention Label = 3 years; the mandatory fields should be Document Type, Status and Building IF Folder Name = Janitorial and Maintenance, then Service Type = Janitorial and Maintenance and Retention Label = 3 years; the mandatory fields should be Document Type, Status and Fiscal Year IF Folder Name = Parking and Transportation, then Service Type = Parking and Transportation and Retention Label = 3 years; the mandatory fields should be Document Type, Status and Fiscal Year IF Folder Name = Shipping and Receiving, then Service Type = Shipping and Receiving and Retention Label = 3 years; the mandatory fields should be Document Type, Status IF Folder Name = Supplies and Equipment, then Service Type = Supplies and Equipment and Retention Label = 3 years; the mandatory fields should be Document Type, Status and Fiscal Year IF Folder Name = Waste and Recycling, then Service Type = Waste and Recycling and Retention Label = 3 years; the mandatory fields should be Document Type, Status and Vendor I have used Column Default Value Settings for SharePoint to display Auto-Display the Service Type and Retention Label, but I cannot seem to perform the conditional mandatory fields using Validations setting for the other requirements. Please help
