How to Restart OneDrive on Mac
TLDR
Wondering how to restart OneDrive on Mac to fix sync issues or a frustrating error message? This comprehensive guide outlines step-by-step instructions for rebooting the OneDrive desktop app using simple, force quit, and terminal methods. Whether you’re dealing with a frozen sync app, application issues, or outdated software, restarting OneDrive can resolve persistent issues and re-establish sync connections. Learn how to handle dialog windows, error codes, syncing location problems, and more—boosting your cloud storage experience on Mac with effective, practical solutions.
What is OneDrive?
OneDrive is Microsoft’s native cloud storage service that allows you to store, manage, and share cloud storage files securely across devices. It’s a popular cloud storage solution for professionals, students, and businesses. For Mac users, the desktop application (or desktop client) brings Microsoft’s cloud platform to Apple’s ecosystem with real-time file syncing, backup features, and easy online access.
However, sometimes your cloud storage experience can be interrupted due to incorrect settings, outdated versions, or sync issues—that’s where restarting the app can help.
Why Restart OneDrive on Mac?
Here’s why restarting the OneDrive desktop app is often the most suitable method to fix common issues:
Common Reasons Users Restart:
- ❌ Sync Issues: Files stuck in upload or download queues.
- ⚠️ Error Codes: Receiving an error of sorts during file transfer.
- ❄️ App Freezes: The app icon becomes unresponsive.
- ⚙️ Incorrect Settings or Outdated Software leading to glitches.
- 🔐 Login File conflicts or broken Keychain Access entries.
Benefits of Restarting:
- Performs a soft reset of the app without data loss.
- Fixes human error, temporary bugs, or a frustrating error message.
- Re-establishes broken sync connections and clears cache in some cases.
- Helps reconnect the desktop support client with the correct syncing location.
How to Restart OneDrive on Mac: 3 Proven Methods
Let’s go through the exact steps and abovementioned steps you can follow to perform a restart of OneDrive using default methods or via the command line command route.
Method 1: Simple Restart (For Non-Technical Users)
This is ideal for users encountering a minor issue during uploading or a temporary drop in internet connection.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Find the OneDrive app icon (typically two blue clouds) in the Mac Menu (top right).
- Click the Settings icon (gear symbol).
- Click Quit OneDrive from the context menu or dialog window.
- Wait 10–15 seconds.
- Re-open the app:
- Use Spotlight (Cmd + Space) and search “OneDrive” in the search box.
- Or go to Applications Folder > Start OneDrive.
Confirmation Message: You’ll usually see a dialog box confirming sync is resumed.
Method 2: Force Quit (For Freezes and Unresponsive App)
This method is for persistent issues where OneDrive is not responding at all.
Option A: Keyboard Shortcut
- Press Cmd + Tab and cycle to OneDrive.
- Press Cmd + Q to force close the app.
Option B: Using Activity Monitor
- Open Activity Monitor (search via search panel).
- Look for OneDrive or use:
grep OneDrive
- Select and click the X icon to terminate the process.
Method 3: Terminal Command (Reset Sync Settings)
If you’re facing more advanced application issues or errors from cloud sync failures:
Detailed Steps:
- Open Terminal.
- Type:
defaults write com.microsoft.OneDrive resetOnResume -bool true
- Hit Enter.
- Restart your Mac.
This method acts as a soft reset, helping users with outdated software, incomplete installation, or a botched setup process.
Troubleshooting Tips for Persistent Sync Issues
If restarting didn’t resolve your problem, try these basic troubleshooting steps:
| Issue | Fix | |
|---|---|---|
| Still Not Syncing | Check internet speed, ensure app access is granted, and look at file explorer window for alerts. | |
| App Not Opening | Reinstall from **Download | OneDrive page** or download in zip format. |
| Permissions Errors | Ensure proper app access, and check Keychain Access for login conflicts. | |
| File Errors | Open the Folder dialog box, check for insufficient permissions or disk space in the primary folder. | |
| Folder Sync Issues | Right-click OneDrive > Preferences > Review your list of folders and default folders. |
Also: Be sure to Update button OneDrive or macOS to fix bugs introduced in outdated versions. Some issues are unique to macOS Monterey—so always Address Monterey-Specific Issues as needed.
Comparison of Restart Methods
| Method | Steps | Best For |
| Simple Restart | Quit > Reopen from Applications Folder | Minor app glitches or file queue freezes |
| Force Quit | Cmd + Q or Activity Monitor | App completely unresponsive |
| Terminal Reset | Run command line to reset on resume | Advanced users, config errors, sync resets |
FAQs About Restarting OneDrive on Mac
Q1: Why is OneDrive still not syncing after restart?
A: Check for network connectivity issues, outdated software, and recheck the Folder Location under preferences. You may also need to review your Cloud Sync settings.
Q2: How do I reset all OneDrive settings?
A: Use the Terminal method or a third-party tool like Cache Cleanerto reset the Resources folder and dataandClear cache.
Q3: Will restarting OneDrive delete my files?
A: No. Your cloud storage files remain safe. This is a soft reset and doesn’t affect your cloud backup service.
Q4: Why am I getting an error code during sync?
A: You might be dealing with login file issues, outdated versions, or machine feature conflicts—restart, update, or reinstall.
Q5: Can I schedule OneDrive restarts?
A: Yes! Use a scheduler to perform schedule OneDrive restarts or create Automator scripts if you’re tech-savvy.
Final Thoughts
Your cloud storage tools are vital for managing files between cloud drives like Google Photos, Google Workspace, or OneDrive. A restart might seem like an overlooked step, but it’s often the fastest way to fix a frustrating error message or application issue.
Recap:
- Use simple restart for common issues.
- Try Force Quit when the app is frozen.
- Use Terminal for deeper config resets.
Pro Tip: Ensure all product versions are up-to-date and use professional data migration software if moving between Public Cloud services.
Still facing issues? Reach out and we can help through these kinds of issues for business users.
Leave a Reply