Onedrive Sync For Mac
- By Peter Weverka. You can sync your OneDrive to your iPad or Mac. In computer terminology, syncing (the term comes from synchronizing) means to see to it that the data in two different places is the same.For example, you would sync data on a cellphone and a computer to make sure that the same telephone numbers are stored on both devices.
- In the Sync your OneDrive files to this PC dialog box, uncheck any folders you don't want to sync to your computer and select OK. Note: You cannot add non-OneDrive folders (such as C: and D:). Select the OneDrive cloud icon in the Mac taskbar notification area.
- If you originally installed OneDrive from the Mac App Store, open the OneDrive app and check if there is an Update button showing in the app itself. For more information on install and setup, read about how to Get started with the new OneDrive sync client on Mac OS X.
When you install the Microsoft OneDrive sync app for Mac, a copy of your OneDrive is downloaded to your Mac and put in the OneDrive folder. This folder is kept in sync with OneDrive. If you add, change, or delete a file or folder on the OneDrive website, the file or folder is added, changed, or deleted in your OneDrive folder and vice versa.
There are two basic ways that you, as an admin, can deploy the OneDrive sync app to Mac users in your organization:
Have users install and set up the OneDrive sync app themselves by following the instructions in Sync files with OneDrive on Mac OS X. 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. By using a software distribution tool, you have more control over the deployment, including which users get the sync app and when. The OneDrive sync app for Mac uses the Apple Installer technology for installation. This means you can use the software distribution tools that you normally use to deploy software to Mac users. You can use Microsoft Intune. Other common tools are Jamf Pro, Munki, and AutoPkg. You can also use Apple Remote Desktop and AppleScript.
Manage OneDrive settings on macOS using property list (Plist) files
After the OneDrive sync app for Mac is installed, users can configure settings for the app. These settings are called preferences. As an admin, you might want to provide users in your organization with a standard set of preferences. Preferences for the OneDrive sync app for Mac are stored in preference files. These files are often referred to as .plist files.
| Standalone | Mac App Store | |
|---|---|---|
| PList Location | ~/Library/Preferences/com.microsoft.OneDrive.plist | ~/Library/Containers/com.microsoft.OneDrive-mac/Data/Library/Preferences/com.microsoft.OneDrive-mac.plist |
| Domain | com.microsoft.OneDrive | com.microsoft.OneDrive-mac |
Configure sync app settings
Configure the settings on macOS in the typical way:
Quit the OneDrive application.
Define the settings you want to change by creating a Plist with the values, or use a script to set the default values.
Deploy the settings onto the local computer.
Refresh the preferences cache.
On the next start of OneDrive, the new settings will be picked up.
Overview of settings
Use the following keys to preconfigure or change settings for your users. The keys are the same whether you run the standalone or Mac App Store edition of the sync app, but the property list file name and domain name will be different. When you apply the settings, make sure to target the appropriate domain depending on the edition of the sync app.
| Setting | Description | Parameters | Example Plist Entry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disable personal accounts | Blocks users from signing in and syncing files in personal OneDrive accounts. If this key is set after a user has set up sync with a personal account, the user will be signed out. | DisablePersonalSync (Bool): When set to true, this parameter prevents users from adding or syncing personal accounts. | <key>DisablePersonalSync</key> <(Bool)/> |
| Default folder location | Specifies the default location of the OneDrive folder for each organization | TenantID (String): TenantID determines which accounts the default folder location setting should apply to. Find your Microsoft 365 tenant ID DefaultFolderPath (String): DefaultFolder specifies the default folder location. Mac App Store: The path must already exist when users set up the sync app. Standalone: The path will be created on users' computers if it doesn't already exist. Only with the Standalone sync app can you prevent users from changing the location. | <key>DefaultFolder</key> <array> <dict> <key>Path</key> <string>(DefaultFolderPath)</string> <key>TenantId</key> <string>(TenantID)</string> </dict> </array> |
| Automatic upload bandwidth percentage | Enables the sync app to automatically set the amount of bandwidth used based on available bandwidth for uploading files | AutomaticUploadBandwidthPercentage (int): This parameter determines the percentage of local upload bandwidth that the sync app can use. Accepted values are from 1 through 99. | <key>AutomaticUploadBandwidthPercentage</key> <int>(Bandwidth)</int> |
| Set maximum upload throughput | Sets the maximum upload throughput rate in kilobytes (KB)/sec for computers running the OneDrive sync app | UploadBandwidthLimited (int): This parameter determines the upload throughput in KB/sec that the sync app can use. The minimum rate is 50 KB/sec and the maximum rate is 100,000 KB/sec. | <key>UploadBandwidthLimited</key> <int>(Upload Throughput Rate in KB/sec)</int> |
| Set maximum download throughput | Sets the maximum download throughput rate in kilobytes (KB)/sec for computers running the OneDrive sync app | DownloadBandwidthLimited (int): This parameter determines the download throughput in KB/sec that the sync app can use. The minimum rate is 50 KB/sec and the maximum rate is 100,000 KB/sec. | <key>DownloadBandwidthLimited</key> <int>(Download Throughput Rate in KB/sec)</int> |
| Dock icon | Specifies whether a dock icon for OneDrive is shown | HideDockIcon (Bool): When set to true, this parameter hides the OneDrive dock icon even when the application is running. | <key>HideDockIcon</key> <(Bool)/> |
| Open at login | Specifies whether OneDrive starts automatically when the user logs in | OpenAtLogin (Bool): When set to true, OneDrive will start automatically when the user logs in on the Mac. | <key>OpenAtLogin</key> <(Bool)/> |
| Enable Files On-Demand | Specifies whether Files On-Demand is enabled. If you don't set this setting, Files On-Demand will be enabled automatically as we roll out the feature, and users can turn the setting on or off | FilesOnDemandEnabled (Bool): When set to true, new users who set up the sync app will download online-only files by default. When set to false, Files On-Demand will be disabled and users won't be able to turn it on. | <key>FilesOnDemandEnabled</key> <(Bool)/> |
| Disable download toasts | Prevents toasts from appearing when applications cause file contents to be downloaded | DisableHydrationToast (Bool): When set to true, toasts will not appear when applications trigger the download of file contents. | <key>DisableHydrationToast</key> <(Bool)/> |
| Block apps from downloading online-only files | Prevents applications from automatically downloading online-only files. You can use this setting to lock down applications that don't work correctly with your deployment of Files On-Demand. | HydrationDisallowedApps (String): Json in the following format [{'ApplicationId':'appId','MaxBundleVersion':'1.1','MaxBuildVersion':'1.0'}]'AppID' can be either the BSD process name or the bundle display name. MaxBuildVersion denotes the maximum build version of the application that will be blocked. MaxBundleVersion denotes the maximum bundle version of the application that will be blocked | <key>HydrationDisallowedApps </key> <string> [{'ApplicationId':'appId','MaxBundleVersion':'1.1','MaxBuildVersion':'1.0'}, {'ApplicationId':'appId2','MaxBundleVersion':'3.2','MaxBuildVersion':'2.0'}]</string><(Bool)/> |
| SharePoint Server Front Door URL | Specifies the SharePoint Server 2019 on-premises URL that the OneDrive sync app should try to authenticate and sync against | SharePointOnPremFrontDoorUrl (string): The URL of the on-premises SharePoint Server. | <key>SharePointOnPremFrontDoorUrl</key> <string>https://Contoso.SharePoint.com</string> |
| SharePoint Server Tenant Name | Specifies the name of the folder created for syncing the SharePoint Server 2019 files specified in the Front Door URL. | SharePointOnPremTenantName (string): The name that will be used when creating a folder to sync the on-premises SharePoint Server files. If specified, the folder names will take the form of: OneDrive – TenantName TenantName If not specified, the folder names will use the first segment of the FrontDoorURL as the Tenant Name. Example - https://Contoso.SharePoint.com will use Contoso as the Tenant Name | <key>SharePointOnPremTenantName</key> <string>Contoso</string> |
| SharePoint OnPrem Prioritization | For hybrid scenarios where the email is the same for both SharePoint Server on-premises and SharePoint in Microsoft 365, determines whether or not the client should set up sync for SharePoint Server or SharePoint in Microsoft 365 first during the first-run scenario. | SharePointOnPremPrioritizationPolicy (int): This parameter determines which service to attempt to authenticate against for setting up sync. 1 indicates OneDrive should set up SharePoint Server on-premises first, followed by SharePoint in Microsoft 365. | <key>SharePointOnPremPrioritizationPolicy</key> <int>(0 or 1)</int> |
| Allow syncing OneDrive accounts for only specific organizations | This setting lets you prevent users from easily uploading files to other organizations by specifying a list of allowed tenant IDs. If you enable this setting, users get an error if they attempt to add an account from an organization that is not allowed. If a user has already added the account, the files stop syncing. This setting takes priority over Block syncing OneDrive accounts for specific organizations. Do not enable both settings at the same time. | TenantID (String): TenantID determines which tenants the allow tenants list setting should apply to. Set the bool to True to allow the tenant to sync. Find your Microsoft 365 tenant ID | <key>AllowTenantList</key> <array> <dict> <key>TenantId1</key> <Bool>True</Bool> <key>TenantId2</key> <Bool>True</Bool> </dict> </array> |
| Block External Sync | Prevents the sync app from syncing libraries and folders shared from other organizations. | BlockExternalSync (Bool): Set to true to prevent syncing OneDrive and SharePoint libraries and folders from organizations other than the user's own organization. Set to false or do not include the setting to allow. Learn about OneDrive B2B Sync. | <key>BlockExternalSync</key> <(Bool)/> |
| Disable the tutorial that appears at the end of OneDrive Setup | This setting lets you prevent the tutorial from showing at the end of OneDrive Setup. | DisableTutorial (Bool): When set to true, users will not see the tutorial after they complete OneDrive Setup. | <key>DisableTutorial</key> <(Bool)/> |
| Block syncing OneDrive accounts for specific organizations | This setting lets you prevent users from uploading files to another organization by specifying a list of blocked tenant IDs. If you enable this setting, users get an error if they attempt to add an account from an organization that is blocked. If a user has already added the account, the files stop syncing. This setting does NOT work if you have Allow syncing OneDrive accounts for only specific organizations enabled. Do not enable both settings at the same time. | TenantID (String): TenantID determines which tenants the block tenants list setting should apply to. Set the bool to True to disable the tenant from syncing. Find your Microsoft 365 tenant ID | <key>BlockTenantList</key> <array> <dict> <key>TenantId1</key> <Bool>True</Bool> <key>TenantId2</key> <Bool>True</Bool> </dict> </array> |
You can also configure the OneDrive Standalone sync app to receive delayed updates.
| PList Location | ~/Library/Preferences/com.microsoft.OneDriveUpdater.plist |
| Domain | com.microsoft.OneDriveUpdater |
| Setting | Description | Parameters | Example Plist Entry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tier | Defines the update ring for the computer | UpdateRing (String): This parameter has two different values. Production - The default update ring for OneDrive updates. Insiders - This update ring receives updates that are 'pre-production' and will allow you to play with features before they are released. Note that builds from this ring may be less stable. Enterprise - This update ring (now called 'Deferred') receives updates after they have rolled out through the Production ring. It also lets you control the deployment of updates. For more info about the update rings and how the sync app checks for updates, see The OneDrive sync app update process. | <key>Tier</key> <string>(UpdateRing)</string> |
Topics Map > Microsoft 365 > OneDrive
Topics Map > Storage > OneDrive
The OneDrive sync client is available for those who prefer managing their files using a desktop application over a web browser. To use the desktop sync client, you must install it and sync your library. Once synced, your OneDrive for Business library will appear as a folder on your computer from which you can view, upload, and share.
Contents
Introduction
The following instructions demonstrate how to install the OneDrive sync client and sync your UWM OneDrive for Business library on a personally owned, Mac computer. Never install the OneDrive sync client and/or sync your library on a public computer. Doing so could jeopardize your account and files. If you must use a public computer to access OneDrive for Business, use the web-based interface and remember to log out when you're done.
For information regarding the OneDrive sync client on University-owned Mac computers, please see our knowledge base article. Additional questions about the OneDrive sync client for personal computers or University-owned computers should be directed to the UWM Help Desk at 414-229-4040 or submit a request via the Get Tech Help web portal.
How to proceed if you are currently syncing a personal Microsoft OneDrive account
If you're already syncing a personal Microsoft OneDrive account on your computer (for example, someone@outlook.com), you will need to proceed with the steps in the installing the OneDrive sync client section, since you may be using an outdated version of the sync client which lacks support for syncing OneDrive for Business accounts.
Installing the OneDrive sync client
Download Onedrive Sync Client For Mac
1. Go to UWM OneDrive for Business website and log in with your ePanther ID and password.2. In the lower right-hand corner of the screen, click the Get the OneDrive apps link.
3. The OneDrive for Mac OS X website will load. Click the Download on the Mac App Store button.
4. The App Store will load and it will show the 'OneDrive' app. Click the Get button.
Onedrive Sync For Mac Versions
6. The OneDrive app will install (you may be prompted to enter your Apple ID / iTunes account credentials. If you do not have an iTunes account, you will need to create one in order to download the OneDrive app). Once the app is installed, open Launcher and click the OneDrive app icon.
Syncing Your OneDrive for Business Library for the first time
You'll want set up OneDrive so that you can connect to your UWM Office 365 account.1. Open the Microsoft OneDrive sync client by hitting command+Space to launch the Spotlight search bar. Type 'OneDrive' in the Spotlight bar. Click on the OneDrive app.
2. Once the OneDrive app launches, in the 'Set up OneDrive' window that appears, enter your UWM email address and click the 'Sign in' button.
3. Enter your UWM email address and password in the text boxes and then click the Sign in button.
4. The 'This Is Your OneDrive Folder' screen will appear. Click the Choose OneDrive Folder Location to set the sync folder location on your local computer.
5. The 'Choose a location for your OneDrive folder' window will appear. You can simply click the Choose this location button to select the default location, or change the location, and/or make a new folder.
6. The 'This Is Your OneDrive Folder' window will appear. Click the Next button.
7. In the 'Sync files from your OneDrive' screen that appears, you can choose to select the All files and folders on my OneDrive radio button to sync the entire contents of your OneDrive for Business library, or choose individual folders by selecting Choose folders to sync folders. Once you have made your selection(s), click the Next button.
8. The 'Your OneDrive is ready for you' screen will appear and you can click the Open my OneDrive - University of Wisconsin Milwaukee folder button to show your OneDrive sync folder on your computer. Additionally, check the Open at login so my files sync automatically check box to ensure the sync client opens when you login to your computer.
Depending on the number and size of files and folders you chose to sync, the initial sync process may take some time. This will also depend on the speed of your internet connection.
Show OneDrive in Favorites
2. Drag the 'OneDrive' folder to your favorites bar, then release the mouse. It should now show up in Favorites.
Enable the OneDrive Extension
1. Go to System Preferences by pressing Command + Space to launch a Spotlight search, then type 'System Preferences' and press enter. Once open, select Extensions.
2. In 'Extensions' select All third-party extensions and check the Finder check box under OneDrive.
See Also: