OneDrive
OneDrive is Microsoft's cloud storage and file sync app for macOS, used to back up, sync, and access files across devices.
What is OneDrive?
OneDrive is a cloud storage and file synchronization app that helps people keep files, folders, photos, and work documents available across devices. On macOS, it adds a local OneDrive folder and menu bar controls so you can sync files between your Mac and your Microsoft account or Microsoft 365 organization. It is commonly used for personal backup, school or work file access, and sharing documents with others. OneDrive also supports selective syncing and Files On-Demand, which lets you see cloud files in Finder without storing every file locally all the time. Many users rely on it to keep Desktop, Documents, and other important folders backed up and accessible from the web, mobile devices, and other computers.
Key features
- Sync files and folders between your Mac and OneDrive cloud storage.
- Back up important folders so files stay available across devices.
- Access Files On-Demand in Finder without downloading everything locally.
- Share files and folders with other people for collaboration.
- Choose which folders to keep synced on your Mac.
- Use personal, work, or school accounts in the same sync app.
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Safety overview
Status: Mostly safe
OneDrive is a legitimate Microsoft app. On macOS it commonly runs in the background, adds Finder integration, and may start automatically at login so file syncing can continue, which is consistent with its purpose. It can access files you choose to sync or back up, so review which folders are included and confirm you are signed in to the correct personal, work, or school account. The bundle ID com.microsoft.OneDrive-mac is used by the Mac App Store version of OneDrive; if you expected the standalone version, check that you do not have two versions installed because that can cause sync conflicts.
Recommendation: Keep OneDrive if you use it for cloud storage, Microsoft 365 files, or folder backup on your Mac. If you no longer use the service, sign out or disable folder backup before removing it so local and cloud file behavior stays predictable. If you notice duplicate syncing or account confusion, use only one installed OneDrive version and reconnect the account you want to keep.
Common paths
/Applications/OneDrive.app~/OneDrive
Cache paths
~/Library/Caches/com.microsoft.OneDrive-mac
Support paths
~/Library/Application Support/OneDrive
Preference paths
~/Library/Preferences/com.microsoft.OneDrive-mac.plist
Container paths
~/Library/Containers/com.microsoft.OneDrive-mac
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