Manually enable Desktop and Documents backup using the OneDrive Sync app on macOS

Applies to:

• All macOS users

Requirements:

• The OneDrive Sync app. This is included with the Microsoft 365 apps suite for macOS.
• An administrator user account. 

Before we begin:

There are two primary advantages of moving or redirecting the macOS Desktop and Documents folders to Microsoft OneDrive:

• Saving files to OneDrive backs up your data in the cloud and gives you access to your files from any compliant device.
• You can continue using the folders you're familiar with. You don't have to change your work habits to save files to OneDrive.

Any items in these folders will be synced to OneDrive once backup is enabled, and after you back up your Desktop folder, the items on your desktop will roam with you to other desktops where you're running OneDrive.

 

To enable backup:

Follow the steps below to enable backup for your Desktop and Documents folders:

1. Open the OneDrive application. If this is your first time opening the app, you will be prompted to sign in with your work account.

2. The OneDrive app needs permission to start syncing. Select OK when prompted.

3. After the last page of the app tutorial, Finder will open with a prompt to allow OneDrive access to your focus status to determine when to show notifications. Select Allow. 

4. From the macOS menu bar, select the OneDrive icon, then select the settings cog in the top-right corner of the drop-down. Select Preferences.

   

5. From the Preferences menu, select the Backup tab, then select Manage Backup.

   1. Another window will appear prompting for permission to back up.

      

   2. Open the System Preferences app and allow OneDrive full disk access. This takes effect after the OneDrive app is quit and reopened. 

   3. 

      Return to the OneDrive application from the menu bar, select the settings cog again, and go back to Manage Backup. Toggle on the Desktop and Documents folders, then select Start Backup.