Sync Files to Removable Drives with OneDrive for Mac

Exciting Update: OneDrive for Mac Now Supports External Drives

For Mac users who frequently utilize external storage solutions due to the limited upgrade options for internal hard drives, there’s great news from Microsoft. The OneDrive client for macOS has expanded its capabilities to include synchronization with removable drives, enhancing your flexibility and storage management.

External Drive Syncing: A Game Changer for macOS Users

At the start of 2025, Microsoft unveiled support for external drives in OneDrive for Mac, initially focusing on those drives recognized by macOS as non-removable. This update followed user feedback regarding the need for a more inclusive syncing option, especially for portable and removable storage devices.

How the Syncing Process Works

Syncing files to external drives operates similarly to syncing with internal storage. When an external drive, such as a portable SSD, is disconnected, OneDrive ceases the syncing process and alerts users with an error notification. There is a brief delay intended for drives that intermittently disconnect. Upon reconnecting your drive, simply restart OneDrive to continue syncing.

Requirements for External Drive Syncing

To take advantage of this feature, ensure your external drive is formatted with the APFS (Apple File System) and secured with FileVault. Note that drives that are read-only, network-based, or quarantined are not supported. Additionally, you need to be running macOS version 15.0 or later, along with OneDrive version 25.097 or higher. Currently, this feature is accessible only to insiders, but a broader rollout is expected shortly.

Limitations to Keep in Mind

While this update is beneficial, it’s important to note that the external drive support does not permit moving drives between different devices seamlessly. Each time you connect your drive to a new Mac, you must set up the OneDrive sync process again.

Stay tuned for further updates as Microsoft continues to enhance OneDrive’s capabilities, providing users with even more storage solutions tailored to their needs.

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