Onedrive For Macos | 10.13.6
OneDrive for macOS 10.13.6: Complete Compatibility Guide Running Microsoft OneDrive on an older operating system like macOS 10.13.6 (High Sierra) presents unique challenges, as Microsoft officially ended support for this version on September 10, 2021. Today, the modern OneDrive sync app requires macOS 13.0 (Ventura) or newer to function fully.
If you are currently using High Sierra, here is how you can still manage your files. 1. Official Support Status
Microsoft follows a policy of supporting only the three most recent major versions of macOS. As of 2025/2026, macOS High Sierra is several generations behind the supported threshold. New Installations: Blocked on macOS 10.13.6.
Updates: Existing installations on unsupported systems no longer receive security patches or feature updates.
Bugs: Issues specific to High Sierra are no longer investigated by Microsoft. 2. How to Access OneDrive on macOS 10.13.6
Since the latest desktop client will not install, you have three primary workarounds:
OneDrive for Web (Recommended): The most reliable method is to use a compatible web browser (such as the latest version of Chrome or Firefox that still supports High Sierra) to access OneDrive Online. You can upload and download files manually without needing a sync app.
The App Store "Last Compatible" Trick: If you have previously downloaded OneDrive on your Apple ID, you may be able to download a legacy version: Open the App Store on your Mac. Go to your Purchased or Account tab. Find OneDrive and click the download button.
If prompted, choose to "Download an older version" compatible with your OS.
Legacy Installers: Some community members suggest using older "Deferred ring" builds, such as version 20.114.0607.0002, though these are no longer officially maintained and may encounter login errors. 3. Essential Troubleshooting
If you manage to get an older version running and encounter issues:
Resetting OneDrive: You can sometimes fix sync hangs by resetting the app. This does not delete your files but forces a full re-sync.
Login Blocks: Many users report that even with a legacy app installed, the login screen may fail to load because of outdated security protocols in High Sierra.
Third-Party Alternatives: Tools like rclone or odrive can sometimes bridge the gap by connecting to your OneDrive storage via alternative sync engines that may still support older macOS versions. Reset OneDrive - Microsoft Support
Microsoft officially ended support for the OneDrive sync app on macOS 10.13 High Sierra on September 10, 2021.
This means you cannot download or install the current version of OneDrive on this operating system. While some features like Files On-Demand or Known Folder Move were released for newer macOS versions, they are generally not available for 10.13.6. ⚠️ Current Status for 10.13.6
No New Installations: Microsoft blocks new installs on unsupported OS versions. onedrive for macos 10.13.6
No Updates: If already installed, the app has stopped receiving security and feature updates.
Limited Functionality: While old installations might still "run," they are no longer tested and may fail to sync correctly or log in. 🛠️ Possible Workarounds
If you must use OneDrive on this specific Mac, consider these options:
OneDrive on Mac High Sierra (any alternative to official client?)
Official support for the Microsoft OneDrive sync app on macOS 10.13.6 (High Sierra) officially ended on September 10, 2021. While existing installations may still function, they no longer receive security updates, bug fixes, or new features. Current Status and Availability
Blocked Installations: New installations of the current OneDrive app are officially blocked on macOS versions older than 10.14 (Mojave).
Unsupported Updates: If you have an older version installed, it will stop updating.
Microsoft Policy: Microsoft currently only supports the three most recent versions of macOS. Workarounds for macOS 10.13.6
If you cannot upgrade your operating system, you can use these methods to access your files:
OneDrive Web: You can still access, upload, and download your files through any modern web browser by signing in at OneDrive.com.
Legacy App Version: Some users have successfully used older "Deferred ring" versions, such as 21.203.1107.0004, which was the last version to support High Sierra. You may find these via third-party repositories like FileHorse.
App Store "Purchased" Trick: If you previously "purchased" (downloaded) OneDrive with your Apple ID, you can sometimes go to the App Store > Purchases tab and install the "last compatible version". Recommended Action
Upgrade macOS: If your hardware supports it, upgrading to macOS 11.0 (Big Sur) or newer is the only way to regain full official support and security updates.
Use Web Access: For a zero-risk solution, stick to the web-based version of OneDrive to avoid potential sync errors or data loss from using outdated, untested software.
This is a challenging request because Microsoft OneDrive no longer supports macOS 10.13.6 (High Sierra). Microsoft officially dropped support for High Sierra in March 2022.
However, I can put together a technical white paper covering the historical compatibility, the final working version, workarounds for legacy systems, and security risks. OneDrive for macOS 10
Conclusion: The Verdict on OneDrive for macOS 10.13.6
Can you use OneDrive on High Sierra today? Technically, yes—with version 22.218. Should you? Only if you have no other choice.
Microsoft has drawn a line in the sand. While the legacy client will still upload and download simple files for now, it is on life support. The authentication servers are changing, the API endpoints are being deprecated, and an error message is lurking around every corner.
For the casual user with 100 photos and a few Word documents, the legacy workaround is fine. For a professional who relies on real-time collaboration, version history, and enterprise security, staying on macOS 10.13.6 is a liability.
The final recommendation: Use this guide as a temporary bandage. Use the savings from not buying a new Mac to either purchase a third-party sync tool (Mountain Duck) or invest in a cheap NAS (Synology DS120j) to act as your sync bridge. Or, consider finally retiring that 2011 MacBook Pro.
High Sierra was a fantastic operating system. But in the cloud era, software is a service, not a product. And that service has moved on.
Have a question about a specific error code on OneDrive for macOS 10.13.6? Leave a comment below (if this were a blog) or consult the Microsoft Tech Community forum for legacy support.
When to consider upgrading
- If you need the latest OneDrive features, improved security, or better integration with newer macOS features, upgrade to a newer macOS version supported by your Mac and install the latest OneDrive client.
- If your Mac hardware cannot run a newer macOS, consider using the OneDrive web interface for access to the latest web-only features or using another device with supported OS for advanced functionality.
If you want, I can tailor this write-up to a specific audience (IT admin, end user, internal documentation) or produce a shorter blurb or a more detailed troubleshooting guide.
(related search suggestions provided)
Running OneDrive on macOS 10.13.6 High Sierra: A Complete Guide
If you're still using a classic Mac running macOS 10.13.6 High Sierra, you likely know that official support for many modern apps has ended. Microsoft officially ended support for the OneDrive sync app on macOS 10.13 in September 2021 While Microsoft now requires macOS 13.0 or newer
for new installations, there are still ways to access your files. Here is everything you need to know about keeping OneDrive alive on your legacy machine. 1. The Official Status: End of Support September 10, 2021
, Microsoft stopped updating the OneDrive sync app for macOS 10.12 and 10.13. Impact on existing users
: If you already had OneDrive installed, it likely stopped receiving updates but may have continued to run until a major sync issue occurred. Impact on new installations
: Microsoft now blocks new installations on these older operating systems. 2. How to Get OneDrive Running on High Sierra
If you need to install or fix OneDrive on 10.13.6, you have three main paths: Option A: The "App Store" Method (Most Reliable)
If you have ever downloaded OneDrive from the Mac App Store in the past using your Apple ID, you may be able to retrieve a compatible legacy version. on your Mac. Go to your tab or click your profile. and click the download icon. Conclusion: The Verdict on OneDrive for macOS 10
If a prompt appears stating the current version isn't compatible, it may ask: "Do you want to download the last compatible version?" Option B: Hunting for Legacy Installers
The last officially recognized version for macOS 10.13 is widely reported to be Version 21.203.1107.0004 (Deferred Ring).
: Microsoft does not provide direct official download links for these legacy versions anymore. Community Workaround
: Some users have successfully restored older versions by copying the OneDrive.app Time Machine backup or another Mac that still had the older version installed. Option C: The Browser Workaround (Safest)
If the sync app won't install, you can still access your files via any modern web browser. OneDrive Web Portal
to upload, download, and manage your files. While it doesn't offer "sync" to your local folders, it remains fully functional and secure.
Important Note: As of this writing, macOS 10.13.6 is significantly older than the current macOS versions. Apple no longer provides security updates for it, and Microsoft has also shifted its support lifecycle. The following write-up reflects the final compatible state of OneDrive for this operating system.
⚠️ Notable Limitations
1. No Longer Receiving Feature Updates
The last supported OneDrive client for 10.13.6 is frozen in time. No new sharing features, no improved search indexing, and no sync engine optimizations from 2021 onward.
2. Setup Workarounds Needed
Modern OneDrive installers block installation on High Sierra. You must download an older standalone PKG (e.g., OneDrive 22.033) from Microsoft’s legacy download page. New installs require disabling Gatekeeper or using terminal.
3. Known Sync Stalls
Long paths (>255 characters) and filenames with certain special characters (e.g., # or %) can cause unexplained sync errors. The error reporting is vague – often just “Sync pending.”
4. No Known Folder Move for External Drives
Unlike Windows or newer macOS, you cannot redirect OneDrive folder to an external drive via the GUI. A symlink works but can break after macOS updates.
5. Apple Silicon is Irrelevant
High Sierra runs only on Intel Macs, so the native Apple Silicon version of OneDrive doesn’t apply. The Intel version is Rosetta-free, which is good, but CPU efficiency is worse than M1-native clients.
4. Common Issues and Troubleshooting
Because the software is outdated, users on High Sierra frequently encounter specific errors that have been resolved in newer versions.
- "OneDrive needs your attention": This error often loops infinitely on High Sierra due to authentication token changes. Fixing it usually requires completely unlinking the account and re-signing in.
- Sync Conflicts: You may see more "Copy" files (e.g.,
Document - Copy.docx) generated during sync conflicts than modern users. - Large File Handling: The legacy sync engine struggles more with files over 2GB.
- Finder Integration: The green checkmarks (status icons) in Finder may disappear or fail to update correctly.
OneDrive on macOS 10.13.6 High Sierra: A Status Report and User Guide
Executive Summary As of 2024, using OneDrive on macOS 10.13.6 (High Sierra) places the user in a "legacy support" scenario. While it is still possible to use OneDrive on this operating system, users face significant limitations regarding available features, security updates, and application compatibility. Microsoft has officially dropped support for High Sierra, meaning users are running the software at their own risk and cannot access the latest sync technologies.
1. No Security Patches
The last compatible OneDrive client (23.169.0823) has known vulnerabilities that Microsoft has patched in newer versions. For example, CVE-2024-21308 (a privilege escalation flaw) was fixed in v24.022. High Sierra users remain vulnerable.
Workaround 3: Network Share Relay (Advanced)
Set up a Raspberry Pi or an old PC running a modern Linux distribution that syncs your OneDrive. Share that folder via SMB to your High Sierra Mac.
- Pros: Keeps automatic sync.
- Cons: Complex setup, requires additional hardware.
Performance and troubleshooting tips
- Ensure High Sierra is updated to 10.13.6 (latest High Sierra patch) for maximum compatibility.
- Free up disk space or use selective sync to avoid syncing large, unnecessary folders.
- If sync stalls, try quitting OneDrive, restarting the Mac, and relaunching OneDrive. Use “Help & Settings → View online” to confirm file status in the web portal.
- Re-link account (Settings → Account → Unlink this PC) and sign in again to resolve persistent issues.
- Check macOS permissions if OneDrive cannot access files; re-grant permissions and restart OneDrive.
- For persistent crashes, remove the OneDrive app, delete the ~/Library/Containers/com.microsoft.OneDrive-mac and related caches (backup first), then reinstall a compatible build.
