Microsoft's OneDrive for Mac has recently introduced significant enhancements, notably the ability to sync files directly to external drives. This development addresses longstanding user requests for more flexible storage solutions, especially for those managing large datasets or operating on devices with limited internal storage.
Enhanced External Drive Support
Previously, OneDrive for Mac users faced limitations when attempting to sync their files to external storage devices. The application required that the sync root—the primary folder where OneDrive stores its files—reside within the user's home directory. This setup often led to challenges for users with constrained internal storage capacities.
With the release of OneDrive version 25.004, Microsoft has overhauled this approach. Users can now select an external drive as their primary sync location during the initial setup process. This means that all OneDrive content can reside on the chosen external drive, significantly reducing the burden on the internal storage. Only minimal state information is retained on the home volume, excluding actual file data.
Requirements and Setup
To utilize this new feature, certain prerequisites must be met:
- Operating System: macOS 15.0 or later.
- OneDrive Version: 25.004 or later.
- Insider Program: Users must be part of the OneDrive Insiders program to access this feature ahead of its general release.
- External Drive Specifications:
- The drive must be non-removable and recognized as non-ejectable by macOS.
- Formatted using the APFS (Apple File System).
- Protected by FileVault encryption.
- Not set as read-only, not a network drive, and not marked as quarantined by macOS.
Implementation Steps
For users already syncing OneDrive to their Mac, transitioning to an external drive requires unlinking the current setup and initiating a new sync configuration:
- Unlink OneDrive: Open the OneDrive settings, navigate to the 'Account' tab, and select 'Unlink this PC.'
- Set Up OneDrive: Restart the OneDrive application. During the setup process, choose 'Change Location' when prompted and select the desired external drive that meets the specified requirements.
Support for Special Characters in Filenames
In addition to external drive support, OneDrive for Mac has expanded its compatibility with filenames containing special characters. Users can now create and sync files with the following characters:
- Asterisk (*), Colon
), Less than (<), Greater than (>), Question mark (?), Forward slash (/), Backslash (), Vertical bar (|).
User Feedback and Future Developments
The introduction of these features has been met with positive feedback from the Mac user community. However, some users have expressed concerns regarding the limitations on removable drives and the specific requirements for external drives. Microsoft has acknowledged these concerns and is actively seeking user feedback to inform future updates.
For users interested in these new features, it's advisable to join the OneDrive Insiders program to gain early access and provide feedback. As with any software update, ensuring that both the operating system and the OneDrive application are updated to the latest versions is crucial for optimal performance and access to new features.
In summary, Microsoft's enhancements to OneDrive for Mac, particularly the support for syncing to external drives and improved filename compatibility, represent significant strides in addressing user needs and expanding the application's functionality. These updates not only provide greater flexibility in storage management but also enhance the overall user experience for Mac users relying on OneDrive for their cloud storage solutions.
Source: inkl OneDrive for Mac will soon give you more flexible storage options
