10.13.6 — Onedrive For Macos
Running OneDrive on macOS 10.13.6 (High Sierra) is challenging because Microsoft officially ended support
for this version on September 10, 2021. Currently, new installations of the latest OneDrive app are blocked on High Sierra. Microsoft Community Hub
However, you can still access your files using these methods: 1. Primary Workaround: OneDrive Online
The most reliable way to use OneDrive on macOS 10.13.6 is through a web browser. Microsoft Learn OneDrive.com and sign in with your credentials.
: You can upload, download, and organize files directly in the browser. Browser Tip : Ensure you use the latest version of that High Sierra supports for the best experience. ManageEngine 2. Attempting a Legacy Installation
If you need the desktop sync client, you may try to install the last compatible version (roughly v21.203.1107.0004 ), though success is not guaranteed. Microsoft Learn OneDrive Quickstart Guide - Microsoft 365 Adoption onedrive for macos 10.13.6
For macOS High Sierra 10.13.6, Microsoft officially ended support for the OneDrive sync app on September 10, 2021 . New installations from the Mac App Store or official Microsoft website are generally blocked for this OS version . Compatibility and Workarounds
Last Supported Version: The final version confirmed to support macOS 10.13 is 21.203.1107.0004 (Deferred ring) .
Web Access: You can still access, upload, and download your files through any modern web browser by signing in at OneDrive.com .
App Store Recovery: If you have previously downloaded OneDrive on your Apple ID, you may be able to download a compatible version by going to the Purchases tab in the App Store and selecting "Install" next to OneDrive; it may prompt you to download the last compatible version .
Third-Party Alternatives: Some users on Reddit suggest using alternative clients like odrive or rclone which may still support older macOS versions for syncing . Installation Issues Running OneDrive on macOS 10
If you manage to find an older installer (e.g., from FileHorse), you may encounter a "white screen" or "blank" authentication popup during sign-in. This is a known issue on older macOS versions where the login window fails to render properly . If you'd like, let me know:
If you are trying to install it for the first time or fix an existing install.
If you have access to a different, newer computer to sync files.
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.
What Works and What is Broken on High Sierra
Understanding the limitations is crucial before relying on OneDrive for critical work. What Works and What is Broken on High
3. Installation and Configuration
If you must run OneDrive on this specific OS version, here is how to set it up:
- The Installer: Do not rely on the Mac App Store, as it may block the download entirely. Instead, visit the Microsoft OneDrive download page directly. The site should auto-detect your OS and offer a compatible installer (usually the standalone agent).
- Setup: Once installed, open the OneDrive app from your Applications folder.
- Sign-in: Enter your Microsoft account credentials. You may encounter a "modern authentication" prompt. If you are using an organizational account (OneDrive for Business), your IT department may have blocked sign-ins from outdated OS versions.
- Location: The default folder location is usually
~/OneDrive(in your Home folder or Finder sidebar).
Step 1: Source the Correct Installer
Do not use the "Download for Mac" button on the main website. You need the standalone legacy installer.
- Open Safari on your High Sierra Mac.
- Navigate to the official Microsoft OneDrive release notes page.
- Look for the "Production Ring" version 22.218 (Build 22.218.1112.0003) or the final build specifically tagged for "macOS 10.13."
- Alternative: You can sometimes find the direct
.pkglink by searching for "OneDrive 22.218 pkg" on Microsoft’s official servers, though this requires careful URL manipulation.
- Alternative: You can sometimes find the direct
High CPU Usage (kernel_task)
Problem: OneDrive’s older sync engine (pre-macOS File Provider API) uses a kernel extension for file watching. On High Sierra, this can conflict with Spotlight indexing. Solution:
- Go to System Preferences > Spotlight > Privacy.
- Drag your OneDrive folder into the list. This prevents Spotlight from scanning the sync folder while OneDrive writes to it.
Option D: Upgrade your OS (The Unpopular but Honest Advice)
If your Mac is a 2012 or later model, you can use DosDude1’s patchers to install macOS Catalina (10.15) or Big Sur (11) on unsupported hardware.
- Warning: This requires a metal-compatible GPU. Non-Retina MacBook Pros may struggle with graphics acceleration.
3. Installation Process
If you attempt to install the latest OneDrive package on macOS 10.13.6, the installer will fail with an error requiring macOS 10.14 or later. To install:
- Download the last compatible installer from Microsoft’s legacy site or a trusted repository.
- Run the
.pkgfile. - Grant necessary permissions (Accessibility & Full Disk Access) when prompted in System Preferences > Security & Privacy.