OneDrive keeps re-downloading files that already exist locally

Move the live database and other application-managed working files outside the OneDrive folder, because every change inside a synced location is synchronized in both directions and OneDrive cannot be configured as upload-only. ^1^

Protect the database first

1. Stop the web server and any process using the database.
2. In Finder, create a folder outside:
   • OneDrive
   • OneDrive-backed Desktop
   • OneDrive-backed Documents
3. Copy the database into that folder.
4. Point the web server/application at the new path.
5. Confirm the application can write to it, then remove the old OneDrive copy only after verifying the new copy and its backup.

OneDrive’s Desktop/Documents backup can automatically place those folders in the synchronization scope, so merely moving the database to Documents might not remove it from OneDrive. ^2^

For an actively written database, use the database engine’s supported backup/export process to produce a closed backup file, and sync that backup rather than the live database. Marking the file Always Keep on This Device does not stop synchronization—it only keeps a local offline copy. Files On-Demand is integrated into macOS 12.1 and later and cannot be disabled there. ^3^

Repair repeated replacement of ordinary files

Uploading a local edit is expected; repeatedly replacing that same local file afterward, causing external editors to reload it, is not identified as a known issue for build 26.189.0928.0009. Microsoft’s release notes also state that a version higher than the listed version can be a newer build not yet reflected on the page. ^4^

After safeguarding any unsynced files, reset the standalone client:

1. Select the OneDrive cloud icon in the menu bar.
2. Select Preferences > Pause > Quit OneDrive.
3. Open Finder > Applications.
4. Control-click OneDrive > Show Package Contents.
5. Open Contents > Resources.
6. Double-click ResetOneDriveAppStandalone.command.
7. Start OneDrive and complete setup.
8. When prompted for the location, select the previous OneDrive syncing location. This prevents unchanged files from being downloaded again.
9. Reapply any selective-folder settings after synchronization completes.

Resetting disconnects all personal and work/school sync connections and rebuilds OneDrive’s sync state. Microsoft states that the reset itself does not delete cloud data, but it triggers a full synchronization, so copy any files that have not reached OneDrive online to a safe location first. ^5^

If the behavior continues after reset

Run a controlled test:

1. Create a new plain-text file in the OneDrive folder.
2. Wait until OneDrive reports it synchronized.
3. Record its Finder modification time and permissions.
4. Edit and save it once.
5. Check OneDrive’s Activity Center for a second download or conflict.
6. Verify whether the file’s modification time, inode, or permissions change after synchronization.

If a non-Office conflict exists, OneDrive can retain both versions, with the downloaded online version keeping the original name and the local copy receiving the device name. Check for such renamed copies or conflict notifications. ^6^

If a newly created text file is still replaced after the reset, submit the reproduction details to Microsoft Support, including:

• macOS 15.0
• OneDrive 26.189.0928.0009, Standalone, Apple silicon
• account type: personal or work/school
• Activity Center entries and timestamps
• whether the issue occurs in every folder or only Desktop/Documents
• whether Finder reports the affected file as locally available or always available
• a minimal text-file reproduction, excluding private filenames or content

For a work/school account, route this through the organization’s Microsoft 365 administrator or service desk.

References

1. Sync in SharePoint and OneDrive
2. Overview of OneDrive in Microsoft 365
3. Fix OneDrive Files On-Demand issues on macOS 12.1 or later | Microsoft Support
4. OneDrive Sync release notes - SharePoint in Microsoft 365
5. Reset OneDrive | Microsoft Support
6. Resolve sync issues in OneDrive for work or school