Microsoft Boosts OneDrive Performance on Mac with Major Enhancements

Microsoft has unveiled a substantial upgrade to its OneDrive client for macOS, rolling out version 26.098 today. The update boasts markedly faster synchronization, reduced CPU consumption, a leaner memory footprint, and enhanced energy efficiency, promising a smoother experience for Mac users.

In a candid blog post, the company explained that the 2022 overhaul of OneDrive for Mac introduced unintended side effects. Architectural shifts and the decision to preserve the existing sync engine led to the creation of a concealed cache folder, which over time began to degrade reliability and performance.

To resolve these issues, Microsoft has abandoned the legacy engine in favor of a fully native sync solution. This transition delivers a noticeably faster, more dependable experience while allowing deeper integration with macOS.

The revamped client now syncs at roughly twice the speed of its predecessor, consumes fewer system resources, and supports external drives—enabling users to host their OneDrive folder on a removable device that meets the required specifications.

Microsoft is currently rolling out the updated client to Microsoft 365 Insiders. Users can verify whether they are on the new engine by checking the About tab; a version ending in “26H” indicates the updated sync engine. While the rollout to Insiders will take a few weeks, the company has not yet announced when the stable channel will receive the update.

Microsoft’s recent performance overhaul for OneDrive on macOS arrives just as the company announced it will soon discontinue document editing in Office 2019 for Mac, a move prompted by the expiration of essential security certificates. This development forces Mac users to either migrate to Microsoft 365 or seek third‑party alternatives to maintain seamless document creation and collaboration.