[Fixed] OneDrive High CPU and Memory Usage on Mac

Lately, on my Mac, I’ve noticed that during OneDrive sync, the system sometimes freezes, and apps crash due to memory shortages. Considering that you might be facing the same problem, I wrote this article to share with you how to fix the "OneDrive high CPU and memory usage on Mac" issue.

What Happens When OneDrive Uses Too Much CPU or Memory on Mac?

Below are the most common symptoms:

• A spinning rainbow cursor appears when launching OneDrive.
• Mac’s fan starts running loudly during sync.
• Other tasks become very slow or laggy.
• OneDrive consumes multiple gigabytes of memory.

How to Fix OneDrive High CPU and Memory Usage on Mac

Fix 1: Free Up Memory with BuhoCleaner 🔥

When OneDrive feels sluggish, the first thing to try is using a Mac memory cleaner like BuhoCleaner. This optimization tool can free up RAM with just one click, without stopping your OneDrive sync.

It’s a user-friendly utility that can instantly improve your Mac’s performance, especially if OneDrive is causing high CPU or memory usage on your Mac.

Fix 2: Temporarily Pause OneDrive Sync

If your Mac suddenly slows down or the fan gets loud, try pausing OneDrive sync:

1. Hold Control and click the OneDrive icon in the menu bar.
2. Select Pause Syncing.
3. Wait a few minutes and check if the system load decreases.

Fix 3: Grant Full Disk Access to OneDrive

One commonly overlooked cause of OneDrive high CPU Mac issues is insufficient system permissions. If OneDrive can’t properly access files, it may loop endlessly, using excessive CPU.

Here's how to grant full disk access to OneDrive on Mac:

1. Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Full Disk Access.
2. If OneDrive is listed, make sure it’s enabled.
3. If it’s not there, click the + icon, add OneDrive from the Applications folder, and enable it.

Fix 4: Uninstall and Reinstall OneDrive

If OneDrive’s version is buggy or incompatible, reinstalling the app can help. However, manually uninstalling it might leave behind residual files.

To completely remove OneDrive and related files, use the best app uninstaller for Mac, BuhoCleaner. It can help you delete library files, remove cache and logs, and clean up system clutter caused by OneDrive. Click the button below to try it out yourself.

Conclusion

This article covered 5 fixes for "OneDrive using too much CPU or memory on Mac". Among them, BuhoCleaner stands out for its one-click RAM cleanup and ability to remove unnecessary files. It's worth a try.

I hope this guide has helped you fix the OneDrive high CPU or memory usage issue on your Mac. For more Mac tips, check out Dr. Buho's Blog.