OneDrive for Government provides secure cloud storage for federal employees, syncing files between your Mac and Microsoft’s government cloud. Proper configuration ensures reliable sync while meeting security requirements for .mil and .gov environments.
Understanding Government OneDrive
Government OneDrive differs from consumer OneDrive:
- Hosted in GCC or GCC High Microsoft cloud environments
- Meets FedRAMP High and DoD IL4/IL5 requirements
- Data remains within U.S. government data centers
- Enhanced audit logging and compliance features
- Integration with government Azure AD authentication
Installing OneDrive on Mac
From Agency Software Portal
- Open Self Service or your agency’s managed software center
- Search for OneDrive
- Install the approved version
- Launch OneDrive from Applications
Initial Setup
- Enter your government email address
- OneDrive detects your government tenant automatically
- Complete sign-in with MFA
- Choose folder location for OneDrive files
- Select which folders to sync initially
Sync Settings for Government Networks
Files On-Demand
Enable Files On-Demand to save disk space:
- Click OneDrive icon in menu bar
- Click gear icon > Preferences
- Check “Download files as you use them”
With Files On-Demand, you see all files but only download them when opened. This is especially useful on government Macs with limited storage.
File Status Icons
- Cloud icon: Online-only, downloads when opened
- Green checkmark: Downloaded and synced
- Solid green circle: Always keep on this device
- Sync arrows: Currently syncing
- Red X: Sync error
Selective Sync
Choose which folders sync to your Mac:
- OneDrive Preferences > Account tab
- Click “Choose Folders”
- Uncheck folders you don’t need locally
- Click OK to apply
Network and Bandwidth Settings
Limiting Bandwidth
On government networks or VPN, limit sync bandwidth:
- OneDrive Preferences > Network tab
- Set upload and download limits
- Consider lower limits when on VPN
Pausing Sync
Pause sync during bandwidth-intensive work:
- Click OneDrive menu bar icon
- Click gear icon
- Select “Pause syncing” and choose duration
Known Sync Files
OneDrive may not sync certain file types on government Macs:
- Files over 250GB
- Files with certain special characters in names
- System files and temporary files
- .PST and database files in use
- Files blocked by agency policy
Troubleshooting Sync Issues
Sync Stuck or Not Completing
- Check internet connection and VPN status
- Look for sync errors in OneDrive menu
- Quit and restart OneDrive
- Sign out and sign back in
- Reset OneDrive if issues persist
Resetting OneDrive on Mac
- Quit OneDrive
- Open Applications folder
- Right-click OneDrive, select “Show Package Contents”
- Navigate to Contents > Resources
- Double-click ResetOneDriveApp.command
- Set up OneDrive again
Conflicting Files
When the same file is edited on multiple devices simultaneously:
- OneDrive creates a copy with your name and date
- Review both versions and merge changes manually
- Delete the version you don’t need
Security and Compliance
Sensitivity Labels
Your agency may require sensitivity labels on OneDrive files. Apply labels in Office apps or through the OneDrive web interface to classify and protect documents.
Sharing Restrictions
Government OneDrive typically restricts external sharing:
- Sharing outside your organization may be blocked
- Anonymous links are usually disabled
- Sharing requires authentication
- Audit logs track all sharing activity
Data Loss Prevention
DLP policies may block syncing files containing:
- Social Security numbers
- Credit card numbers
- Other sensitive data patterns
If sync fails for specific files, check for sensitive content.
Working Offline
To work offline with OneDrive files:
- Right-click files or folders you need
- Select “Always keep on this device”
- Wait for download to complete (solid green circle)
- Files remain available without internet
- Changes sync when you reconnect
OneDrive vs SharePoint
Understand when to use each:
- OneDrive: Personal work files, drafts, individual storage
- SharePoint: Team files, shared documents, collaborative work
OneDrive syncs your personal space. SharePoint sites can also sync to your Mac using the same OneDrive client—just click “Sync” on any SharePoint document library.
Properly configured OneDrive keeps your government files accessible across devices while maintaining the security posture your agency requires. Take time to configure sync settings appropriately for your work patterns and network environment.
