How to use Microsoft OneDrive when your mac HD is Case Sensitive

As a Unix user since 1990 I know that file systems should be case sensitive. So whenever I get a new Mac, I make sure to set it up with a case sensitive filesystem. After doing this with my Microsoft supplied Mac, I was a bit surprised to learn that the Microsoft OneDrive macOS client does not allow you to place your OneDrive folder on a case sensitive volume, nor on an external volume.

No worries!

I was able to create an APFS case insensitive volume internal and put the OneDrive folder there.

Part 1: Create the Volume

  1. Start Disk Utility

  2. In the left navigation pane, context click (right click) Macintosh HD - Data

  3. Choose “Add APFS Volume…”

  4. For Name choose OneDrive

  5. For Format choose APFS or APFS (Encrypted). I chose Encrypted for added security.

    APFS volume

  6. Click “Size Options…”. Choose an appropriate size. I chose 2GB for Reserve and Quota Size. Click OK.

  7. Click “Add”.

  8. Click “Done”.

Part 2: Connect OneDrive

  1. When you start OneDrive on the Mac, it should prompt you to “Set up One Drive”. Go through the login procedures, which may include two factor authentication.

  2. When you get to the “This Is Your OneDrive Folder” page, click “Change Location”.

  3. In the file browser that pops up, choose “OneDrive” then click “Choose this locatin”, as shown here.

    OneDrive Choose Location

  4. Click “Next” then click “Next”.

  5. Then click “Open my OneDrive Folder”.