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How to fix frequent corrupted zip file downloads on OneDrive for Mac

GY 20 Reputation points
2026-05-27T09:02:55.3133333+00:00

When doing downloads from OneDrive, multiple files are typically compressed as a zip file. On my Mac, I've been having numerous issues with unzipping them, with different error messages from saying the data might be corrupted, or the file is unreadable. The solutions posted online just mention to try different zip softwares, which we have. The question is: why does this keep happening?

The last time, I used a free software called Unarchiver and still had the corrupt data error message. I hit continue and the files were uncompressed. This is very confusing and frustrating as it takes time to download files. I have a fast enough connection about 400 mb/s and it doesn't seem to matter what kind of files I download - the errors pop up frequently. Can OneDrive improve this?

Microsoft 365 and Office | OneDrive | For home | MacOS

Answer accepted by question author

Kai-H 18,195 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
2026-05-27T13:51:17.09+00:00

Hi, GY

This does not necessarily mean your original files are damaged. It can happen because OneDrive creates the ZIP on the web during download, and macOS may be sensitive to the way that ZIP is packaged, especially if there are long names, nested folders, special characters, or a browser/download interruption involved.

Here are some suggestions you can try:

First, if possible, avoid downloading many items from the OneDrive website as one ZIP. Use the OneDrive Mac app instead, then right-select the needed folder in Finder and choose Always Keep on This Device, or use Download all OneDrive files now from OneDrive Preferences if you want everything local. That bypasses the browser-created ZIP completely, which is usually the cleaner method on Mac.

Also try downloading with a clean browser session: private window, no extensions, no VPN, and save directly to the Mac’s internal Downloads folder, not an external drive or network folder. If the ZIP size shown in Finder looks smaller than expected, treat it as an incomplete download and retry.

It is also recommended that you check for awkward file or folder names before downloading, such as very long names, symbols, or deeply nested folders. These can cause extraction errors even when the total file count is nowhere near OneDrive’s limits.

If Unarchiver extracts most files after showing an error, I would compare the extracted folder with the online folder and look for the one item that failed, rather than assuming the whole download is bad.

Thank you for your patience in reading, I hope this information has been helpful to you. 

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  1. GY 20 Reputation points
    2026-05-28T06:03:50.35+00:00

    Thanks. The only issue with Onedrive's Mac app is the download progress. It seems better to download as a zip with multiple files. Especially picture folders. It's not unusual these days for folders to have e.g. a couple of hundred pictures. I think MS should still into this issue and improve it.

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  2. Bob Jones AKA CyberTaz MVP 435.7K Reputation points
    2026-05-27T15:27:43.3533333+00:00

    Key question: Is there any problem with the files once they are unzipped?

    It isn't an error message, it's a warning or notification of the possibility. It's a security feature of the Mac OS apprising then user of potential malware. There may be a way to disable it in System Settings depending on version of macOS but doing so is not recommended. Contact Apple Support for more info.

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