14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has announced new changes for the macOS version of the OneDrive sync client, as the company wants to focus its resources on the operating system versions that currently have the biggest user base.
In other words, the Redmond-based software giant is giving up on older versions of macOS, all in an attempt to make sure that everything is working correctly on the newer releases.
For existing OneDrive users, this means support for macOS Sierra 10.12 and macOS High Sierra 10.3 is no longer offered, with Microsoft explaining that only the three newest versions of Apple’s operating system would continue to be supported.
So in theory, if you’re running a new version of the operating system, the OneDrive sync client would continue to be updated just like before, so here’s another reason to always keep your operating system fully up-to-date.
"The OneDrive team is committed to bringing you the best, most secure experience possible across your devices. Starting September 10, 2021, we are ending support for the OneDrive sync app on macOS Sierra 10.12 and macOS High Sierra 10.13 and focusing our resources on new technologies and supported operating systems. This update will impact both OneDrive business and personal users," Microsoft explained.
No fixes and improvements going forward
Of course, if you're sticking with an old version that's no longer supported, you should no longer get any fixes and improvements, so in theory, there's absolutely no reason not to update.
And in addition, Microsoft says the installation of the OneDrive client on unsupported systems would no longer be allowed, which means that once you remove the application from a device running an older version of macOS, there's no official way to get it back.
It's not yet known how many users are impacted by this change, but given most users are already running the newest macOS versions, there's a chance the number is very small.