OneDrive sync is about to get better on Windows on ARM PCs and Apple's M1 Macs

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OneDrive should run a bit better on ARM devices, thanks to native apps that are in public preview.

Surface Pro X 2020
Surface Pro X 2020 (Image credit: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)

What you need to know

  • OneDrive sync is now available in public preview for Windows on ARM PCs and Macs with Apple silicon.
  • The native versions of OneDrive should perform better on ARM processors than clients run through emulation.
  • To try out the new OneDrive sync client, you need to be an Insider.

Microsoft recently released public preview versions of OneDrive sync for Windows on ARM PCs and Macs running Apple's silicon. These clients should have better performance than the versions of OneDrive sync that run through emulation. Microsoft announced the preview versions of OneDrive sync on December 6, 2021, but they will ship to Insiders gradually over the coming days.

Richard Hay spotted the Tech Community post announcing the news and highlighted it on Twitter.

"We're excited to announce that OneDrive sync for Windows on ARM and for Apple silicon is now available as a public preview!" says Microsoft. "We know this has been a long awaited and highly requested feature, and we're thrilled to make it available for early access."

To test out the public preview versions of OneDrive sync, you need to be an Insider. Even if you're already registered as an Insider, you may not receive the updated versions immediately. Microsoft plans to roll out the new version of the OneDrive client over the "next few days." As far as we can tell, it is not possible to force the app to update.

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OneDrive Insider Windows

You can become an Insider for OneDrive through the About section of a client. Microsoft shared the above images in its post announcing the public preview versions of OneDrive sync.

Sean Endicott
Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He's covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean's journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.