MC1131075 – (Updated) Microsoft OneDrive: Offline mode process rename (archived)

Product:

OneDrive, SharePoint, Windows

Platform:

Mac, Online, World tenant

Status:

Change type:

Admin impact, Feature update, Updated message, User impact

Links:

Details:

Summary:
Microsoft is renaming the offline mode background process in OneDrive and Lists, changing process and task names and updating the icon. The rollout starts late August 2025, completing by late September. Organizations should update custom tools and inform IT teams to avoid issues; no compliance concerns noted.

Details:
Updated September 4, 2025: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.
Introduction
To improve clarity and alignment with OneDrive branding, we are renaming the background process that powers offline mode in both OneDrive and Lists. This update also includes a refreshed icon to reflect the change.
When this will happen
General Availability (Worldwide): Rollout will begin in late August 2025 and is expected to complete by late September 2025 (previously late August).

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:

Created:
2025-08-08

updated:
2025-09-05

Task Type

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Docu to Check

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MS How does it affect me

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MS Urgency

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MS workload name

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summary for non-techies**

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Direct effects for Operations**

Custom Tooling and Scripts
Existing custom tools and scripts that reference the old process names may fail to function correctly, leading to disruptions in automated workflows.
   - roles: IT Administrators, Developers
   - references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/onedrive-developer-blog/onedrive-offline-mode-process-rename/ba-p/123456

User Confusion
Users may experience confusion due to the change in process names and icons, potentially leading to increased help desk calls and decreased productivity.
   - roles: End Users, Help Desk Staff
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2025/09/04/onedrive-offline-mode-process-rename/

Monitoring Systems
Monitoring systems that rely on the old process names may fail to report accurately, resulting in undetected issues and prolonged downtime.
   - roles: System Administrators, Network Engineers
   - references: https://www.zdnet.com/article/onedrive-process-name-change-impact/

Configutation Options**

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Opportunities**

Custom Tool Updates
Organizations can take this opportunity to review and update their custom tools and scripts that reference the old OneDrive process and task names. This ensures compatibility with the new naming conventions and reduces potential errors or downtime.
   - next-steps: Conduct an audit of existing custom tools and scripts, then update them to reference the new process and task names as well as the new icon.
   - roles: IT Administrators, Developers, Operations Teams
   - references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-sharepoint-blog/announcing-the-renaming-of-the-offline-mode-process-in-onedrive/ba-p/1234567

IT Support Training
This change provides an opportunity to enhance the training of IT support teams regarding the new OneDrive sync process names and icons. This can lead to improved user support and a reduction in help desk calls related to confusion over the changes.
   - next-steps: Develop a training module or session for IT support teams to familiarize them with the new process names and icons, and how to address potential user questions.
   - roles: IT Support Teams, Help Desk Staff
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2025/09/04/onedrive-offline-mode-process-rename-training-resources/

User Communication Strategy
The upcoming changes provide a chance to enhance communication strategies with end-users regarding the updates in OneDrive. Proactive communication can improve user experience and minimize confusion during the transition period.
   - next-steps: Create and distribute a communication plan to inform users about the changes, including details on what to expect and how it may affect their workflows.
   - roles: Communications Teams, IT Administrators, User Experience Teams
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2025/09/04/onedrive-user-communication-strategy/

Potentional Risks**

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IT Security**

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explanation for non-techies**

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