How do I download files on OneDrive whilist retaining the dates modified/created?

Downloading files directly from the OneDrive or SharePoint web interface to a Mac will normally give those downloaded copies a new “created” and sometimes “modified” date on the local file system (for example, today’s date). The original dates remain correct in OneDrive, but macOS treats the download as a new file.

To keep original modified/created dates on the Mac, use OneDrive sync instead of manual download:

1. Install the OneDrive sync client for macOS from the official download page.
2. Sign in with the same Microsoft 365 work account that holds the old Documents folder.
3. In OneDrive preferences, make sure the relevant OneDrive folders (for example, Documents) are selected to sync to the Mac.
4. Wait for OneDrive to finish syncing. The files will appear in the local OneDrive folder in Finder.
5. Access and organize the files directly in that synced OneDrive folder. The file metadata (including modified dates) is preserved as stored in OneDrive.

If disk space is a concern, enable Files On-Demand so files do not all download at once, and then right‑click specific files or folders and choose “Always keep on this device” when offline access is needed.

If files are instead downloaded via the browser (using the OneDrive “Download” button), macOS will assign new local created dates, and this behavior cannot be changed from the OneDrive web download side.

References:

• Download files and folders from OneDrive or SharePoint
• Manage files and folders in OneDrive
• Sync files with OneDrive Files on Demand
• Save disk space with OneDrive Files On-Demand for Mac
• Download OneDrive
• OneDrive sizes and dates don't match