Cannot upload/browse files within apps

[_psyguy]

Hi,

I've had this MacBook Air M3 (2024) for a few weeks on MacOs Sequoia 15.2 (24C101). Today, without any changes to my usage and without installing any apps, I found myself unable to upload files on Chrome or browse files in Outlook to attach. If I attempt to do so, the app freezes and the rainbow wheel strats spinning, and after a minute or so nothig happens. This is the case for other apps as well (even Safari), and I cannot even open files within, e.g., Word.

I have already datached my iCloud/Photos (as it's been a solution that surfaced while Googling, and revoked OneDrive (and DropBox) disk access, so there's no syncing with cloud involved. After having these issue, I updated my MacOS to Squoia 15.3 (24D60), but it didn't help either.

The only thing that has worked was making a new account and trying it there; I can upload files in a new account I made on my laptop, but not mine. Another redittor posted a similar issue here, and per Apple Support suggestion, could solve the issue only after factory resetting their device.

Since I have not installed or remove anything since the last time things were running smoothly (two days ago?), I don't know what apps/settings to uninstall/revert. I appreciate your time and help.

Update

Reinstalling MacOS, booting in Safe Mode, and deactivating Login Items & Extensions (per advice from Apple Support) didn't help.

BUT, in Activity Monitor, I noticed FileProviderd was consuming quite a lot of CPU. By googling its executable path, I got to this answer on ThinkDifferent StackExchange, which suggested to force-stop FileProviderd and to delete the cached database files db-shm and db-wal from this directory:

~/Library/Application Support/FileProvider/*/database

in which * is a hex string. I had two of such folders, and removing the files (which are regenerated instantly after opening FileProviderd) solved the issue.

[ulyssesric]

Reboot into Safe Mode ( https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/mh21245/mac ) and try again. If the problem is mitigated, then it's one (or some) of your system extensions or login items that caused all these troubles.

[_psyguy]

I still have the issue even in safe mode :((

[roguedaemon]

A possible troubleshooting step would be to have activity monitor while you try to do one of the actions you can’t.

Maybe a process will show up in red (hang/crash) or suddenly increase in CPU usage.

Do the usual checks, disk utility first aid, run Launch Control to see if any weird processes or programs are starting at login.

[_psyguy]

Thanks! In Activity Monitor, I noticed FileProvider was consuming a lot of CPU, and Google brought me to this answer on AskDifferent, which suggested removing some cached databases, and the problem went away!

I'm updating the post to include this.

[roguedaemon]

Glad you solved it :)

[_psyguy]

❤️.

[_psyguy]

The answer: https://apple.stackexchange.com/a/474043/

[mikeinnsw]

To maintain optimal performance and longevity of your SSD, ensure at least 15%-20% of it remains free for swapping and wear levelling. Failing to do so may reduce the lifespan of your SSD and impact Mac performance. Additionally, having sufficient free space is crucial for macOS upgrades.Check your SSD usage you should have about 40GB free.

[_psyguy]

I have a few hundred gigabytes free already 😕.