Fix Incomplete OneDrive Downloads for Large Folders
Question details
The user needs to understand why downloading a 48 GB shared folder from OneDrive is incomplete and how to successfully retrieve all missing files on a new computer.
- Product
- OneDrive
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Downloading a massive 48 GB shared folder from OneDrive to a new computer.
- Observed behavior
- The folder download does not complete successfully, resulting in missing files and an incomplete transfer of data.
Verify that your new computer has a stable internet connection and sufficient local storage space to accommodate the entire 48 GB folder.
Use the OneDrive Desktop Sync Client
Using the desktop sync application is the most reliable method for downloading massive folders, bypassing browser-based download limitations.
Network congestion and browser limitations often cause large ZIP downloads to fail. The native OneDrive client handles background syncing seamlessly and can resume interrupted downloads.
Download and install the OneDrive desktop application on your new computer if it is not already pre-installed.
Sign in using the Microsoft account credentials that have access to the 48 GB shared folder.
Locate the shared folder in your OneDrive directory via File Explorer or Finder. Ensure the folder is set to 'Always keep on this device' so the files physically download to your local drive.
Review Limits and Download in Batches
If you must use the web interface, understand OneDrive's copying limits and download the missing files in smaller groups.
Edit Your Downloaded Files Seamlessly with WPS Office
Once your large OneDrive folders are successfully downloaded, you will need a reliable suite to open your documents. WPS Office provides a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Office, letting you edit your files without heavy subscriptions.
- 1. Install WPS Office: Download and install the free WPS Office suite on your new computer.
- 2. Open Your Files: Launch WPS Office, click on 'Open', and navigate to your synced OneDrive folder to access your documents.
- 3. Edit and Save: Edit your documents seamlessly; any changes saved locally will automatically sync back to the cloud if your OneDrive client is running.

Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum file size I can download from OneDrive?
OneDrive supports a maximum file upload and download size of 250 GB for individual files.
How many files can I download at once from the OneDrive website?
The OneDrive web interface is limited to copying or downloading up to 2,500 files at a single time.
How many items can a shared folder contain?
A shared folder in OneDrive can contain up to a maximum of 50,000 items, which includes all files and items located within its subfolders.
Why did my large browser download fail halfway?
Browser downloads package multiple files into a single ZIP archive. Network congestion, exceeding the 2,500 file limit, or attempting to download a folder with too many items can interrupt the server connection, causing an incomplete download.




