OneDrive File Issues

Fix OneDrive Folder Not Downloading in Microsoft Edge

Muhammad Talha Sep 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is unable to download whole folders from OneDrive on the web using Microsoft Edge, even though individual files download successfully.

How to Fix OneDrive Folder Not Downloading in Microsoft Edge

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to download a selected folder from the web version of OneDrive using Microsoft Edge, often on a network managed by an organization.
Observed behavior: Clicking the download button on a folder does nothing. No error message is displayed, and the download fails to initiate.

Before you start

Ensure your internet connection is stable and verify whether you are using a device or network managed by your workplace or school, as strict administrative policies often block bulk downloads.

Solution 1Recommended

Clear Microsoft Edge Cache and Cookies

Clearing the browser cache resolves temporary corrupted data or glitches that prevent OneDrive's web scripts from zipping and downloading folders.

Browsers use cached data to load pages faster. However, outdated or corrupted cache files can interfere with complex web actions like compressing and downloading entire folders from OneDrive.

Open Edge Settings

Click the three horizontal dots (Settings and more) in the top-right corner of Microsoft Edge, then select 'Settings'.

Navigate to Privacy Settings

In the left sidebar, click on 'Privacy, search, and services'.

Clear Browsing Data

Scroll down to the 'Clear browsing data' section and click the 'Choose what to clear' button.

Select and Clear Data

Set the time range to 'All time', check the boxes for 'Cookies and other site data' and 'Cached images and files', then click 'Clear now'.

Restart Your Browser: After clearing the cache, close and reopen Microsoft Edge before attempting to download the folder again.

Solution 2

Test with an Alternative Browser

Trying a different supported browser helps determine if the issue is specific to Microsoft Edge's settings or extensions.

Solution 3

Contact Your IT Administrator

If you are on an organization-controlled network or device, folder downloads may be intentionally restricted by administrative policies.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does OneDrive download single files but not folders in Microsoft Edge?

When you download a single file, the browser processes the direct file link. However, for folders, OneDrive's web interface must first compress the contents into a ZIP file. Strict browser security settings, corrupted cache, or active ad blockers in Edge can easily interrupt this background compression process, causing the download to fail silently.

How do I bypass organization network restrictions on OneDrive downloads?

If your IT department has implemented administrative policies that block folder downloads to prevent data exfiltration or excessive bandwidth usage, there is no local workaround you can perform on your computer. You must contact your IT administrator to request specific access or use an approved alternative method to transfer files.

Can the size of the folder cause the OneDrive download to fail without an error?

Yes. If the selected folder contains more than 10,000 files or exceeds 20 GB in total size, the web version of OneDrive may time out or fail to compile the ZIP file properly. This often results in the download button doing nothing. To resolve this, try dividing the files and downloading smaller sub-folders individually.

Document & File Issues