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Fix SharePoint Drag-and-Drop Removing File Extensions on Mac
Question details
Users need a workaround or fix for a bug where SharePoint Online strips file extensions from documents when they are uploaded via drag-and-drop from a Mac web browser.
- Product
- SharePoint Online
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Uploading files to a SharePoint document library by dragging and dropping them from a Mac computer into a web browser.
- Observed behavior
- Uploaded files lose their extensions (e.g., .pdf, .docx, .xls), causing them to become unrecognized by the operating system and unable to open unless manually renamed.
Verify that your files are not actually corrupted by manually renaming one of the uploaded files to include its proper extension (like .docx) and trying to open it.
Use Alternative SharePoint Upload Methods
Bypass the Mac browser drag-and-drop bug entirely by utilizing the standard SharePoint upload button or native OneDrive syncing.
Since the extension removal issue is a specific backend bug triggered only by drag-and-drop actions in Mac browsers, using alternative upload methods ensures your file integrity remains completely intact.
Navigate to your SharePoint document library, click the 'Upload' button in the top command bar, select 'Files', and browse your Mac to select the documents.
Open your local OneDrive folder on your Mac via Finder, copy your files directly into the synchronized SharePoint folder, and allow the native OneDrive app to sync them to the cloud.
If you have access to a Windows PC or a Windows virtual machine, transfer the files there first, then drag and drop them into SharePoint, as the bug does not affect Windows environments.
Escalate the Backend Bug to Microsoft 365 Support
Request your Microsoft 365 Administrator to open a formal support ticket to investigate and patch the tenant-wide backend issue.
Try WPS Office for a Seamless Mac Document Experience
If SharePoint bugs and Office upload glitches on your Mac are slowing down your productivity, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a highly compatible, lightweight, and robust environment for all your document needs without the backend cloud hassle.
- 1. Download for Mac: Visit the official WPS website and download the macOS version of WPS Office.
- 2. Install and Sign In: Install the application, launch it, and sign in to activate your free WPS Cloud space.
- 3. Manage Files Reliably: Easily drag and drop your Office documents into WPS Cloud without losing your file extensions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does SharePoint remove file extensions when dragging and dropping on a Mac?
This is a known backend bug in SharePoint Online that specifically affects the drag-and-drop upload functionality when used through a web browser on macOS.
Are my files corrupted if the extension disappears?
No, the files are generally not corrupted. You can restore access to the file by manually renaming it and typing the correct extension (for example, adding '.pdf' to the end of the filename).
Does this SharePoint upload bug affect Windows users?
No, this issue is isolated to Mac environments. Uploading via drag-and-drop from a Windows PC works exactly as intended.
Will clearing my browser cache fix the extension removal issue?
Because this is a tenant-level backend issue with SharePoint Online, clearing your Mac browser cache or switching to a different Mac browser will likely not resolve the problem. You should use the 'Upload' button instead.
