How to Create Multiple Copies of a SharePoint Folder
Question details
The user needs to create more than 20 copies of a specific folder in SharePoint, but the native interface restricts duplication to one copy at a time.
- Product
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Duplicating an existing folder structure multiple times for project management or organizational tracking.
- Observed behavior
- The built-in SharePoint 'Copy To' web feature only allows creating a single folder copy per action, making bulk duplication highly inefficient.
Ensure you have the OneDrive desktop application installed and signed in, and verify that you have sufficient storage quota and edit permissions for the target SharePoint library.
Sync SharePoint to File Explorer for Bulk Copying
Use OneDrive to sync your SharePoint library to your local computer, allowing you to use standard Windows keyboard shortcuts to rapidly duplicate folders.
By syncing your SharePoint document library to your local device, you bypass the web interface limitations. Windows File Explorer allows you to use quick copy-and-paste commands, which OneDrive will then automatically upload and replicate in the cloud.
Open your SharePoint document library in a web browser and click the 'Sync' button in the top toolbar to connect it to your local OneDrive app.
Open File Explorer on your computer and navigate to the newly synced SharePoint folder, typically located under your organization's name in the left navigation pane.
Click on the folder you want to duplicate to select it, then press Ctrl+C on your keyboard to copy it.
Press Ctrl+V repeatedly until you have generated the required number of folder copies (e.g., 20 times). The folders will be created as 'Folder Name - Copy', 'Folder Name - Copy (2)', etc.
Allow OneDrive a few moments to sync the newly created folders back to the SharePoint cloud. You will see green checkmark icons on the folders when the sync is complete.
Manage Your Documents Efficiently with WPS Office
While SharePoint handles your cloud storage, WPS Office provides a lightweight, free, and highly compatible suite for creating and editing the documents within those folders. Enjoy a familiar interface and seamless migration from Microsoft Office.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installer for your operating system.
- 2. Install the Suite: Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to set up WPS Office on your device.
- 3. Open Synced Documents: Navigate to your synced SharePoint folders in File Explorer and open your documents directly in WPS Office for seamless editing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the 'Copy To' feature in SharePoint to create multiple folders at once?
No, the native 'Copy To' feature in the SharePoint web interface only allows you to create one copy of a file or folder at a time. For bulk copying, syncing to File Explorer via OneDrive is the recommended workaround.
Will copying folders in File Explorer retain the original file permissions?
By default, newly copied folders will inherit the permissions of the destination parent folder in SharePoint. Any unique, custom permissions set on the original folder will not be duplicated during the copy-paste process.
What happens if I rename the copied folders in File Explorer?
Any changes you make in File Explorer, including renaming the newly pasted folders to organize them, will automatically sync back to SharePoint as long as the OneDrive sync client is running and connected to the internet.
Is there a limit to how many folders I can copy using this method?
While there is no strict limit on the number of Ctrl+V pastes you can perform locally, you must stay within SharePoint's overall storage limits and file path length restrictions (400 characters). Creating hundreds of folders with large contents may also take significant time to upload.
