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How to Download Large Shared OneDrive Folders Without Zipping
Question details
The user needs a reliable method to download hundreds of shared OneDrive folders without relying on the browser's default behavior of bundling them into one massive, failure-prone ZIP file.
- Product
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Downloading hundreds of large shared folders from a vendor or collaborator via a web browser.
- Observed behavior
- Using the browser download option attempts to create a single large ZIP archive, which often fails or times out due to the collection's massive size or file count.
Ensure you have the Microsoft OneDrive desktop sync client installed on your computer and sufficient local storage space to accommodate all the downloaded folders.
Use the OneDrive Sync Client to Download Folders Directly
Bypass the browser's ZIP limitations by syncing the shared folders directly to your local computer using the OneDrive desktop application.
When you use the OneDrive web interface to download multiple files or large folders, it automatically compresses them into a ZIP file. For massive collections, this process frequently times out. Using the desktop sync client establishes a direct background transfer, ensuring all files download safely without the need for compression.
Open the OneDrive desktop client on your computer and sign in using the appropriate work or school account associated with the shared files.
Open the shared OneDrive folder link provided by the vendor or collaborator in your web browser.
Click the 'Sync' button located in the top menu bar of the shared folder view in your browser. This will prompt the OneDrive client to open.
Open your local OneDrive folder via File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac). Wait for the synchronization to complete and confirm the files are available offline, usually indicated by a solid green checkmark icon next to the files.
Once all required files are safely downloaded to your local drive, you can stop the synchronization through the OneDrive settings if you no longer need live updates from the shared folder.
Try WPS Office for Seamless Cloud Integration
While you use OneDrive to handle massive file storage, WPS Office provides a free, lightweight, and complete office suite that natively integrates with multiple cloud drives, making document management and editing across platforms effortless.
- 1. Download the software: Visit the official WPS website and download the free WPS Office installer.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the setup file and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation in minutes.
- 3. Connect your cloud storage: Open WPS Office, navigate to the Cloud section, and sign in to link your preferred cloud storage to access your documents seamlessly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my OneDrive download keep failing when downloading multiple folders?
When downloading multiple files or large folders from the OneDrive web interface, the server attempts to bundle them into a single ZIP file. If the total size is too large or contains too many files, the ZIP creation process times out and causes the download to fail.
Is there a file size limit for downloading ZIP files from the OneDrive web interface?
Yes, downloading via the web browser is generally limited to 20 GB per ZIP file or a maximum of 10,000 files. Attempting to download a collection that exceeds these limits will cause the operation to fail.
Can I download shared OneDrive folders to my local drive without a Microsoft account?
To use the 'Sync' feature for large, unzipped folder downloads, you must sign in with a valid Microsoft, work, or school account. If you do not have one, you will need to download the files in smaller, individual batches directly through the web browser.
