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How to Fix Cannot Upload Folders to SharePoint from Mac
Question details
The user cannot upload new documents or folders to a SharePoint library from their MacBook Air, although they are able to view existing files.
- Product
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Uploading local folders and documents to a SharePoint library using a web browser on a Mac.
- Observed behavior
- The upload fails completely, or only the empty folder structure is uploaded without the files, despite uploads working successfully on other computers.
Ensure you have a stable internet connection and verify that your SharePoint account has 'Edit' or 'Contribute' permissions, as 'View-only' access prevents file uploads.
Sync the SharePoint Library via OneDrive for Mac
Syncing the library directly to macOS Finder using the OneDrive app bypasses browser upload limitations and handles bulk folders reliably.
Using a web browser to upload complex folder structures on a Mac can sometimes fail due to browser security restrictions or timeouts. Syncing the SharePoint library directly to your local file system is the most reliable workaround.
Download and install the Microsoft OneDrive application from the Mac App Store or Microsoft's official website, and sign in with your SharePoint credentials.
Open the target SharePoint document library in your web browser and click the 'Sync' button on the top command bar.
Allow the browser prompt to open Microsoft OneDrive. The SharePoint library will now appear as a dedicated folder in your Mac's Finder sidebar.
Drag and drop your local Mac folders into this synced SharePoint folder in Finder. The OneDrive client will automatically upload the documents and folder structures in the background.
Troubleshoot Browser and File Restrictions
Browser extensions, cached data, or unsupported file names can frequently block uploads to SharePoint.
Update macOS and Web Browsers
Outdated operating systems or web browsers can cause compatibility issues with SharePoint's upload scripts.
Edit and Manage Documents Seamlessly with WPS Office
If Microsoft Office and SharePoint integrations are causing compatibility issues on your Mac, WPS Office provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative for handling your documents. Enjoy a smooth experience without the syncing and uploading headaches.
- 1. Download and Install: Get WPS Office for Mac from the official website or the Mac App Store and install it on your device.
- 2. Open Your Documents: Launch WPS Office and open your existing Word, Excel, or PowerPoint files instantly without format loss.
- 3. Save and Share: Save your work locally or use WPS Cloud to securely store, organize, and share your folders across all devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can I open SharePoint files but not upload new ones?
You likely have 'View' permissions instead of 'Edit' or 'Contribute' permissions. Even if you are logged in, you must contact your SharePoint administrator to upgrade your access rights for that specific document library.
Are there specific file restrictions for SharePoint uploads?
Yes, SharePoint blocks certain file names containing invalid characters like * : < > ? / \ |. Additionally, excessively long file paths or files exceeding the library's maximum file size limit will fail to upload.
Why does SharePoint upload empty folders from my Mac without the files inside?
This usually happens due to browser incompatibility or local Mac security settings blocking web scripts from reading folder contents. Using the OneDrive sync client for Mac or switching to a Chromium-based browser like Microsoft Edge often resolves this issue.
