How to Transfer Large Files to OneDrive and SharePoint
Question details
The user needs to transfer and synchronize more than 300 GB of data, including individual files larger than 10 GB, between a local computer and Microsoft cloud storage.
- Product
- OneDrive and SharePoint
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Migrating a massive amount of personal and team files from local storage to cloud platforms without overwhelming local hard drive capacity.
- Observed behavior
- The user is looking for the correct procedure to establish a reliable sync between File Explorer, OneDrive, and SharePoint for extra-large file transfers.
Ensure you have a stable, high-speed internet connection and verify that your Microsoft 365 account has sufficient cloud storage capacity to accommodate over 300 GB of data.
Use the OneDrive Sync App with Files On-Demand
The most reliable method for handling massive transfers and extra-large files is utilizing the native OneDrive desktop client linked with File Explorer.
By setting up the OneDrive sync app, you can easily drag and drop files from your local folders into cloud directories right from File Explorer.
It is highly recommended to segregate your data: store personal files in your OneDrive directory and collaborate on team files by syncing a SharePoint document library.
Open the OneDrive app on your PC and sign in with your Microsoft account to create your local OneDrive folder in File Explorer.
To transfer team files, navigate to your team's SharePoint site in a web browser, open the Documents library, and click the 'Sync' button at the top. This adds a dedicated SharePoint folder to your File Explorer.
Open File Explorer, locate your 300 GB of files, and move or copy them into the corresponding OneDrive or SharePoint folders in the left navigation pane. The app will automatically begin uploading them to the cloud in the background.
To save local disk space, right-click the OneDrive cloud icon in your system tray, select Settings, and turn on 'Save space and download files as you use them'. This ensures the 300 GB of files remain in the cloud without consuming your local hard drive.
Edit Your Synced Files Seamlessly with WPS Office
While you use OneDrive or SharePoint to manage your massive file transfers, consider WPS Office as a free, lightweight alternative for viewing and editing your documents. It integrates seamlessly with local cloud directories, allowing you to work efficiently without heavy resource usage.
- 1. Install WPS Office: Download and install the free WPS Office suite on your computer.
- 2. Open synced files: Launch WPS Office, click 'Open', and navigate to your OneDrive or SharePoint folder in File Explorer to access your newly transferred files.
- 3. Save directly to the cloud: Any edits you save in WPS Office will automatically be picked up by the OneDrive sync app and updated in the cloud.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum file size I can upload to OneDrive or SharePoint?
Microsoft currently supports individual file uploads of up to 250 GB for both OneDrive and SharePoint. Your files that are larger than 10 GB will transfer without any size-limit issues.
Will syncing 300 GB of files fill up my computer's hard drive?
Not if you use the 'Files On-Demand' feature. When enabled, your files are uploaded to the cloud and stored as online-only placeholders on your local drive, freeing up your computer's storage space.
Can I pause the file transfer if it is slowing down my internet connection?
Yes. You can click the OneDrive cloud icon in your taskbar, click the gear icon for Help & Settings, and select 'Pause syncing' to temporarily halt the transfer. You can resume it later when you are away from the computer.
What happens if I delete a file from the OneDrive folder in File Explorer?
Because the folder is actively synchronized, deleting a file from your local File Explorer will also delete it from your cloud storage. The deleted file will be moved to the OneDrive or SharePoint recycle bin.
