SharePoint Document Issues

How to Upload Folders and Subfolders to a SharePoint Library

Phi Hung Vo Oct 1, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to copy entire folders and their nested subfolders from a local computer directly into a SharePoint document library while keeping the original files intact.

How to Upload Folders and Subfolders to a SharePoint Library

Product: Microsoft SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Migrating or uploading bulk project files organized in local directories to a cloud-based SharePoint document library for online team access.
Observed behavior: While individual files can be easily dragged and dropped into the browser interface, dragging entire folder structures does not consistently work or is unavailable depending on the method used.

Before you start

Verify that you have Edit or Contribute permissions in the target SharePoint document library, and ensure a stable internet connection if your folders contain large amounts of data.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the SharePoint Web Interface Upload Menu

The most direct way to upload a complete folder hierarchy is to use the native Upload feature located in the SharePoint document library command bar.

This method requires a modern web browser (like Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome) that supports folder uploading. It is ideal for moderately sized folders.

Navigate to the Document Library

Open your web browser, log in to your SharePoint site, and navigate to the specific Document Library where you want to store the folders.

Access the Upload Menu

Click the 'Upload' button located on the top command bar of the library interface.

Select the Folder Option

Choose 'Folder' from the drop-down list. A file explorer dialog will open.

Choose and Upload

Locate the folder on your local computer, click it once to select it, and then click 'Upload'. Confirm any browser prompts asking if you trust the site to upload all files within the folder.

Use the SharePoint Web Interface Upload Menu

Upload Complete: Once finished, your entire folder structure, including all subfolders and files, will mirror your local layout inside the SharePoint library.

Solution 2

Sync the SharePoint Library using OneDrive

For very large folders or thousands of files, syncing the SharePoint library to your local computer via OneDrive is much more reliable than browser uploads.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Will uploading folders to SharePoint delete them from my local computer?

No. When you upload or copy folders to a SharePoint library, you are simply creating a duplicate version in the cloud. Your original local files and folders remain untouched.

Is there a size limit when uploading folders to SharePoint?

Yes, SharePoint Online supports a maximum individual file size of 250 GB. However, if you are uploading a folder containing thousands of items via the web browser, it may time out or slow down. For massive uploads, using the OneDrive sync method is highly recommended.

Why isn't the 'Folder' option showing in the Upload menu?

If you do not see the 'Folder' option under the Upload menu, you may be using an outdated web browser or viewing the document library in 'Classic Experience' mode. Try switching to the modern experience or updating your browser.

Document & File Issues