File Sharing Problems

How to Upload Multiple Files to SharePoint or OneDrive at Once

Amos Gikunda Oct 21, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to know how to upload multiple files or entire folders to SharePoint or OneDrive simultaneously to save time.

How to Upload Multiple Files to SharePoint or OneDrive at Once

Product: SharePoint and OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Uploading a large number of pictures or documents to Microsoft cloud storage platforms without having to select them one by one.
Observed behavior: Dragging and dropping multiple files sometimes limits the upload to a single file in SharePoint, and the Android mobile app may restrict users to selecting only one file at a time.

Before you start

Verify that your device is connected to a stable, high-speed internet network, as unstable connections can easily interrupt bulk uploads. It is also helpful to group all the files you want to upload into a single local folder before starting.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the Native Upload Button in SharePoint

Bypass browser drag-and-drop limitations in SharePoint by utilizing the dedicated Upload menu to select multiple files or complete folders.

In certain SharePoint environments, the drag-and-drop feature may fail to recognize multiple files, uploading only the first selected item. The built-in Upload tool forces the system to accept batch selections reliably.

Open your document library

Navigate to the specific SharePoint site and open the document library where you want to store your files.

Click the Upload button

Locate and click the 'Upload' button on the top command bar.

Select multiple files or a folder

Choose 'Files' from the dropdown and hold down the Ctrl key (Windows) or Command key (Mac) to click and select multiple files. Alternatively, choose 'Folder' to upload an entire directory at once.

Use the Native Upload Button in SharePoint

Quick Tip: Uploading an entire folder retains your local folder structure, making file organization in SharePoint much easier.

Solution 2

Sync Multiple Files via the OneDrive Desktop App

Use the OneDrive desktop application to drag and drop bulk files locally, letting the application handle the background upload process.

Solution 3

Workaround for Android Mobile App Limitations

Overcome the single-file selection limit in the OneDrive Android app by zipping files or using a desktop computer.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does SharePoint only upload one file when I drag and drop?

This usually happens due to browser incompatibility or specific site configurations that restrict drag-and-drop parameters. To bypass this, always click the 'Upload' button on the menu bar and select 'Files' or 'Folder' to handle multiple items simultaneously.

Can I upload a folder with subfolders to OneDrive?

Yes, both the OneDrive web interface and the desktop client support full folder hierarchy uploads. Click Upload > Folder on the web, or drag the parent folder directly into your local OneDrive sync directory, and all nested subfolders will be included automatically.

What should I do if my multiple file upload gets stuck halfway?

Uploads typically get stuck due to an unstable internet connection or a single corrupted file in the batch. Check your Wi-Fi or ethernet connection, refresh the page, and try uploading the remaining files in smaller batches to isolate any problematic files.

Does the OneDrive iOS app have the same single-file limit as Android?

Generally, the iOS app allows multiple photo and file selections by tapping the checkmarks next to the items. However, interface behaviors can vary based on app updates and iOS versions. If limited, utilizing the desktop client is the most reliable workaround.

Document & File Issues