OneDrive File Issues

OneDrive for Business File Size Limit: 2 GB or 250 GB?

Steve K Oct 10, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to know the correct maximum file size limit for uploading individual files to OneDrive for Business, as there is conflicting information regarding a 2 GB versus a 250 GB limit.

OneDrive for Business File Size Limit: Is it 2 GB or 250 GB?

Product: OneDrive for Business
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Uploading large individual files to a OneDrive for Business or SharePoint Online repository.
Observed behavior: The user needs to confirm the current individual file upload limit to ensure large files can be uploaded and synchronized without service errors.

Before you start

Ensure you have a stable internet connection and sufficient available storage space in your OneDrive account before attempting to upload massive files.

Solution 1Recommended

Upload Files Up to 250 GB in OneDrive

Use the updated Microsoft limits to upload individual files up to 250 GB via the web browser or desktop client.

The 2 GB file size limit is an outdated restriction from older versions of OneDrive and SharePoint synchronization. Microsoft has significantly upgraded its cloud infrastructure, and the current maximum size for a single file upload to OneDrive for Business and SharePoint Online is 250 GB.

Access your OneDrive account

Open your preferred web browser, navigate to the Office portal, and log into your OneDrive for Business account.

Initiate the upload

Click on the 'Upload' button located in the top menu bar of your file directory, then select 'Files' from the dropdown menu.

Select your large file

Browse your local computer to select the large file you wish to upload (ensure it is under the 250 GB limit) and click 'Open'.

Wait for completion

Keep your browser tab open and prevent your computer from entering sleep mode until the upload progress bar reaches 100%.

Use Desktop App for Extremely Large Files: For files larger than 10 GB, it is highly recommended to use the OneDrive desktop synchronization application instead of the web browser. The desktop app provides better stability and can resume uploads if your network drops.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why did OneDrive previously have a 2 GB file size limit?

Historically, OneDrive and SharePoint relied on older synchronization engines and SQL database structures that hard-capped individual file uploads at 2 GB. Microsoft has since modernized its backend infrastructure to remove this bottleneck.

Does the 250 GB file size limit apply to personal OneDrive accounts?

Yes, Microsoft expanded the 250 GB individual file upload limit to apply to both personal OneDrive accounts and OneDrive for Business, provided your overall account tier has enough total capacity.

What should I do if my large file upload to OneDrive keeps failing?

If a large upload fails via the web browser, try using the OneDrive desktop sync client instead, as it supports resumable uploads. Additionally, ensure your computer's hard drive has enough temporary cache space and your network connection is stable.

Can I upload a 250 GB file if my total OneDrive plan is only 1 TB?

Yes, you can upload a single 250 GB file as long as you currently have at least 250 GB of unused, available storage space remaining within your 1 TB quota.

Document & File Issues