SharePoint Online Bulk Upload Limits for Files and Folders Explained
Question details
The user needs to understand the limitations and restrictions when bulk uploading thousands of documents from a shared drive to a SharePoint Online library.
- Product
- SharePoint Online
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Migrating a large number of files and folders from a shared network drive to a cloud-based SharePoint library.
- Observed behavior
- Seeking clarification on file counts, total size limits, and the functional differences between uploading, moving, and copying files in bulk.
Before beginning a massive file migration, verify that your target SharePoint Online site has sufficient storage quota available and ensure your device has a stable, high-speed internet connection.
Understanding SharePoint Upload Methods and Limitations
Use the standard upload features while adhering to Microsoft's recommended file size and item count limits for optimal performance.
Microsoft imposes specific limitations on SharePoint and OneDrive to maintain server health and optimal performance. For manual browser uploads, both the drag-and-drop action and the 'Upload' button utilize the identical underlying process, meaning neither method offers a distinct bulk-upload limit advantage.
While individual file sizes can be quite large, attempting to upload hundreds of thousands of files simultaneously via a web browser can lead to timeouts or memory crashes. It is crucial to batch your uploads or use dedicated tools.
Ensure no individual file exceeds the 250 GB file size limit established for SharePoint Online and OneDrive.
When copying or moving files in a single operation, keep the batch under 100 GB total and limit the item count to no more than 30,000 files to prevent browser timeouts.
Navigate to your SharePoint Document Library. Either click the 'Upload' button in the command bar to select your files/folders, or directly drag and drop the batch from File Explorer into the browser window.
Looking for a Lightweight Alternative for Document Management?
If navigating complex SharePoint upload limits and cloud synchronization issues is slowing down your workflow, WPS Office provides a free, lightweight, and high-performance alternative for managing your documents.
- 1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS Office website to download and install the free suite on your device.
- 2. Open Your Files: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing Microsoft Office documents without conversion.
- 3. Save and Sync: Edit your files and choose to save them locally or connect to your preferred cloud service for easy backup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a difference between the 'Upload' button and dragging files into SharePoint?
No. Both the drag-and-drop action and the 'Upload' button in the SharePoint document library use the exact same upload process and are subject to the same bulk-upload limits.
What is the maximum file size I can upload to SharePoint Online?
Currently, Microsoft allows you to upload individual files up to 250 GB in size to a SharePoint Online or OneDrive library.
Can I move or copy thousands of files at once within SharePoint?
Yes, but for optimal performance and to prevent browser timeouts, Microsoft recommends moving or copying no more than 100 GB or 30,000 files in a single operation.
What is the best way to upload an entire shared drive to SharePoint?
For massive migrations involving thousands of files and complex folder structures, you should use the free SharePoint Migration Tool (SPMT) provided by Microsoft, which is designed to handle bulk uploads efficiently.
