SharePoint Document Issues

Why SharePoint Does Not Offer a Replace Option for Folders

Huma Ashraf Ch Oct 20, 2026 868 views

Question details

Users attempting to upload a folder with the same name as an existing folder in SharePoint find that there is no 'Replace' or 'Merge' option available.

Why SharePoint Does Not Offer a Replace Option for Folders

Product: SharePoint Online
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Uploading a folder to a SharePoint document library where a folder with the identical name already exists.
Observed behavior: SharePoint prompts with 'Keep All' and 'Keep Both' options but lacks the 'Replace' option that is typically available when uploading individual duplicate files.

Before you start

Before attempting to manually overwrite or delete existing SharePoint directories, ensure you have verified the contents of the target folder to prevent unintended data loss.

Solution 1Recommended

Manually Replace Files Within the Existing Folder

Since SharePoint cannot replace entire folders at once, you must open the existing folder and upload the new files directly into it to trigger the file-level 'Replace' option.

While SharePoint folders do not have a replace feature, individual files do. By navigating into the target folder and uploading your updated files there, SharePoint will recognize duplicate file names and allow you to overwrite them.

Open the Target Folder

Navigate to your SharePoint document library and click on the existing folder you wish to update to view its contents.

Upload Updated Files

Click the 'Upload' button from the top menu bar and select 'Files', or simply drag and drop the updated files from your local computer into the browser window.

Choose the Replace Option

When SharePoint detects identical file names, a prompt will appear. Select the 'Replace' option to overwrite the old files with the new versions.

Manually Replace Files Within the Existing Folder

Expected Behavior: The absence of a folder-level replace option is a designed limitation in SharePoint Online. You can submit feature requests regarding this through the Microsoft Feedback Portal.

Solution 2

Delete the Existing Folder Before Uploading

If you want to replace an entire folder without individually verifying and replacing files, deleting the old folder first is the most straightforward method.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does SharePoint offer a replace option for files but not folders?

SharePoint treats folders as structural containers rather than single entities. Merging or replacing entire containers involves complex permission, versioning, and metadata logic for all nested items. To prevent accidental mass data loss, SharePoint restricts folder conflicts to 'Keep All' or 'Keep Both'.

What happens if I choose 'Keep Both' when uploading a folder?

If you select 'Keep Both', SharePoint will upload your new folder and automatically append a number to its name (for example, 'MyFolder (1)'). Both the original folder and the newly uploaded folder will exist side-by-side in your document library.

Can the folder replace behavior be changed in SharePoint settings?

No, the lack of a folder replace or merge option is standard, expected behavior in SharePoint Online. There are currently no admin settings or toggles available to enable this functionality.

How can I suggest Microsoft add a Replace option for folders?

You can submit your feedback, voice your concerns, or vote on similar feature requests through the official Microsoft Feedback Portal under the SharePoint Community section.

Document & File Issues