When you try to upload a file to SharePoint or OneDrive, you might see the error message: “Upload failed because the file is too large.” This error stops the upload completely and prevents you from saving the file. The root cause is that the file exceeds the maximum file size limit set by SharePoint, OneDrive, or the browser itself. This article explains the exact size limits, the technical reason for the failure, and the step-by-step fixes you can apply.
Key Takeaways: Fixing the “File Too Large” Upload Error
- SharePoint default file size limit (250 GB): The maximum file size per file in SharePoint Online is 250 GB, but network and browser limits often block files above 2 GB.
- Use the OneDrive sync app for files over 2 GB: The sync app can handle large files that the browser uploader cannot process.
- Compress or split large files before upload: Reduce file size using compression tools or split the file into smaller parts to stay within limits.
Why SharePoint and OneDrive Block Large Files
SharePoint Online and OneDrive for Business have a maximum file size limit of 250 GB per file. However, this limit applies only when the upload is done through supported methods such as the OneDrive sync app or SharePoint migration tools. When you upload through a web browser, the actual limit is much lower because of browser memory constraints and network timeout settings.
The browser uploader in Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox typically fails when a file exceeds 2 GB to 10 GB, depending on the browser version and available system memory. The root cause is that the browser must read the entire file into memory before sending it. Large files cause the browser tab to crash or the upload to time out after 30 minutes.
Other factors that trigger the error include:
- Network interruptions or slow internet connections that cause the upload to exceed the 30-minute timeout
- Corporate proxy servers that block large HTTP requests
- File name or path length exceeding 400 characters in SharePoint
- File type restrictions set by SharePoint admin policies
SharePoint and OneDrive File Size Limits by Method
The table below shows the effective file size limit for each upload method. Understanding these limits helps you choose the correct method for your file size.
| Upload Method | Maximum File Size | Key Limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Browser upload (SharePoint / OneDrive web) | 2 GB to 10 GB | Browser memory and 30-minute timeout |
| OneDrive sync app | 250 GB | Requires client software installation |
| SharePoint Migration Tool (SPMT) | 250 GB | Requires admin permissions and tool download |
| PowerShell or REST API | 250 GB | Requires developer skills and authentication |
Steps to Fix the “File Too Large” Upload Error
Choose the method that matches your file size and your environment. The steps below cover the most reliable fixes.
Method 1: Use the OneDrive Sync App for Files Over 2 GB
- Install the OneDrive sync app
Download and install the OneDrive sync app from aka.ms/downloadonedrive. Sign in with your work or school account that has access to the SharePoint site. - Sync the SharePoint document library
Open the SharePoint site in your browser. Navigate to the document library. Click the Sync button in the command bar. A prompt will ask you to open the OneDrive sync app. Confirm to start syncing. - Copy the large file into the synced folder
Open File Explorer and go to the synced folder under your OneDrive – YourOrganization. Drag the large file into that folder. The sync app will upload the file in chunks, avoiding browser memory limits. - Wait for the sync to complete
Monitor the sync status in the OneDrive icon in the system tray. The upload may take hours for very large files. Do not close the sync app or put the computer to sleep during upload.
Method 2: Compress or Split the File
- Compress the file using a ZIP tool
Right-click the file in File Explorer and select Compress to ZIP file. If the compressed file is still over 2 GB, use a tool like 7-Zip to split the archive into multiple parts. - Split the file into smaller parts
With 7-Zip, right-click the file and select 7-Zip > Add to archive. Under Split to volumes, enter a size such as 1000M for 1 GB parts. Click OK. The tool creates multiple .7z.001, .7z.002 files. - Upload each part separately
Upload each part file to SharePoint or OneDrive using the browser uploader. The recipient can download all parts and use 7-Zip to extract the original file.
Method 3: Increase the Browser or Network Timeout
- Disable network proxy for SharePoint
If your organization uses a proxy server, ask your IT admin to exclude SharePoint and OneDrive URLs from the proxy. The URLs are sharepoint.com and onedrive.com and all subdomains. - Use a wired internet connection
Switch from Wi-Fi to a wired Ethernet connection to reduce packet loss and improve upload speed. - Upload during off-peak hours
Run the upload when network traffic is low, such as early morning or late evening. This reduces the chance of timeout.
Method 4: Use the SharePoint Migration Tool (SPMT) for Bulk Uploads
- Download and install SPMT
Go to the Microsoft 365 admin center and search for SharePoint Migration Tool. Download and install the tool on your computer. - Create a new migration job
Open SPMT and select Start your first migration. Choose File share as the source type. Browse to the folder containing the large file. - Set the destination to SharePoint
Enter the SharePoint site URL and the document library name. Click Next and then Migrate. SPMT handles files up to 250 GB and retries on failure.
If the Upload Still Fails After the Main Fix
SharePoint File Size Limit Is 250 GB, but Upload Still Fails at 10 GB
If you use the OneDrive sync app and the upload fails for a file between 10 GB and 250 GB, the cause is usually a file system limitation. The sync app requires NTFS file system. If the file resides on a FAT32 drive, the maximum file size is 4 GB. Move the file to an NTFS drive before syncing.
File Name or Path Exceeds 400 Characters
SharePoint limits the total character count of the file path, including the site URL and folder path, to 400 characters. Rename the file to a shorter name or move it to a shallower folder structure. For example, change “Quarterly_Financial_Report_2024_Final_Version_With_Appendices.xlsx” to “Q4_Finance.xlsx”.
File Type Is Blocked by SharePoint Admin Policy
Your SharePoint admin may have blocked certain file extensions such as .exe, .iso, or .zip. Check the blocked file types list in the SharePoint admin center. Go to SharePoint admin center > Policies > Access control > Blocked file types. If your file type is blocked, rename the extension temporarily to .txt for upload, then rename it back after download.
Browser Upload vs OneDrive Sync App: Key Differences
| Item | Browser Upload | OneDrive Sync App |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum file size | 2–10 GB | 250 GB |
| File system requirement | Any (FAT32, NTFS) | NTFS only |
| Upload reliability | Low – fails on timeout or memory | High – chunked upload with retry |
| Network timeout handling | 30-minute timeout, no resume | Resumes upload after interruption |
| Installation required | None | Yes – sync app must be installed |
Now you can fix the “Upload failed because the file is too large” error by choosing the correct upload method for your file size. For files over 2 GB, install the OneDrive sync app and sync the document library to your computer. For files under 2 GB, compress the file or split it into smaller parts before uploading through the browser. To prevent future failures, set a reminder to check your file size before starting the upload and use the sync app for any file larger than 1 GB.