Cannot download entire folders from OneDrive

Rolando Z 60 Reputation points
2026-11-03T15:26:21.7666667+00:00

My issue is when a I try to download a file from OneDrive website, it takes to dam long to download it and it does not do it complete. 50% at most and show dozens of errors in a separated text document.

Microsoft 365 and Office | OneDrive | For home | Windows
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Craig Long 19,025 Reputation points
2026-11-03T22:33:03.8366667+00:00

The best way to download files is to open them from OneDrive in File Explorer. OneDrive is located at C:\Users\username\OneDrive.

If you see the file with a blue cloud icon, you need to download it first like this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UzIA9uykIhE&t=43s

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Manoel Barros 23,275 Reputation points Independent Advisor
2026-11-03T16:09:53.8833333+00:00

Hi!

Download errors can occur for various reasons. To help me better isolate the issue, please answer the following questions:

  1. Does the problem occur with any folder in OneDrive? This is important to know, because if the issue only happens with one specific folder, the cause could be its size or even a particular file contained within it.
  • Try creating a new folder, adding a few files to it, and then attempting to download that folder. This will help determine whether the issue affects any folder, regardless of its size or the number of files it contains.
  1. Have you tried using a different browser? Browser extensions—or the browser itself—can sometimes restrict downloads, so I recommend testing this in another browser, such as Edge or Firefox.
  2. To check if the issue is related to your internet connection, try downloading a folder using the OneDrive mobile app. Please use the same Wi-Fi or internet connection as the one you use on your computer:

DISCLAIMER: These sites are not Microsoft websites, but they provide accurate and safe information. Be aware of ads that may advertise products frequently classified as PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Products). Please research any product advertised on the site before deciding to download and install it.

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AI answer

2026-11-03T15:27:05.3+00:00

Download the folder through the OneDrive desktop sync app and select Always keep on this device, which avoids the browser-created ZIP that is stopping partway through.

Download the folder through File Explorer

  1. Select the OneDrive cloud icon in the Windows notification area and confirm that the correct personal account is signed in.
  2. Open File Explorer → OneDrive.
  3. If the folder is not shown:
    • Select the OneDrive cloud icon → Help & Settings → Settings.
    • Open Account → Choose folders.
    • Select the required folder, and then select OK.^1^
  4. In File Explorer, right-click the folder and select Always keep on this device.
  5. Leave OneDrive running until the folder displays a solid green circle with a white check mark. That status means the files are stored locally and available offline.^2^
  6. Copy the completed folder to a location outside the OneDrive folder if you want an independent local copy.

Ensure the PC has enough free disk space for the complete folder before starting. If only certain folders are needed, selecting them under Choose folders avoids downloading the rest of OneDrive.

Interpret the text error report

When OneDrive downloads a folder from the website, it generates a ZIP archive. The accompanying text file normally identifies items that were not included. Check it for these cases:

  • OneNote notebooks: OneDrive cannot include a OneNote notebook in a folder download. The ZIP instead contains an error message in a .txt file. Access or export that notebook through OneNote separately.^3^
  • More than 10,000 files: Website folder downloads are limited to 10,000 files. Divide the folder into smaller groups, or use desktop sync.^3^
  • Oversized generated ZIP: The autogenerated ZIP download has a 20-GB limit. Split the selection into smaller folders if desktop sync cannot be used.^4^
  • Problematic names or paths: OneDrive has restrictions on invalid names and file/path lengths. Rename the exact items listed in the report, shorten deeply nested paths, and retry only those items.^5^

If desktop synchronization also fails

Open the OneDrive cloud-icon panel and inspect the reported sync problem. Resolve only the named files first. If no useful error appears, use Microsoft’s OneDrive sync troubleshooting page; for a personal account, its Contact Microsoft Support option is the escalation path.^6^

Do not delete the online folder until the local copy has finished and several downloaded files have been opened successfully.

References

  1. Choose which OneDrive folders you want to sync on Windows or macOS
  2. Save disk space with OneDrive Files On-Demand for Windows
  3. Download files and folders from OneDrive or SharePoint | Microsoft Support
  4. SharePoint limits
  5. Restrictions and limitations in OneDrive and SharePoint | Microsoft Support
  6. [Personal accounts](https://support.microsoft.com/onedrive/fix-onedrive-sync-problems)
AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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