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Transferring Files for Device Return

Download Files from OneDrive or SharePoint

You can download files and folders from Microsoft OneDrive or SharePoint to your computer in just a few steps.

Tip:
If you frequently access shared folders, consider adding and syncing them to your OneDrive.

Select Files or Folders

  • Go to your OneDrive or SharePoint website
  • Select the files or folders you want to download

To select items:

  • Click the circle checkbox next to each file or folder
  • To select multiple files:
    • Select the first file
    • Hold the Shift key
    • Select the last file in the list
  • To select all files:
    • Click the checkbox in the header row
    • Or press Ctrl + A on your keyboard

Note:
To download an entire folder, make sure you select the folder itself—not just the files inside it.

Download Files or Folders

  • Select Download from the top menu
    • Or right-click the file or folder and choose Download

After selecting Download:

  • Choose Save or Save As if prompted
  • Select where you want to store the file on your computer
  • Some browsers automatically save to your Downloads folder

Important Notes

  • The Download option only appears after selecting files or folders
  • If the Download button disappears, refresh the page or reopen the folder
  • Downloading multiple files or folders creates a .zip file
  • If no files are selected, downloading will include all contents of the folder

Storage Tips

  • To free up space in OneDrive:
    • Download files to your personal computer
    • Then delete them from OneDrive

Limitations

  • Files cannot be downloaded directly from the Shared view
    • Open the file and save a copy instead
  • OneNote notebooks cannot be downloaded
  • Some versions of SharePoint do not support downloading multiple files
  • Internet Explorer is not supported for downloading multiple files or folders
    • Use Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome

Download Limits:

  • Maximum file size: 10 GB
  • Maximum .zip file size: 20 GB
  • Maximum number of files: 10,000
  • Maximum folder size: 200 files

File Name Restrictions:

  • Files or folders with a # (hashtag) in the name cannot be included in .zip downloads

Use Files Offline (Mobile Devices)

You can make files available offline using the OneDrive mobile app.

Steps:

  • Open the OneDrive app on your device
  • Select the file (tap and hold to select)
  • Tap Keep Offline

Note:

  • Folders and OneNote notebooks cannot be made available offline

If you select multiple files or folders and then select Download, your browser will start downloading a .zip file containing all the files and folders you selected. If you're in a folder and you select Download without selecting any files or folders, your browser will begin downloading all contents of the folder.

Notes: 

  • You can't download files directly from the Shared view. You will need to open the file and save a copy in the location of your choice.

  • You can't download OneNote notebooks. If you download a folder that contains a OneNote notebook, the .zip file will contain an error message in the form of a .txt file.

  • The option to download multiple files is not yet available in on-premises SharePoint Server (when your organization doesn't subscribe to an Microsoft 365 business plan).

  • The Download button may sometimes disappear if you refresh the web page while looking at a folder. To work around this, you can go up one level in the folder directory and come back, or close that tab in your browser and navigate to the folder again.

  • In OneDrive for work or school, you can't use Internet Explorer to download folders or multiple files. You can use Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome to download folders or multiple files.

  • Downloads are subject to the following limits: individual file size limit: 10GB; total zip file size limit: 20GB; total number of files limit: 10,000; folder size limit: 200 files.

  • Files or folders containing a hashtag (#) in the file or folder name can't be added to .zip files. 

Make files available offline in a OneDrive mobile app

On a mobile device, you can make files available offline, which is similar to downloading files. From the OneDrive app in iOS, Android, or Windows 10 phone, look for the Offline icon ( for Android or iOS, or for Windows mobile devices).

  1. In the OneDrive app, select the files you want to take offline (press and hold a file to select it).

  2. Select Keep offline.

Note: The OneDrive app doesn't let you make folders or OneNote notebooks available offline.