Microsoft documents four ways to move files from a PC to a personal OneDrive. They are browser upload, File Explorer drag and drop, Save a Copy in Office apps and the synced OneDrive folder. Edge and Chrome upload entire folders. Other browsers upload files only. Microsoft states no file size limit on that page.
You need your files in the cloud before a PC swap, a repair or a Windows reinstall. OneDrive takes them in a few clicks. Your browser and the OneDrive sync app decide the right method.
Facts follow the Microsoft Support page Upload and save files and folders to OneDrive. Scope is OneDrive for home and personal accounts. Work and school accounts use a separate Microsoft guide.
How to Upload Files in a Browser?
- Sign in at office.com with your Microsoft account.
- Select the app launcher and then select OneDrive.
- Select Add new.
- In Edge or Chrome choose Files upload or Folder upload. Select the files or the folder and then select Open or Select Folder.
- In other browsers select Upload, choose the files and select Open.
Folder upload exists only in Edge and Chrome. Other browsers need a new folder in OneDrive first. Upload the files into that folder.
How to Drag and Drop Files From File Explorer?
Install the sync app first. Select the files in File Explorer and drag them to OneDrive in the Navigation pane. Microsoft gives drag and drop steps only for the sync app.
How to Save an Office File Straight to OneDrive?
- Select File, Save a Copy and OneDrive - Personal.
- Enter a file name. Select Browse to choose another folder.
- Select Save.
This method needs Microsoft 365, Office 2019 or Office 2016. When OneDrive - Personal is missing from the list select Add a Place and sign in. Saved files appear in the Recent list on the Home tab.
How to Copy Files to the Synced OneDrive Folder?
On Windows 10 and Windows 11 open File Explorer and select OneDrive - Personal. Files that you place there upload to your account. Microsoft links separate guides for setting up sync on Windows and Mac.
| Method | Folders | Needs |
|---|---|---|
| Browser upload | Edge and Chrome only | Microsoft account |
| Drag and drop | Yes | OneDrive sync app |
| Save a Copy | No, one file at a time | Microsoft 365, Office 2019 or Office 2016 |
| Synced folder | Yes | Windows 10 or 11 with sync set up |
What does Microsoft Not Say?
Microsoft states no file size limit on that page. It names no free storage amount either. Older posts quote 5 GB as the free amount. That number appears nowhere on the Microsoft page. It also gives no steps for the Windows folder backup feature.
Related reading: what is cloud storage and how it works and the SharePoint Online migration checklist.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do You Transfer Files From a PC to OneDrive?
Upload in a browser at office.com, drag files to OneDrive in File Explorer or copy them into the synced OneDrive folder. Microsoft documents all three.
Can You Upload a Folder to OneDrive?
Yes in Edge and Chrome. Other browsers upload files only.
Is There a File Size Limit?
Microsoft does not state one on the upload page.
Does Drag and Drop Need the Sync App?
Yes. Microsoft gives drag and drop steps only for the sync app.
Is This Guide for Work Accounts?
No. Microsoft limits that page to personal accounts and links a separate guide for work or school.
Key Takeaways
- Microsoft documents browser upload, drag and drop, Save a Copy and the synced folder.
- Folder upload needs Edge or Chrome.
- Drag and drop needs the sync app.
- Save a Copy works from Microsoft 365, Office 2019 and Office 2016.
- Microsoft states no size limit on the upload page.
Sources and References
Facts follow Microsoft Support.
- Upload and save files and folders to OneDrive (Microsoft Support) support.microsoft.com