Can't copy-paste files and folders in OneDrive

If you cannot copy-paste files and folders in OneDrive, this article will be handy for you. Whether you are unable to copy files and folders to OneDrive from local storage or vice versa, you can follow these troubleshooting solutions to get it fixed.

Can’t copy-paste files and folders in OneDrive

If you can’t copy-paste files and folders in OneDrive, follow these solutions:

Available storage space
Syncing is paused
Verify file name and size
Verify internet connection
Disable upload on metered connection
Check keyboard shortcut
Check connection for other cloud storage

To learn more about these solutions, continue reading.

1] Available storage space

It is the first thing you should check, as storing files or folders requires available storage space on your hard disk. The same thing needs to be checked when you are copying files or folders to OneDrive from local storage. In case you don’t know how to check the amount of free storage space on OneDrive, you can log into your account on the website and keep an eye on the bottom-left corner.

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Similarly, if you want to check this from the OneDrive desktop app, it is recommended to open the Settings panel.

2] Syncing is paused

You can copy and paste files or folders only when synchronization is turned on. Having said that, if the synchronization is turned OFF for some reason, you cannot copy-paste files. To verify the sync settings, right-click on the OneDrive icon in the system tray and click on the Resume syncing option.

3] Verify file name and size

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There are some restrictions on the file name. In other words, if your file or folder is named after .lock, CON, PRN, AUX, NUL, COM0 – COM9, etc., you cannot upload or copy it to OneDrive. On the other hand, OneDrive can handle up to a 250GB file size. If your file is bigger than the maximum limit, you cannot copy-paste it.

4] Verify internet connection

Having a valid internet connection is equally important, as OneDrive is a cloud storage solution that requires an internet connection to copy and paste files to or from it. In case there are some doubts, you can check the ping status or change the internet source as well.

To check the ping status, press Win+R to open the Run prompt and enter this command:

ping 8.8.8.8 -t

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If you get continuous results, there are some problems. However, if you find an error message saying Request timed out or Destination host unreachable, you need to check your internet connection.

5] Disable upload on metered connection

Although the default setting doesn’t block, OneDrive may disable file uploading on metered connections at times. That is why it is suggested to verify this setting using these steps:

Right-click on the OneDrive icon in the system tray.
Click on the Settings option.
Ensure that you are in the Syns and backup tab.
Toggle the Pause syncing when this device is on a metered network to turn it OFF.

It is also suggested to check whether the Pause syncing when this device is in battery saver mode is turned OFF or not. This setting is mainly available on laptop computers.

6] Check keyboard shortcut

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If you want to copy-paste files from the OneDrive app to your local storage, you can use the Ctrl + C and Ctrl + V keyboard shortcuts. However, if these shortcuts are not working, there is a high chance that these shortcuts are being used to execute different commands.

For your information, many tools can remap your shortcuts. If you use one of them, it is suggested to check that program.

7] Check connection for other cloud storage

If you want to copy-paste files from a different cloud storage to or from OneDrive, you should verify the credentials again. At times, such a connection could be lost in the process. That is why we would suggest you check the connections and credentials again.

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Read: OneDrive shared folders not showing in File Explorer

How do I copy files and folders to OneDrive?

To copy files and folders to OneDrive from local storage, you need to sign into your OneDrive account on the website first. Then, click the plus(+) sign and choose the File upload or Folder upload option. Next, choose the file or folder you want to copy.