SharePoint File Size Upload Limit

Preface

SharePoint is an effective sharing system for people to keep, divide and transmit data. In spite of its importance to users, one of the barriers they have to overcome is the inability to upload heavier files. It becomes frustrating, more so when it comes to videos, images among other files with larger sizes. The following guide will address these issues by teaching default limits, factors that control them and how to get over the same.

Understanding SharePoint File Size Limits

The default file size limit in SharePoint can vary depending on several factors. Let's delve into the specifics:

• What is the Default File Size Limit? The standard default file size limit in SharePoint Online is 100 MB. However, this can be subject to change. For SharePoint On-Premise, the limit is typically determined by the underlying hardware and software configuration.
• Factors Affecting File Size Limits Several factors can influence the file size limit in SharePoint:
  • SharePoint Online vs. On-Premise: SharePoint Online generally has a more consistent limit, while On-Premise environments may have variations based on hardware and software settings.
  • Storage Account Type: The type of storage account used (e.g., standard, premium) can impact the file size limit.
  • Site Collection Settings: Administrators can adjust the file size limit at the site collection level.

Overcoming SharePoint File Size Limitations

If you're frequently dealing with files larger than the default limit, there are several strategies you can employ:

• Increasing the Default Limit
  • Using PowerShell: Administrators can use PowerShell cmdlets to increase the default file size limit for a specific site collection.
  • Modifying Site Collection Settings: In some cases, you might be able to adjust the limit by modifying site collection settings.
• Compressing Large Files Compressing files can significantly reduce their size, making it easier to upload them to SharePoint. Popular compression formats include ZIP, RAR, and 7Z.
• Utilizing External Storage If you have extremely large files, consider storing them in external storage solutions like OneDrive or Google Drive. You can then link to these files from your SharePoint documents.
• Chunking Large Files Some applications allow you to break large files into smaller chunks, making them easier to upload to SharePoint.

Best Practices for Managing File Sizes

To avoid file size issues in the future, follow these best practices:

• Optimize File Formats Choose file formats that are optimized for size and quality. For example, use JPEG or PNG for images instead of TIFF.
• Delete Unnecessary Files Regularly delete old or unused files to free up storage space.
• Use Versioning Wisely Keep track of file versions to avoid storing multiple copies of the same file.
• Consider Cloud Storage Alternatives For very large files or specific use cases, explore cloud-based storage solutions that are designed to handle large data sets.

Troubleshooting File Size Issues

If you're encountering file size errors, here are some common issues and solutions:

• Common Errors and Solutions
  • Error: "File is too large."
    • Solution: Reduce file size, compress, or use external storage.
  • Error: "Upload failed."
    • Solution: Check network connection, file permissions, or SharePoint server status.
• When to Contact Support If you've tried the above solutions and are still experiencing issues, contact your SharePoint administrator or support team for further assistance.

Conclusion

To effectively collaborate, an individual needs to know and control the size limits of SharePoint files. One can overcome such constraints, streamline their work and achieve comfortable usage of the service if they abide by the measures indicated herein.