Issues
- Some files or folders will not upload to OneDrive.
- A file will not sync with the OneDrive sync client.
- A file or folder does not show a green check mark in the OneDrive folder.
- OneDrive reports an error when syncing certain files from my Mac.
- Why won't OneDrive upload a file with a certain name?
- Why are some of my files stuck and not syncing to OneDrive?
- Which characters are not allowed in OneDrive file or folder names?
Environment
This article applies to Bowdoin students, faculty, and staff using OneDrive on macOS or Windows 11. Some files or folders cannot be uploaded to OneDrive through the web or synced using the OneDrive sync client. Restrictions can affect both macOS and Windows, but some are more common on macOS.
Resolution
A full list of restrictions and limitations is available in Microsoft's knowledge base; see the Additional Resources section. On macOS, two issues are the most common: an unsupported file or folder name and a file or folder path that is too long.
File or folder name
macOS has traditionally allowed many characters in file names that Windows cannot use. Because OneDrive is a Microsoft product built on Microsoft technology, the same rules that limit file names on Windows also apply to OneDrive. Any file name that contains any of the following characters will not sync and cannot be uploaded:
< > : " | ? * / \
Rename the file or folder to remove these characters, then try to upload or sync it again.
File or folder path length
In addition to special characters, Windows has traditionally limited the length of a file path. The path is the location on the hard drive where the file exists. Windows limits most applications to 260 characters, OneDrive supports up to 400 characters in most cases, and macOS can support 1024 characters or more. Although unlikely, the length of a path inside the OneDrive folder can be long enough to cause a sync or upload problem. If a file at the end of a deep folder structure will not sync, shorten the folder names or move the file higher in the folder structure to reduce the total path length.
Additional Help
If you need further assistance, you have several options:
- Bowdoin Bot: Chat with Bowdoin Bot directly from any KB page for instant answers.
- Phone: Call the Bowdoin College Service Desk at (207) 725-3030.
- In person: Visit the Tech Hub in Smith Union during business hours.
- Submit a ticket: Request assistance through the Service Catalog.
Additional Resources