SharePoint provides unrivaled benefits to any organization that uses it. It is arguably one of the best document management and collaboration systems ever created. It allows teams to exchange information easily, safely, and work seamlessly as a result. Microsoft constantly maintains and updates the platform to accommodate the emerging needs of all kinds of organizations. That explains why it has over 200 million users.
Over 250,000 organizations use SharePoint. What's more impressive is that over 80% of Fortune 500 companies use it. However, a few years ago, some aspects of SharePoint were somewhat rigid. For instance, downloading SharePoint files in bulk was a tedious and time-consuming activity; however, the process is now much easier. In this guide, you will learn several methods to help you download SharePoint files in bulk.
Are You Struggling to Download Large Files from SharePoint?
If you are struggling to download large files from SharePoint, you are not alone. At first, when attempting this download, you are likely to receive the following error;
“Error 0x800700DF: The file size exceeds the limit allowed and cannot be saved.”
Usually, trying to download a file that is greater than 50 MB in size results in this error. Sometimes you just have to change the value of the limiting key.
The key is found in this unique registry;
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServicesWebClientParametersFileSizeLimitinBytes
Its default setting is limited to 50 MB. So, how can you change this?
Hit the “Windows” key together with “R” on your Windows PC. Follow this by typing ‘Regedit’ in the dialog box that appears. Find the FileSizeLimitinBytes registry key by drilling down in the Regedit application. Modify the value to a larger number. Then select ‘Decimal’ on the two options provided in the box.
Once that is done, quit Regedit and restart your PC. This will permit you to download SharePoint bulk files. However, there are easier options to download SharePoint files in bulk. If you want more insightful information on how to download SharePoint files in bulk, you can find it here.
Download Multiple Files as a Zip Archive
Start by opening the SharePoint online document library. Proceed to select the documents you would like to download. Go to the command bar and hit the download button. An option to download your files as ZIP will pop up. And within a short time, it will download all the files. Unzip the downloaded file to access all your bulk files.
Use Open with Explorer to Download Bulk Files on SharePoint
This download option is only applicable if you are using Classic SharePoint. Open your SharePoint document library tab. Click on “open with explorer”. It will quickly open the library in your file explorer. Proceed to copy all the documents. Opening with the explorer option means that you can bypass the Zip method to download bulk files.
All of the methods we have listed in this post have their strengths or weaknesses. For instance, one particular approach could feel too difficult for you. On the other hand, other users may feel that it is straightforward. You probably end up feeling most comfortable with one particular approach. Try to use all the techniques we have listed in this piece and settle for the one that works best for you. Once you get the hang of it, you will get used to it and it will be second nature.