How to Upload Files and Folders in SharePoint Online

Welcome to our next SharePoint class.

Today, I will show you how to upload files and folders in SharePoint Online. If your organization uses SharePoint document libraries for document management, knowing how to upload files correctly is one of the first skills you should learn.

Many new users can create sites and libraries but become confused when uploading multiple files or complete folders. The good news is that SharePoint makes this process very simple.

In this class, I will guide you through the complete process of uploading files and folders into a SharePoint document library. We will also look at a few useful tips that can help you organize documents more efficiently.

If your team regularly uploads large volumes of files and folders, working with a SharePoint Services Provider can help you design document libraries, folder structures, and permission models that keep content organized and easy to manage as your business grows.

Before We Start

Before following this class, make sure you have:

• Access to a SharePoint site
• Permission to upload documents
• Access to a document library
• Files or folders available on your computer

Now let's start.

Step By Step Guide to Upload Files and Folders in SharePoint

Watch the complete class below and follow each step with me inside your own SharePoint environment.

Quick Upload Summary

Step 1 Open SharePoint Site

First, open your SharePoint environment.

• After opening SharePoint:
• Navigate to your site homepage
• Review available document libraries
• Confirm you have upload permissions

This is your starting point for managing documents.

Step 2 Open Document Library

From the SharePoint landing page:

• Scroll to the required library
• Select the document library
• Click See All if necessary
• Open the folder where documents will be stored

In our example, we opened the Administration folder.

Step 3 Select the Destination Folder

Before uploading anything:

• Open the correct folder
• Verify the folder location
• Confirm documents belong in that folder

This helps maintain proper document organization.

Step 4 Click Upload

Inside the document library:

Click Upload

You will normally see options such as:

• Files
• Folder
• Templates

Choose the option that matches what you want to upload.

Step 5 Upload Files

To upload individual documents:

Click Upload

• Select Files
• Browse your computer
• Choose the required document
• Click Open

After upload, SharePoint displays a confirmation message. The file becomes available immediately and you team members can access it based on permissions

Step 6 Upload Folders

Now let's upload an entire folder.

Select:

• Upload
• Folder

Then:

• Browse your computer
• Select the folder
• Click Upload

SharePoint will automatically:

• Create the folder
• Upload all files inside it
• Maintain the folder structure

For example, if your folder contains 45 files, SharePoint will upload them together without requiring individual uploads.

Step 7 Verify Successful Upload

After the upload finishes:

• Review the document library
• Confirm files appear correctly
• Open a file if necessary
• Verify folder structure

Always perform a quick review before leaving the library.

Step 8 Notify Team Members

Once documents are uploaded use notification options if available to inform relevant users. Share document links when required, this helps your team know that new content is available.

File Upload vs Folder Upload

Common Problems and Quick Fixes

Problem 1: Upload Option Not Visible

Check:

• User permissions
• Library permissions
• Site access rights

Problem 2 Folder Upload Fails

Verify:

• Browser compatibility
• Folder size
• File name restrictions

Problem 3 Files Missing After Upload

Try:

• Refreshing the page
• Checking another folder
• Reviewing upload confirmation

Problem 4 Upload Is Slow

Review:

• Internet connection
• Number of files
• File sizes
• Large folders naturally require more upload time.

Best Practices I Recommend

Whenever I work with SharePoint document libraries, I usually follow these practices:

• Create folders before uploading
• Use meaningful file names
• Avoid duplicate documents
• Keep folder structures simple
• Notify teams after major uploads
• Review permissions regularly

These small habits make document management much easier over time.

Final Class Notes

Today I showed you how to upload files and folders in SharePoint Online using a document library.

Remember:

• Files and folders can both be uploaded from the Upload menu
• SharePoint automatically creates folder structures during folder uploads
• Upload confirmations help verify successful transfers
• Organized document libraries improve collaboration

Try this process in your SharePoint environment and you will quickly become comfortable managing files and folders across your team sites.

See you in the next SharePoint class.