Import a file share into SharePoint
Copy folders from a local or network drive into a document library, with dates kept and invalid names reported.
Import
- Open Copy → Import external content → Import from file share.
- Select the destination library.
- Pick a drive or type a path, for example
\\fileserver\departments\HR, and select the folders and files. - Check Options and click Start copy.
Folder structure and Created / Modified dates are kept. Large files are uploaded in chunks.
What is skipped or reported
| Situation | Result | |
|---|---|---|
| Names with `" * : < > ? / \ \ | `, or starting or ending with a space | Error in the report; rename and copy again |
Office lock files (~$…) and system files (desktop.ini, Thumbs.db) | Skipped | |
Reserved names (_vti_, CON, forms…) | Error in the report | |
| Paths longer than 400 characters | Error in the report; shorten folder names |
NTFS permissions are not copied. Files are authored by the signed-in account. Set permissions in SharePoint after the import.
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Updated 2026-10-17