Forum Discussion
Syncing files with a big document library
Many of our users do not like to use the SharePoint webapp - they prefer to work in their file explorer as they know it. For that reason they sync a lot of their document libraries with local folder...
"What could we do about that?"
Short answer: not much
Long answer:
The OneDrive for Business client has a limit of 300000 items and using Files on-demand capability will not change that. Throwing bandwidth into the mix also will not help. Splitting your content across multiple libraries will also not help. They all count towards the 300000 item limit. Using Internet Explorer to enable users to start "View in File Explorer" is not a long-term solution because IE support ends 17 August 2021. Synching files to clients may expose your content (e.g. stolen laptop with corporate data) and complicate managing records.
Options:
1. Keep the files on a network drive
This may pose problems in terms of accessibility, no versioning, managing permissions, lack of search, ... It may also confuse users (do several tasks in the cloud but store files on legacy file shares) and result in questions from management: e.g. why are we still incurring costs for on-premise file shares?
2. Adopt a new way of working: use the browser interface and e.g. Teams app.
3. Use client-side tools to extend File Explorer, e.g. here
4. Use browser-based apps that mimic File Explorer in a browser, e.g. here
They offer 95% of the File Explorer functionality and but also add additional functionality (e.g. support for metadata, GPS locations, document versions, ...)
Paul