Frequently asked questions about files, sharing and syncing

I accidentally deleted something. Can I get it back?

Usually, yes. Check Deleted files in the Files app. See Recovering a deleted file from Deleted files. You can restore an older version of a file via Versions (Restoring an older version and naming versions).

Can I upload large files through the browser?

Yes. The browser uploads large files in chunks. Keep the tab open until the upload is finished. For a large number of files, the desktop app is more convenient. See Uploading and downloading, including large files, whole folders and zip.

I can't find my colleague when I want to share something

Type the full username or email address. You only see the users in your own package. Someone who has never logged in, or who has been disabled, may be missing from the list. If it still doesn't work, contact support. See Sharing with a user from your own Nextcloud.

How do I share something with someone who doesn't have Nextcloud?

Use a public link, optionally with a password, expiry date and download limit (Creating a public link: viewing, editing, password, expiration date and download limit), or share it by email (Sharing by email with someone without an account). If you want someone to send you files, use a file request (Having files sent to you: file drop and file request).

How do I share a folder with my whole team or family?

Create a team and share the folder with the team (Creating teams and sharing a folder with your whole team). Does the folder need to belong to the team and keep existing even if someone leaves? Then request a team folder. See Team folders: a shared folder that belongs to the team and Permissions: who manages what in your Nextcloud?.

Why is my storage filling up because of a shared folder?

What others upload to a folder you share counts towards your storage. See Anyone using shared files uses your storage.

I don't want everything on my laptop

Use virtual files or sync only certain folders. See Virtual files: see everything, only download what you open and Selective sync: only certain folders.

What does "conflicted copy" in a file name mean?

The file was changed in two places at the same time. See Conflicted copies: what they are and how to resolve them.

Windows won't sync some files

This is probably because the name contains characters that Windows doesn't allow, such as : ? * or a space at the end. See File names that cause problems and Cleaning up files with forbidden characters so Windows syncs again.

Syncing on my computer keeps stalling

Read Synchronisation on your computer is stuttering. Has photo upload on your phone stopped? Read Photo upload on your phone stops.

Can I use my Nextcloud as a network drive?

Yes, via WebDAV with an app password. For everyday use, we recommend the desktop app. See Your Nextcloud as a network drive (WebDAV) in Explorer or Finder.

Can I save documents as odt or docx by default?

That's a question about Euro-Office. Read the Euro-Office manual.

I have Nextcloud Free and a paid package. Can I use both in the desktop app?

Yes, the desktop app can handle multiple accounts at the same time. See Multiple accounts and folders in one app. If you want to move your data from Free to your paid package, read From Nextcloud Free to a paid package, or from another Nextcloud provider.