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Troubleshooting File Transfer Limitations on Your Computer: Common Causes and Solutions

Are you experiencing unexpected issues when transferring large batches of files on your computer? If you’ve previously been able to move multiple terabytes of data effortlessly, but now find yourself restricted to transferring only one or two files at a time—especially when dealing with large files over 20 gigs—this can be both frustrating and disruptive to your workflow.

In this article, we’ll explore potential reasons behind such transfer limitations and provide practical solutions to help you restore smooth, efficient file movements.

Understanding the Problem

Historically, you could select and transfer extensive collections of files seamlessly, despite the lengthy process. However, recent changes have led to:

• Restrictions to move only a few files at a time
• Inability to transfer individual files exceeding approximately 20 GB

This shift may stem from underlying system or network issues, configuration changes, or hardware limitations.

Common Causes Behind Transfer Restrictions

1. File System Limitations
2. File System Type: If your drive is formatted with FAT32, individual file size limits are capped at 4 GB. Moving larger files is impossible without converting or reformatting the drive.

3. Solution: Consider reformatting the drive to NTFS (Windows) or exFAT, which support larger files.

4. Disk Space and Storage Constraints

5. Insufficient free space on the destination drive can prevent successful transfers of large files.

6. Solution: Ensure there’s ample space available at the target location.

7. Operating System or Software Restrictions

8. System updates or settings might impose transfer limits or bugs.

9. Solution:

   • Update your Operating System to the latest version.
   • Check for known issues related to file transfers.

10. File Locking or Usage

11. Files actively used or locked by applications can impede movement.

12. Solution: Close all related applications before transferring.

13. Network Issues (for Remote Transfers)

14. When transferring over a network, bandwidth limitations or security policies can restrict large file movements.

15. Solution: Test transfers on a local drive to diagnose.

16. Antivirus or Security Software Interference

17. Sometimes, security software may block large or multiple file transfers to protect your system.

18. Solution: Temporarily disable security software to see if the transfer progresses.

19. Hardware Limitations or Faults
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