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SharePoint Online Blocked File Types – Let’s Elaborate

author
Published By Raj Kumar
Anuraag Singh
Approved By Anuraag Singh
Published On October 17th, 2024
Reading Time 7 Minutes Reading

SharePoint document libraries store the essential data related to the organizations. However, some of the files are unable to upload to SharePoint Online. It is because of several reasons. If you are also one of those who tried to upload a file in SharePoint Online but found it blocked, then this detailed write-up will be fruitful for you. This guide will explore the reasons behind the SharePoint Online blocked file types.

Also, the common extensions are restricted along with the required customizations to make the files unblocked. So, let’s deep dive into it.

A Quick Overview of Blocked File Types in SharePoint Online

SharePoint Online is a cloud platform widely used by organizations irrespective of their sizes. There are some restrictions on file uploading because that can be malicious and not authentic for organizations. To apply these settings, admins take charge and employ a default list of blocked files to maintain data privacy and security by prohibiting some file types.

What is the Need for SharePoint Online Blocked File Types?

Explore the below reasons behind the blocking of file types in SharePoint Online.

  • Executable Files: These types of files can execute the code that leads to injecting the malware into the systems.
  • Archive Files: The archive files are the files that are no longer required but they might contain malicious content that bypasses the other security measures.
  • Media Files: In this new era of cyber attacks, media files are also widely used to send malware to the systems.
  • Document Files: In some scenarios, document files can be used to embed malicious code.

What are the Common Blocked File Extensions?

Below are some common file extensions in SharePoint Online that are blocked.

  • Executable files: .exe, .bat, .cmd, .scr, .vbs, .js, .wsf, .hta
  • Document files: .doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx, .ppt, .pptx, .pdf
  • Archive files: .zip, .rar, .7z, .tar, .gz
  • Media files: .mp3, .wav, .avi, .mpg, .mov, .flv
  • Server Files: .aspx, .asmx, .ascx, .master, .xap, .swf, .jar, htc, .xsf
  • On-Premise: .ade, .adp, .asa, ashx, .asmx, .asp, .bas, .bat, .cdx, .cer, .chm, .class, .cmd, .com, .config, .cnt, .cpl, .crt, .csh, .der, dll, .exe, .fxp, .gadget, .grp, .hlp, .hpj, .hta, .htr, .htw, .ida, .idc, idq, .ins, .isp, .its, .jse, .json, .ksh, .lnk, .ma, .maf, .mag, .mam, .maq, ,mar, .mas, .mau, .mat, .mav, maw, .mcf, .mda, .mdb, .mde, .mdt, .mdw, .mdz, .msc, .msh, .msi, .msp, .mst, .ops, .pcd, .pif, .pl, .psc1, .reg, .rem, .scf, .soap, .stm, .svc, .url, .vb, .ws, .xamlx

It’s important to note that these are just instances, and the SharePoint Online default blocked file types list may be different depending upon the configurations done by the administrator.

How to Unblock a File Type from SharePoint Online Blocked File Types?

Follow the below steps to unblock extensions blocked by the administrator.

  • Step 1. Launch SharePoint Online as a Global administrator. Now open the central administration site.
  • Step 2. Locate the Operations tab.
  • Step 3. Search for the “Security Configuration” section.
  • Step 4. Click on the “Blocked file types”.
  • Step 5. Now, you can see the multiple file extensions. Find the one that you want to allow, select and Remove then OK.

How to Add/ Remove File Types from SharePoint Online Blocked File Types Using PowerShell?

Write-host "Enter the URL of Web Application:"
$URLofWebApp= Read-Host
$WebApplication = Get-SPWebApplication $URLofWebApp
$AllExtensions = $WebApplication.BlockedFileExtensions

#SharePoint lists blocked file types
write-host "All Blocked File Types:"
$AllExtensions | ForEach-Object {Write-Host $_}

#To Add a Blocked File type
$AllExtensions.Add("exe")
$WebApplication.Update()
write-host "EXE File type has been Blocked"

#To Remove a Blocked File type
$AllExtensions.Remove("exe")
$WebApplication.Update()
write-host "Blocked File type EXE has been removed from the list"

How to Manage SharePoint 2013 Blocked File Types?

In SharePoint 2013, you can execute the below steps to add or remove the file extensions from the blocked list.

  1. Open SharePoint  and go to Central Administration.
  2. Now choose Security > Define Blocked File Types.
  3. Click on the Blocked File Types option from the toolbar.
  4. Enter the file extension that you want to block (add one extension per line).
  5. Remove the required file extension from the list and hit OK.

Best Practices for Managing Blocked File Types

SharePoint Online blocked file types are essential to safeguard the user’s data. As there are requirements to modify them in certain situations, so follow the below best practices for effective data management.

  1. Regularly review and update: Perform a cyclic review to ensure the blocked file types are up-to-date. Also update them, if required to meet the current demands of organizations.
  2. Consider business needs: Take a look at the user’s requirements too and ensure that there is no hindrance in collaboration by blocking the files.
  3. Leverage additional security measures: Also, do not rely on the SharePoint Online blocked file types completely. Use data loss prevention (DLP) solutions to add an extra layer of security.
  4. Stay informed about updates: Keep yourself up-to-date with the latest updates in SharePoint Online regarding the default blocked file types.

By incorporating these best practices, you can effectively manage blocked file types in SharePoint Online and protect your organization’s sensitive data without affecting the organization’s productivity.

SharePoint-blocked file types validate the files based on their extensions but not on the actual data. So, users can upload the file by modifying the file extensions. So, if you do not know how to restrict users from uploading unauthorized files, then you can use other security measures or migrate all the SharePoint data to another SharePoint account.

Performing SharePoint tenant to tenant migration ensures your data is kept in a safe and secured cloud application. This process can be seamless if you use the Most Efficient SharePoint Migration Tool. It is handpicked by the SharePoint experts.

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You just need to execute the below steps to accomplish the task.

  • Step 1. Download, Setup, and Run the tool.
  • Step 2. Choose Source and Destination platforms, then Enable Sites option.
  • Step 3. Complete and Validate the credentials of both accounts.
  • Step 4. Add Sites and Users into the tool and Start Migration.

Conclusion

Understanding and managing the SharePoint Online blocked file types is crucial for an efficient and secure collaboration environment. By using the above-outlined steps in this guide, you can effectively customize the blocked file types list for adding or removing file types from the list and enhance the data security of your organization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q 1. What are the common file types in SharePoint Online that restricted to upload?
A – SharePoint Online commonly includes executable, media, archive, and some document files in its default blocked list. However, it may vary as per the SharePoint Online tenant’s configuration.

Q 2. Can I unblock a file type in SharePoint Online?
A – Yes, you can unblock the file type from SharePoint Online. To unblock a specific file type, you need to open the block file types list select the file, and then Remove it.

Q 3. Are there any drawbacks to blocking some file types in SharePoint Online?
A – There are several drawbacks to blocking certain file types in SharePoint Online such as hindering productivity by restricting the necessary files for the organizations.

Q 4. Is SharePoint Online restricting the files based on their extensions or the actual data within the file?
A – SharePoint blocks the files with the matching extension from its default blocked list. It does not verify the actual data of the file.

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