Canvas gives you an "incorrect file type" error when Accessing OneDrive: Work-Arounds

When Would you Use This

You're getting an "invalid file type submission" error in Canvas when trying to upload a file from Onedrive as an assignment submission.

As of Oct. 2025, you will always get this error message if your instructor has selected the "restrict file types" checkbox in the assignment settings. The options listed below are workarounds to use until this Known Issue is resolved.

Option 1: Sync OneDrive to Your Local Hard Drive

You can sync your cloud-based OneDrive to your local device so that OneDrive will appear in the Windows File Explorer. Then, in Canvas, you can select "File Upload" (instead of the Office 365/MS OneDrive tab), and navigate into your OneDrive to find the file.

This process is extremely easy for Windows 11, see Sync files with OneDrive in Windows.

For Windows 10 and earlier, and Mac OS, users can access this process too, but must first download an app. See: Sync files with OneDrive on Mac

Option 2: Download file to Hard Drive (Local Storage) and then Upload

1. Open the file in OneDrive or the web version of Word (or PowerPoint, Excel, etc). Click on "File"
2. Select "Create a Copy" to download a copy of the file to your computer. The file will be downloaded (usually to your "Downloads" folder)
3. Head back to your assignment on Canvas and select "File Upload" and "Choose File." Navigate to the location where you saved the file, and select it.
4. 5. If successful, you'll see a confirmation page.