I can't upload my file - Large File (over module limit)

This refers to Moodle 4.5 from August 2025 onwards

Moodle has a limit on the size of file you can upload. This page explains why this is and offers solutions on how to overcome this.

Student Help

This warning occurs when you are trying to upload a file to Moodle that is larger than the limit set by your teacher. For example, trying to upload some text as an assignment, contribute something to a forum or participate in any other interactive activity.

The file limit is displayed before you start to upload the file and is highlighted in the image. Limits can be set to between 10Kb and 250Mb. For example, the size limit is 20 MB if the Turnitin check has been enabled. If your file exceeds the limit, you will not be able to upload until it is under the limit. 

You need to consider how the file size can be reduced.

If you feel that the file limit is set too low for the requested activity, please contact your teaching staff.

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Staff Help

This warning occurs when you are trying to upload a file to Moodle that is larger than the limit set in this module. For example, when you are uploading a lecture PowerPoint or document for a student to use. There are good reasons to consider the size of the files you upload. Larger files take longer to upload, take up more of the Moodle system resources and can be frustrating for students waiting to view them – particularly on tablets or mobile phones. 

All video and audio files – which are often large – should be uploaded by using the Echo360 button in the submission box.

How to increase the upload file limit

Although it is preferable to reduce the size of the file you are uploading (and the table below offers some suggestions on how to do this), it is possible for staff to increase the limit.

• In your module, click on the 'settings' tab under the module title 

• Scroll to the 'Files and uploads' section and click on the dropdown menu. Select the size you want to change to. The maximum is currently 250 MB.

• Click on the 'Save and display' button at the bottom of the screen

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 UNNC and UNMC users

Staff at UNNC/UNMC should give additional consideration to file sizes when uploading to Moodle, as the servers are located in the UK, and the additional network considerations between UNUK and UNNC/UMNC can mean that files sometimes take a lot longer to transfer between campuses. An

To provide a better experience for staff and students (in Moodle), the module file size limit has been set to 10 Mb. Larger files are normally audio or video, which should be stored in Echo360: see How to add Video and Audio in Moodle
Please contact your local HelpDesk with any further queries.

Reducing the file size