How to Transfer Files from Microsoft OneDrive to Google Drive Without Losing Data
Switching from Microsoft 365 to Google Workspace felt like a huge task, especially moving files from OneDrive to Google Drive. If you're wondering how to transfer files from Microsoft OneDrive to Google Drive, then don’t worry. I’ll make this task more than easier and quicker for you than expected.
But before getting into the step-by-step solution, let's discuss the user query first, which is mentioned in the official Microsoft forum site:
Hello everyone! I want to transfer data from OneDrive to Google Drive. I need all of my Microsoft Word Files & Excel sheets to be transferred to my Google Drive account. Initially, I tried to download files from OneDrive and manually upload them to Google Drive. But this method is reliable only for some files, not for bulk data. I am looking for a solution that supports batch processing. So, is there anyone who knows how to transfer files from Microsoft OneDrive to Google Drive? Any type of help will be appreciated!
Why Move Files from OneDrive to Google Drive?
Due to a decrease in free OneDrive storage from 15GB to 5GB, as confirmed in this official OneDrive support article, many people migrate from OneDrive to Google Drive, which still provides 15GB free storage. Not only this, but there are more reasons why someone might want to switch from OneDrive to Google Drive:
- Moving from Microsoft 365 to Google Workspace
- Want to consolidate storage on one platform
- Your team is adopting Google Docs, Sheets, and other Google tools
- Looking for a more familiar or cost-effective solution
Whatever the reason sections below help you to migrate files from OneDrive to Google Drive simultaneously.
How to Transfer Files from Microsoft OneDrive to Google Drive Step by Step
Honestly, when I needed to move files from OneDrive to Google Drive, I didn’t have enough time to waste on inappropriate approaches. However, I went through multiple options, and among them I found some reliable for Microsoft 365 to Google Workspace migration. So, in the sections below, I will explain only those to save your valuable time. Let’s get started:
#Solution 1. Manual Download & Upload
In this, we have to download the data from OneDrive, then upload it to the Google Drive. Frankly speaking, this is not reliable for a large dataset, and I experienced the download getting stuck at 99%, which is quite frustrating for me. Plus, I faced some issues when I needed to import Google Calendar to Office 365.
Still, you can use this for a small data set. Here’s how to transfer files from Microsoft OneDrive to Google Drive:
Step 1. Log in to your OneDrive account
Step 2. Select data (Apps, Attachments, Documents & Music) and click on the "Download" button
Step 3. Now, these files and folders will be downloaded to your computer
Step 4. Log in your Google Drive account & click on "+ New"
Step 5. Click on "Upload files" and manually select these files or folders which are downloaded to your PC and upload them to G Drive.
Important Note: After you download folders to your PC from OneDrive, they will be converted into a .zip file. Also, if you want to upload folders to your G Drive, then before doing the uploading process, you have to extract those folders first.
#Solution 2. Move Files from OneDrive to Google Drive Via Google Drive for Desktop & OneDrive Desktop Apps
When I was seeking the answer for how to transfer files from Microsoft OneDrive to Google Drive, I found OneDrive and Google Drive desktop apps help in this. The steps are as follows to use them:
Step 1. Download and set up the OneDrive App by following the onscreen installation instructions. Do the same for the Google Drive desktop as well.
Step 2. Click on the One Drive icon on the Task Bar.
Step 3. Press the Open folder button.
Step 4. Open the Google Drive partition on your desktop. Go to the MyDrive subfolder.
Step 5. Split your screen to keep both windows open simultaneously.
Step 6. Select items you want to move from OneDrive.
Step 7. Drag and Drop them into Google Drive.
Step 8. If you don't want to repeat this process to move files from OneDrive to Google Drive every time there is new data on OneDrive, then set up a perpetual sync. This can be done by following the steps given below.
Step 9. Click on the Google Drive icon on the taskbar.
Step 10. Click on Gear and select Preferences.
Step 11. Click on Add Folder.
Step 12. Browse and select OneDrive.
Step 13. Click on Done and then Save.
Step 14. Instead of selecting the entire OneDrive folder, you can put the data you wish to move in a subfolder and only sync that folder. By doing this, you can speed up the syncing and also have better organization.
#Solution 3. How to Transfer Files from Microsoft OneDrive to Google Drive Automatically?
As I mentioned that I needed a quick and reliable solution as I didn’t have enough time for the migration. That’s where I found the SysTools OneDrive to Google Drive Migration Tool, one of the most reliable and quickest among all third-party solutions to migrate files from OneDrive to Google Drive simultaneously.
First, I tried it for free, and I gained several benefits, including:
- Unlike manual methods, it will move files from OneDrive to Google Drive directly (no export & import required)
- Easy-to-use interface for all skill levels of users
- The software provides the facility to transfer secure documents as well
- Maintains on-disk folder structure during migration
- Renders 3 different types of permissions like Read, Write & Comment
- Option to modify the default permission when migrating files to G Drive
- Apply a Date-range filter to migrate data of the selected date range
- Supports Windows 10 (64-Bit) & Windows Server 2012 / 2016
These exceptional features are not supported by other automated solutions, and trust me, I bought its full version, which is genuinely worth it. I insist on trying its free version of this, I guarantee you get the expected results in minimal time.
Steps to Move Files from OneDrive to Google Drive
Here are the step-by-step instructions for how to transfer files from Microsoft OneDrive to Google Drive:
Step 1. Open the utility, and select source and destination as Office 365 & G Suite.
Step 2. Now, choose Documents as a Category & then apply a Date Filter (if needed).
Step 3. Use the source Office 365 Admin account credentials to log in. Validate required permissions. Click on Next. Do the same for the target location.
Step 4. Now, create source & destination user mapping via Fetch users, Import users or Download template options.
Step 5. Lastly, hit the Start Migration button to migrate OneDrive to Google Drive.
Also Read: How to Export Office 365 Mailbox to PST File Format?
#Solution 4. Use Google Workspace Migration Tools (for Admins) to Migrate Files from OneDrive to Google Drive
If you're managing an organisation and are wondering how to transfer files from Microsoft OneDrive to Google Drive. Then, Google provides Data Migration Service (DMS) or Google Workspace Migrate. Here’s how it can help to migrate data:
- Open admin.google.com, then Tools > Data Migration.
- Choose Microsoft OneDrive as the Source, and enter the OAuth credentials for OneDrive.
- Map users from OneDrive to Google accounts.
- Start the migration process.
#Solution 5. Mobile App Transfer
If you are in a remote location with only your mobile device, then you can use it to send files from Microsoft's cloud storage to the one operated by Google. Here are the instructions to migrate files from OneDrive to Google Drive:
- Start by opening the OneDrive app.
- Select the files/folders you want to move, then tap the share icon.
- Click the send file option, and then choose Google Drive.
- After some time, all the OneDrive data gets copied to Google Drive.
- Open the Google Drive App to check.
Alternatively, instead of sending data from OneDrive, you can bring data from Google Drive. Let's see how to transfer files from Microsoft OneDrive to Google Drive.
- Open the Google Drive App
- Click on the + icon.
- Select the upload option.
- Browse for OneDrive.
- Tap on the File you want in Google Drive.
Some guidelines to follow while using this method to move files from OneDrive to Google Drive are:
- Install the latest version of both the OneDrive and Google Drive mobile apps on your device.
- After hitting the share button, don't tap on the Google Drive option directly. This sends a link, not the actual file.
- Make a new subfolder in Google Drive for proper data arrangement before uploading.
Best Practices for a Smooth Migration
I answered how to transfer files from Microsoft OneDrive to Google Drive. But still, here are some points to keep in mind:
- Clean up duplicate or unnecessary files before migration.
- Check storage limits on Google Drive.
- Ensure folder structure compatibility.
- Test with a few files first before transferring everything.
What Happens to Sharing and Permissions?
One of the tricky parts I faced was permissions. Files shared in OneDrive don’t retain their sharing settings in Google Drive. You’ll have to manually re-share them or reset permissions after the transfer.
Author’s Verdict
How to transfer files from Microsoft OneDrive to Google Drive is a common query. Transferring files from OneDrive to Google Drive isn't as intimidating as it may seem. I’ve used all of these approaches to move files from OneDrive to Google Drive at different times, depending on the size of the data and the urgency.
Choose the approach that works best for you, and take a backup before migration.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
Q1. Will my OneDrive files be deleted after I move them?
No. Copying or transferring files does not delete them from OneDrive unless you do it manually.
Q2. Will Google Drive keep the folder structure?
Yes, if you use cloud migration tools or desktop apps to migrate files from OneDrive to Google Drive. The manual method might require recreating folders.
Q3. How to transfer files from Microsoft OneDrive to Google Drive automatically?
Yes, with the help of SysTools Migrator, you can automate the task. Additionally, manual solutions won’t help in this.