How to Transfer Files from OneDrive to Google Drive Without Losing Data?

There is no direct option to transfer files from OneDrive to Google Drive. However, there are several workarounds that you can use to migrate OneDrive to Google Drive. In this, I will explain how to transfer OneDrive data to Google Drive using manual workarounds and a professional tool, along with the reasons to move your data.

Why Move Files from OneDrive to Google Drive?

There are a lot of reasons why users need to transfer OneDrive to Google Drive for storage or the pricing issue. Below, I have mentioned common reasons for the purpose.

• OneDrive offers you 5 GB of storage, whereas Google Drive provides 15 GB. For more storage space, users switch from Microsoft to Google Drive.
• Google Drive provides you with better real-time collaboration, enhanced search functionality, and a user-friendly interface.
• Some users prefer Google over Microsoft. That's why to get the full benefits of Google Workspace. They want to switch.
• Many are looking for an affordable option for saving and managing their files. In that case, Google Drive would be a better option.

Everyone has their own reasons to move their data from OneDrive to Google Drive. To help you in this, I have found several methods that I am going to explain in the upcoming section of the blog.

Manual Methods to Transfer Files from OneDrive to Google Drive

Unfortunately, there is no direct manual option to move files from OneDrive to Google Drive. But our experts advised that some simple and secure methods can help you. Manually, you can move your files:

• Downloading and uploading the data.
• Use Desktop Apps
• Using Mobile Apps

I will explain these ways with proper step-by-step, so properly follow them.

Method 1: Move OneDrive Files to Google Drive by Downloading & Uploading

These methods are for those who wants to manually move files from OneDrive to Google Drive using the simple download and upload option.

1. Log in to your OneDrive account.
2. Select data and click on the "Download" button.
3. Now, these files and folders will be downloaded to your computer
4. Log in to your Google Drive account and click on "+ New".
5. Click on "Upload files" and manually select these files or folders that have been downloaded to your PC, and upload them to Google Drive.

Important Note: After you download the OneDrive folder to your machine, it will be converted into a .zip file. So, before uploading, you have to first extract those folders.

Method 2: Migrate Files from OneDrive to Google Drive by Desktop App

Other than manually moving your files with the download and upload option. You can also sync your data using the desktop applications rather than migrating them. Here are the steps.

1. Download and set up the OneDrive App by following the onscreen installation instructions. Do the same for the Google Drive desktop as well.
2. Click on the OneDrive icon on the Taskbar.
3. Press the Open folder button.
   
4. Open the Google Drive partition on your desktop. Go to the MyDrive subfolder.
5. Split your screen to keep both windows open simultaneously.
6. Select items you want to move from OneDrive.
7. Drag and drop them into Google Drive.
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.
• Click on the Google Drive icon on the taskbar.
• Click on Gear and select Preferences.
  
• Click on Add Folder.
• Browse and select OneDrive.
• Click on Done and then Save.

Method 3: Transfer OneDrive Files to Google Drive with Mobile Apps

If you are in a remote location with only mobile device, and you want to move your files between OneDrive and Google Drive. You can use the Mobile apps. Here are the steps:

1. Start by opening the OneDrive app.
2. Select the files/folders you want to move, then tap the share icon.
3. Click the send file option, and then choose Google Drive.
4. After some time, all the OneDrive data gets copied to Google Drive.
5. Open the Google Drive App to check.

Here are the manual ways to transfer data using admin account, mobile apps, download & upload, and desktop app. Now, while they are free to use, some of you may have challenges using them. Which I have mentioned them below.

Issues While Migrating from OneDrive to Google Drive

These methods help you move your data, but they have some issues that you may have experienced.

• All the manual methods are time-consuming. As the admin process is lengthy, it takes a lot of time to manually download and upload multiple files.
• If the manual process stops in mid-process. Then, there is high risk of data loss or you miss some files.
• Manual methods are not a reliable way to transfer your files while preserving the folder hierarchy and data integrity.
• It is not suitable for bulk transfer, as you have to move the data one by one. Also, moving a large scale data can make your computer perform extremely slow
• The manual approach does not retain file permissions. So, after the process you have to reshare your files.

That's why many professionals prefer professional tools to move their data, such as this one.

Professionally Move OneDrive Files to Google Drive

For a quick and reliable solution, you can use SysTools OneDrive to Google Drive Migration Tool. A better choice to perform bulk OneDrive to Google Drive migration without data loss.

The tool provides you with many amazing features, Such as:

• You can directly migrate your OneDrive data to Google Drive with the help of software, unlike the manual method.
• Easy-to-use interface for all skill levels of users.
• The software provides the facility to transfer various data items from Microsoft to Google, including emails, contacts, calendars, and documents.
• Maintains folder structure and data integrity during migration.
• Capable of transferring document permission.
• Allow you to transfer specific data with the help of the date filter option.
• Supports the latest Windows versions.

Therefore, for professional and IT admins, the software is much more efficient than the manual method. Below are the working steps of the tool.

Instructions to Use the Software

1. Open the utility, and select source and destination as Microsoft 365 & G Suite.
2. Now, choose Documents as a Category & then apply a Date Filter (if needed).
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.
4. Now, create source & destination user mapping via Fetch users, Import users or Download template options.
5. Lastly, hit the Start Migration button to begin the process.

Also Read: How to Export Office 365 Mailbox to PST File Format?

Migrate OneDrive to Google Drive using Admin account

If you already have Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace and want to transfer the stored files from OneDrive to Google Drive, this method will be helpful. Before going through the process, you must follow this premigration checklist.

• Review all your data in OneDrive that you are going to transfer.
• Ensure that you have enough Google Drive storage to transfer all your data.
• Remove any unnecessary or duplicate data to get a smooth migration.
• You must have proper admin account details of both Microsoft and Google to move your data.
• Take a backup of your data before starting the process.

After following this checklist, you can start the OneDrive to Google Drive migration process.

Step 1: Add Microsoft Account to Google Workspace

The first step of the process is to link your Microsoft 365 account to Google Workspace for migration. Below are the steps that I have mentioned.

1. Log in to your Google Admin Console, and then click the Menu button (three horizontal bars).
2. Select the Data option, then the Data import & export button.
3. Click on the Data Migration (new) button.
4. After that, click on Microsoft OneDrive and then the Migrate button.
5. Hit the Connect to Microsoft OneDrive button and sign in to the Global administrator account.

Step 2: Set your Migration Scope

Once you have completely linked your Microsoft OneDrive account with Google Drive (Workspace). Now you have to set which files, folders, and permissions that you want to move. For this, you have to create a CSV file. Here are the steps to create a CSV file for the process.

1. Open MS Excel or any spreadsheet program.
2. Type Source OneDrive User in the first column. Then, separately add the email IDs of Microsoft OneDrive users you want to transfer files from OneDrive to Google Drive.
3. Save the file and upload it to the Google Admin Console.
4. To upload the file, click the Upload CSV option from the Google Admin Console.
5. Choose your CSV file and then click the Open button.
6. Select Tasks for the confirmation of mapping.

Step 3: Create and Upload Identity Map

If you enable the Unmapped identity settings. Then, you have to create a file where you have to add both the source and the destination accounts.

1. In the spreadsheet program.
2. Add Source Email in the first column and Destination Email in the second column.
3. Enter a valid OneDrive account in the source email and a valid Google Drive in the destination email columns.
4. Save the file and upload it to the Google Admin Console, same as step 2.

Step 4: Start Migration Process

The last step of the process is to begin the migration process. Review all the information that you have given. Then, start your migration.

1. Click the Start Migration button, and you will see what data you are migrating in real-time.
2. Once the process is complete, click Export Migration report.
3. After opening the report file in Google Sheets, and exit the migration process completely.

People Also Ask (FAQs)

Q1. How to merge OneDrive with Google Drive?
There is no native option to merge your OneDrive files to Google Drive. But you can use the Google Workspace migration method to combine your OneDrive files in Google Drive. If you want your data in Google Drive. Simply manually downloading and uploading will be helpful. But it is a one-way sync method.

Q2. How can I convert a OneDrive link to Google Drive?
If you want your OneDrive files in Google Drive, you can use the desktop version of the apps. Install the OneDrive desktop app and Google Drive desktop app. Sync both to your computer and move files from OneDrive to the Google Drive local folder.

Q3. Is OneDrive slower than Google Drive?
Both programs have similar speeds. But many users often reported that OneDrive is slower than Google Drive because of the heavy background syncing process.

Author’s Verdict

Those who want to transfer OneDrive to Google Drive. I have provided simple ways. You can use manual methods like download and upload, mobile app transfer, or desktop apps to migrate individual files. Other than that, I have explained ways of moving multiple users' data in one by using the admin account method or a professional tool. Whichever you use, you can all help you transfer your files.