How to Seamlessly Transfer Files Between OneDrive Accounts.
Transferring files between OneDrive accounts may be necessary for personal organization, cleanup, or other reasons. Whatever the reason, in this guide, you'll find the most effective methods to move files from one OneDrive account to another.
Why Transfer Files Between OneDrive Accounts?
You might need to transfer files between OneDrive accounts for various reasons:
- Switching Accounts: Moving files from a personal OneDrive to a business or school account.
- Collaboration: Sharing large files with another user’s OneDrive account.
- Consolidation: Merging files from multiple OneDrive accounts into one for better organization.
- Backup or Migration: Transferring data to a new OneDrive account for security or administrative purposes.
How to Move Files from OneDrive account to Another.
Tip: If you want to easily view/access folders/files shared by another OneDrive user account, instead of moving them to your own account, you can create shortcuts for them under "My files". To do this, select "Shared" on the left, choose the file/folder you want to create a shortcut and from the menu select Add shortcut > My Files.
Method 1: Download and Upload Files to OneDrive
The first and simplest method for transferring files between OneDrive accounts is to download files from one OneDrive account locally on your computer and then upload them to the other. This method involves manual file handling, which ensures that you have a local backup during the transfer process.
- Pros: This is the easiest method if you only have a few GB of files or want to transfer files shared by another account to your OneDrive account.
- Cons: Time-consuming if you want to transfer large amounts of files.
1. Login to the source OneDrive account that you want to transfer files from (source).
2. In the left pane, select "My Files" on the left if you want to transfer files stored in your personal or business account, or "Shared" if you want to transfer files shared by another account.
3. Select the folders/files you want to move and click Download to save them locally to your computer. This action temporarily stores the files on your local storage, allowing you to manage them offline and ensuring data integrity during the transfer.
4. Then, sign in to the destination OneDrive account (where you want to transfer the downloaded files).
5. Click +Add new on the top-left and then select Folder upload or Files upload. This step initiates the upload process, where files are transferred from your local storage to the cloud, ensuring they are accessible from any device linked to the destination account.
6. Select the files you want to move and then select Upload.
Method 2. Transfer Files using OneDrive app
The second method for moving files from one OneDrive account to another is through the Microsoft OneDrive app. This method leverages the app's synchronization capabilities to streamline the transfer process.
- Pros: This is an efficient and recommended method if you want to transfer a large amount of data between accounts.
- Cons: It requires that there is sufficient storage space locally on the computer to synchronize the files.
1. Download & install Microsoft OneDrive on your PC if it’s not already installed.
2. Open Microsoft OneDrive app and Sign in to the source OneDrive account.
3. Wait for the files/folders from the source account to sync locally to your computer. They’ll appear in the OneDrive folder (e.g., C:\Users\YourUsername\OneDrive). This synchronization ensures that the latest versions of your files are available offline, ready for transfer.
4. Click the OneDrive cloud icon in the taskbar (Windows) or menu bar (Mac), click the Settings (Gear) icon, and select Settings, then click Add an account.
5. Follow the prompts to add the destination (target) OneDrive account.
6. Now, open File Explorer and you'll see two OneDrive folders.
7. Drag and drop files between the two OneDrive folders directly on your computer. This direct transfer method minimizes the risk of data loss and ensures a seamless transition between accounts.
Method 3. Move OneDrive files to another account using a third-party tool/service
The final method to transfer files between OneDrive accounts is by using a third-party tool or cloud service. These tools offer advanced features for bulk transfers and automation.
- Pros: Ideal for individuals, companies, and IT administrators who want to transfer huge amounts of data or migrate multiple accounts.
- Cons: May require a paid subscription. Potential privacy concerns.
- FileZilla: A free FTP tool to copy the files from one OneDrive account directly to the other. For instructions read this article: How to Set Up OneDrive Connections in FileZilla.
- SharePoint Migration Tool: A free tool from Microsoft to migrate data in OneDrive. (https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sharepointmigration/how-to-use-the-sharepoint-migration-tool)
- GoodSync: With GoodSync tool, (which offers a free and a paid version), you can easily sync files between two OneDrive accounts by following the steps in this article: Syncing to OneDrive using GoodSync.
- MultCloud: A cloud service for transferring and managing files across multiple OneDrive accounts or other cloud services.
- ShareGate: A popular tool offering comprehensive migration and management features for Microsoft 365.
- CloudFuse: Another popular cloud service to migrate content between cloud services (Dropbox, SharePoint Online, Office 365, OneDrive).
Summary
In summary, transferring files between OneDrive accounts can be achieved through several methods, each with its own advantages. The download and upload method is straightforward for small transfers, while the OneDrive app offers a more integrated approach for larger data sets. For extensive migrations, third-party tools provide robust solutions with additional features. Choose the method that best fits your needs and ensures data integrity throughout the transfer process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I transfer files between OneDrive accounts?
You might need to transfer files for reasons such as switching between personal and business accounts, collaboration by sharing large files with another user, consolidating multiple accounts for better organization, or backing up data for security.
What is the simplest method for transferring files between OneDrive accounts?
The simplest method is to download files from one account and upload them to another. This approach is easy for small amounts of data but can be time-consuming for larger files.
Can I use the Microsoft OneDrive app for file transfer between accounts?
Yes, you can use the Microsoft OneDrive app, which is efficient for transferring large amounts of data. It requires sufficient local storage to sync files from the source account.
Are there third-party tools available for transferring OneDrive files?
Yes, third-party tools like FileZilla can facilitate the transfer of large data volumes between accounts, although they may require a subscription and pose privacy concerns.
- Top Windows 11 Issues and Solutions for April 2026: A Comprehensive Guide. - April 29, 2026
- FIX "BitLocker Recovery" Loop after installing KB5083769 - April 27, 2026
- Ultimate CoD Warzone Settings for Enhanced FPS and Visibility - April 9, 2026
