Why Transfer Files from OneDrive to Google Drive?

OneDrive, previously SkyDrive, is a file hosting service that allows users to sync files and later access them from a web browser or mobile device. It is included in the suite of online services formerly known as Windows Live. OneDrive provides paid storage and free storage for different users. Nevertheless, free OneDrive storage is decreased from 15 GB to 5 GB on 31 January 2016, which turns out to be one of the reasons why users transfer from OneDrive to Google Drive which still offers 15 GB of free storage.

Also, users might try to move files from OneDrive to Google Drive for data backup. Either reason, finding the right way will make you get twice the results with half the effort. Continue to read the following parts, we will offer you 3 methods to help you migrate from OneDrive to Google Drive conveniently.

2 Traditional Ways: Transfer Files from OneDrive to Google Drive

First of all, we would like to share you with 2 traditional ways used by most users to migrate files, photos, or other types of data from OneDrive to Google Drive.

1: Download from OneDrive & Upload to Google Drive

As the name suggests, this method is to first log in OneDrive and download the to-be-transfered files from OneDrive to a locak disk; then log in Google Drive and re-upload them to it from the local storage. Detailed steps are:

Step 1. Visit OneDrive's official website.
Step 2. Select files you want to move from your OneDrive account to Google Drive, click the “Download” button, and wait for the process to complete.

Download from OneDrive
Download from OneDrive

Step 3. Log in to Google Drive official website, click on the inverted triangle symbol next to “My Drive”, and select the “Upload Files” button according to your need to select files downloaded from OneDrive to your Google Drive.

Upload Files to Google Drive
Upload Files to Google Drive

This way can help you move files from OneDrive to Google Drive if the files you plan to transfer are pretty less. If there are too many files, this method still has certain flaws:

  • The files will be downloaded to the local in compressed form. Before uploading, you also need to manually decompress these files, which will invisibly waste your time;
  • You must always pay attention to the status of the upload. If the task is interrupted due to poor network status, you must upload files to Google Drive again.

2: Transfer Files from OneDrive to Google Drive Free by Drag & Drop

This method is a bit more friendly than the above-mentioned because no download operation is required.

Step 1: Download and install the OneDrive desktop app.

Tips:

  • If your computer is not a Windows 10 or 11 system, you need to manually download OneDrive application, and log in with your account after downloading.)
  • If you are a Windows 10/11 user, you do not need to download it, just find OneDrive on your computer and log in.

Step 2: Open the browser and log in to your Google Drive account.
Step 3: Select the data in your OneDrive that you need to move to Google Drive.

Choose Files from OneDrive
Choose Files from OneDrive

Step 4: Drag and drop these files or folders from OneDrive to Google Drive, and then wait for the process to complete.

Drag Files to Google Drive
Drag Files to Google Drive

After the process is complete, a prompt will remind you that the file upload is complete. Although this method is more user-friendly, it has not been improved in terms of speed. 

Easiest way to Copy from OneDrive to Google Drive without Downloading

The above 2 methods are what most users will think of when it comes to how to move files OneDrive to Google Drive. Apparently, they are kind of complex and require several steps. So many users ask, "What is the easiest way to transfer files from OneDrive to Google Drive". Luckily, here comes a free online cloud transfer manager, MultCloud.

  • Convenient: transfer cloud data to another cloud directly without downloading.
  • Fast: up to 10 threads for speedy data transfer. 
  • Offline: execute task via traffic data, not require broadband connection.
  • Powerful: support 30+ popular cloud drives.

To send data from OneDrive to Google Drive without downloading, just do as following, please:

Step 1. Sign up with one of your emails, and enter your username and password to create one MultCloud account.

Sign UP

Step 2. Log in and click on " Add Cloud" on the left side. Select the OneDrive icon and follow the steps to complete adding it to MultCloud.

Add OneDrive
Add OneDrive to MultCloud

Step 3. Add a Google Drive account to MultCloud by repeating the above steps. Now, you will see two different cloud drives in one interface. Select all files you want to copy in OneDrive, right-click your mouse, and select “Copy to”.
Step 4. Select Google Drive as the destination location, click on the “OK” button, and wait for the transfer process to complete.

Copy from OneDrive to Google Drive
Copy from OneDrive to Google Drive

Compared to the first two methods, MultCloud can make file transfer operations more convenient for users:

  • During the transmission process, the user does not need to upload, correspondingly, the decompression operation is also omitted, which can save a lot of time and energy;
  • If there are too many files, users can also choose the "Cloud Transfer" function of MultCloud, which can transfer the contents of multiple folders or the entire cloud disk at one time.
  • It does not need a stable broadband connection and uninterrupted power supply. As long as you start or set the task successfully, they can run at the background even if you close the computer.

If you would like to migrate OneDrive to Google Drive on Android phones, the MultCloud mobile app can also help you a lot, just go to Google Play or App Store to get it.

Extra Tip: How to Transfer Data from One Google Account to Another

Google Drive Built-in Sharing Function

In most cases, a lot of data is ultimately stored in personal Google Drive. If you want to transfer all Google Drive files from one account to another, in addition to the traditional download & upload method, you can also use the sharing function of Google Drive. The operation method is as follows:

Step 1. Click the folder/file that will be migrated from personal Google Drive to business or other accounts, and then click "Share". To share a specific folder, click the small triangle of the folder, then click "Share", and assign the folder to another email address. (You can also right-click the folder and click the "Share" button.)

Share Folders in Google Drive
Share Folders in Google Drive

Step 2. Type in another email address to share the specified folder or file. After the email receives the invitation, the data from “Shared with me” can be moved to the “My Drive” area.

Share Folders in Google Drive
Add Email to Share Folder in Google Drive

Tips: Multiple ways described in this post about moving Shared with Me to My Drive effortlessly, click it to get more information if interested.

Transfer Google Drive to Another Gmail Account by Multcloud

Using MultCloud can also realize the file transfer between two accounts, and for different situations, MultCloud will support different solutions.

For the case that both accounts are yours: At this time, you can directly use the "Cloud Transfer" function to transfer files, add both accounts to MultCloud, and then enter the "Cloud Transfer" interface, and select two accounts respectively. Finally, click "Transfer Now".

Transfer from One Google Drive to Another
Transfer from One Google Drive to Another

For the case that the other account is not yours: At this time, you can use the built-in sharing function of MultCloud, select the file or folder that needs to be shared, and then click “Share”. Then, you will be asked to choose the sharing mode, just choose the mode you need. After that, create a share link, and finally, share the link to another account.

Choose Share in Google Drive
Choose Share in Google Drive

After another user receives the link, he or she can choose to download files directly or save them to his or her cloud drive account (this option requires MultCloud account registration).

Direct Download or Save to Cloud
Direct Download or Save to Cloud

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, you are able to transfer files from OneDrive to Google Drive following anyways above. If you prefer to use MultCloud, as you can see from the snapshots, you can manage files between different accounts among the same or different cloud services. For instance, you can move files from one Google Drive to another, and sync OneDrive to Google Drive. Or, you can just link Dropbox to Google Drive for better data management.

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