6 Free Ways: Migrate Dropbox to OneDrive Directly & 2 Tips - 2026

Quick Navigation:

• The Preface
• Why Migrate Dropbox to OneDrive
• 2 Quick Ways to Move Dropbox Files to OneDrive for Free
• 4 Manual Ways | How to Transfer Files from Dropbox to OneDrive for Free
• 2 Tips for Dropbox to OneDrive Migration
• Dropbox vs. OneDrive, Which is Better?
• FAQs About Migrating Dropbox to OneDrive
• Summary

The Preface

With the development of technology and the progress of society, cloud storage has become an important part of operating enterprises and our daily lives. As we all know, the two most important cloud storage platforms are Dropbox and OneDrive.

Dropbox is a cloud storage and file synchronization service that allows you to store files online and access them from any device — computer, phone, or tablet. Founded in 2007 and based in San Francisco, it works by creating a special folder on your device; anything you put into that folder automatically syncs to the cloud and to all your other linked devices.

OneDrive is Microsoft's cloud storage and file synchronization service, launched in 2007 as Windows Live Folders. It allows you to store files online and access them from any device — Windows, Mac, phone, tablet, or web browser. Any file you save to your OneDrive folder automatically syncs across all your linked devices.

If you are using Dropbox and OneDrive, there are many reasons why you want to transfer files from Dropbox to OneDrive. How to move files from Dropbox to OneDrive for free if necessary? First of all, check the reasons, and then find the easiest way to transfer files from Dropbox to OneDrive for free.

Why Migrate Dropbox to OneDrive?

You might plan to switch from Dropbox to OneDrive for the following reasons:

Thus, how to migrate from Dropbox to OneDrive effortlessly? Just check the following effective solutions.

2 Quick Ways to Move Dropbox Files to OneDrive for Free

As we all know, neither Dropbox nor the Microsoft OneDrive app has a function to migrate data between them. So it's a question of how to transfer from Dropbox to OneDrive directly. Fortunately, here comes the all-in-one multiple cloud storage manager - MultCloud to help.

If you want to quickly move files from Dropbox to OneDrive while ensuring data security, you are recommended to try MultCloud, a cloud file manager service. You can migrate Dropbox to OneDrive without logging in to both clouds, shifting from one cloud to another, or downloading and re-uploading. 

It has the following features and advantages as a Dropbox to OneDrive migration tool:

Cloud-to-cloud transfer directly:  transfer files between clouds directly, no longer need to download files from one cloud first, then upload them to another cloud. 

Offline transfer: move files from Dropbox to OneDrive in the background without going through the local computer.

High-speed transfer: transfer files at a great speed in up to 10 threads and improve your work efficiency.

File Filter: exclude certain types of files or contain only specified types of files when performing the Dropbox to OneDrive transfer. 

Support 40+ leading cloud storage services: Google Drive, SharePoint, Google Workspace, Dropbox, Dropbox for Business, OneDrive, iCloud Photos, iCloud Drive, Gmail, Outlook, OneDrive for Business, etc., and manage multiple cloud storage accounts in one place.

OAuth authorization system: access multiple cloud accounts without the username and password required.

MultCloud provides two effective ways that can move data from Dropbox to OneDrive quickly, without downloading or installing, with Cloud Transfer and Cloud Sync. Now, follow the steps below to quickly and safely transfer data from Dropbox to OneDrive for free.

• Way 1. The Easiest Way to Transfer Files from Dropbox to OneDrive
• Way 2. Sync Dropbox to OneDrive in Real Time via Cloud Sync

Way 1. The Easiest Way to Transfer Files from Dropbox to OneDrive

3 Steps to Migrate Dropbox to OneDrive Directly

Step 1. Register MultCloud - Free

To use MultCloud as a free Dropbox to OneDrive migration tool, firstly, you have to create an account or log in with a Google, Apple, or Facebook account.

Step 2. Add Dropbox and OneDrive Accounts to MultCloud

Sign in to MultCloud Dashboard (web app). Click the "Add Cloud" tab on the left and select Dropbox or OneDrive to add them to MultCloud separately.

Step 3. Migrate Dropbox to OneDrive with "Cloud Transfer"

Go to the "Cloud Transfer" tab and specify the Dropbox files you want to migrate as the source and a directory in OneDrive as the destination. Finally, click "Transfer Now" to migrate Dropbox files to OneDrive and wait for the process to complete.

You can also try the YouTube video for reference:

"Cloud Transfer" not only enables you to transfer certain files from your Dropbox to your OneDrive account but also transfers everything from Dropbox to OneDrive. Set OneDrive as the source and Dropbox as the destination in step 3 if you want to migrate OneDrive to Dropbox. Besides, you can also perform Dropbox to SharePoint migration.

Way 2. Sync Dropbox to OneDrive in Real Time via Cloud Sync

If you are looking for ways to keep Dropbox and OneDrive always the same, you can try the Real Time Sync like this:

1. Please ensure you have added Dropbox and OneDrive by hitting Add Cloud.

2. Click Cloud Sync > Real Time Sync, then choose Dropbox as the source, and OneDrive as the target.

3. Press the Sync Now button to sync Dropbox to OneDrive in real-time.

4 Manual Ways | How to Transfer Files from Dropbox to OneDrive for Free

Besides the quick ways, you can still use some traditional ways to move Dropbox to OneDrive. In the following parts, we will offer 3 manual methods to achieve your goal.

• Way 1. Download and Upload to Migrate Dropbox to OneDrive
• Way 2. Transfer Dropbox to OneDrive via Cut & Paste
• Way 3. Migrate Dropbox to OneDrive with Migration Manager
• Way 4. Import Dropbox Files to OneDrive Manually

Way 1. Download and Upload to Migrate Dropbox to OneDrive

Step 1. Sign in to your Dropbox account.
Step 2. Create a new folder, select all files under your Dropbox account, and move them to the new folder.
Step 3. Put the mouse on the new folder, click the three-dot symbol, click the "Download" button, and wait for the process to complete. Unzip the file to extract Dropbox files.

Step 4. Log in to your OneDrive account.
Step 5. Click the "Upload" button to upload Dropbox files to your OneDrive account and wait for the process to complete.

The new folder will become a .zip file after downloading Dropbox files to the local PC. So, you can hit Upload > Files to upload files within the zip folder directly to OneDrive.

Way 2. Transfer Dropbox to OneDrive via Cut & Paste

Step 1. Download both the Dropbox app and the OneDrive app and install them on your PC.
Step 2. After installing them on your PC, you will find both Dropbox and OneDrive folders through Windows File Explorer.

Step 3. You can move Dropbox to OneDrive with the "Cut" and "Paste" features through Windows File Explorer.

Way 3. Migrate Dropbox to OneDrive with Migration Manager

In fact, you can migrate Dropbox to Microsoft 365 with Migration Manager, and also migrate to OneDrive for Business, SharePoint, but it’s complex for all of us, and we only list the main process and omit the details. Try it if necessary:

Step 1. Please go to the Migration Center in the new SharePoint admin center to connect your Dropbox for Business account and grant access to Microsoft.

Step 2. Add your Dropbox source folders to scan.

Step 3. Once scanned, add it to the Folder migration list and configure settings if required.

Step 4. Set up the OneDrive folder as the destination.

Step 5. Migrating permissions from Dropbox to SharePoint.

Step 6. Start and monitor the Dropbox for Business to Microsoft OneDrive migration.

Way 4. Import Dropbox Files to OneDrive

Recently, OneDrive has provided a built-in feature to help you migrate Dropbox files to OneDrive, called Import cloud photos and files. You can also import files from Google Drive and Google Photos to your OneDrive account. Here is how it works to import Dropbox files to OneDrive:

1. Please log in to your OneDrive account, then tap the Settings icon at the top right corner.

2. Choose Import cloud photos and files from the list.

3. Tap Connect to Dropbox. It will prompt you to log in to your Dropbox account and grant access to the service.

4. Now, tap Import Now to start migrating files from Dropbox to OneDrive directly.

Limitations:✎

Migration is all-or-nothing: you cannot select individual files or folders to move from Dropbox to OneDrive.

It lacks incremental backups — if source files change later, you must delete the previous version before re-importing.

No scheduling option exists; you can only migrate manually, which is inconvenient for most users.

2 Tips for Dropbox to OneDrive Migration

• Tip 1. Move Dropbox to OneDrive for Business with Team Transfer
• Tip 2. Migrate from Dropbox to OneDrive on Mac

Tip 1. Move Dropbox to OneDrive for Business with Team Transfer

If you are the administrator of Dropbox Business and OneDrive for Bussiness and want to transfer data between those two Business clouds, you can use the Team Transfer feature of MultCloud to easily migrate all accounts from one business cloud to another to perform Dropbox to OneDrive for Business migration.  MultCloud can automatically pair the sub-accounts from two different business clouds and migrate the files from one cloud to another with everything transferred to guarantee business continuity.

How to make the Dropbox to OneDrive Business migration, check the following steps:

1. Please ensure you have added Dropbox for Business and OneDrive for Business to your MultCloud account.

2. Click Team Transfer, hit Add Source Cloud to choose Dropbox for Business, while OneDrive for Business as the Target Cloud, tap Batch Match, choose Auto-Match, Upload CSV, or Download CSV to pair your accounts in the two clouds.

3. Hit Transfer Now to migrate Dropbox for Business to OneDrive for Business smoothly.

Compared with Migration Manager, MultCloud not only supports Dropbox personal accounts but also supports Dropbox for Business accounts. Thus, MultCloud is your best choice to copy Dropbox to OneDrive effortlessly.

Tip 2. Migrate from Dropbox to OneDrive on Mac

The above methods are demonstrated on the Windows platform. Since some users are also wondering how to migrate files from Dropbox to OneDrive on Mac, here we would like to tell you how to do that as well.

Step 1. Download and install Dropbox and OneDrive apps on your Mac. 

Step 2. Open Dropbox. Select the "Settings" cog and click on "Preferences".

Step 3. Select "Choose folders to sync". Specify which Dropbox folders you want to migrate to OneDrive via the Dropbox Sync. Then these folders will sync to the Dropbox Folder location specified.

Step 4. Drag files and folders from Dropbox to OneDrive. Keep the apps running to allow sync to complete.

Step 5. When prompted to remove the folder from the Dropbox account and all devices to OneDrive, just select "Move out of Dropbox".

Finally, you will see your Dropbox folders and files in your OneDrive.

Dropbox vs. OneDrive, Which is Better?

Dropbox is a cloud storage service founded in 2007 that offers 2 GB of free storage and paid plans starting at $9.99 per month for 2 TB. It is known for reliable file syncing, including LAN sync and block-level sync, plus official Linux support—something most competitors lack. Dropbox integrates with many third-party apps like Slack and Zoom, but does not offer end-to-end encryption by default. It works on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android. While excellent for cross-platform use and integrations, it is more expensive than OneDrive for the amount of storage provided.

Microsoft OneDrive is a cloud storage service by Microsoft offering 5 GB free and paid plans from $1.99/month for 100 GB. Its best value is Microsoft 365 Personal at $69.99/year for 1 TB plus full Office apps. OneDrive deeply integrates with Windows and Office, featuring real-time co-authoring, Windows folder backup, and a Personal Vault for extra security. It does not offer end-to-end encryption by default and has no official Linux client. OneDrive is more affordable than Dropbox and ideal for Windows and Office users, but lacks LAN sync and extensive third-party integrations.

Now, we will sort out the main differences between Dropbox and OneDrive to help you make your decision.

Dropbox vs. OneDrive: The Key Difference Chart 

Here is a single comparison chart that contains and highlights every key difference between Dropbox and Microsoft OneDrive.

Dropbox has these features OneDrive lacks:

• Official Linux client
• LAN sync (faster local network transfers)
• Battery saving mode
• Longer version history on paid plans (180 days)
• More third-party integrations (Slack, Zoom, etc.)

OneDrive has these features that Dropbox lacks:

• Larger free storage (5 GB vs. 2 GB)
• Personal Vault (extra PIN-protected folder)
• Microsoft 365 integration with native desktop co-authoring
• 250 GB max file upload (vs. 50 GB)
• Cheapest entry plan ($1.99 for 100 GB)

In a nutshell:

• Use Dropbox if you need Linux support, LAN sync, or work across many non-Microsoft apps.
• Use OneDrive if you use Windows, Microsoft 365, or want the most storage and features for the lowest price.

FAQs About Migrating Dropbox to OneDrive

Can I migrate from Dropbox to OneDrive for free?

A: Yes. You can manually download files from Dropbox and upload them to OneDrive, or use both desktop apps to drag and drop between folders to migrate from Dropbox to OneDrive for free. Microsoft also offers a free "Import cloud photos and files" feature that connects to Dropbox, but this method lacks file selection, incremental backups, and scheduling.

What is the best tool to transfer Dropbox to OneDrive?

A: For small manual transfers, desktop apps or Microsoft's native tool work. For larger or enterprise migrations, third-party tools like MultCloud offer direct cloud-to-cloud transfer with incremental sync and scheduling.

Does migrating preserve folder structure and permissions?

A: Manual methods preserve folder structure if you copy files correctly, but they do not preserve sharing permissions or version history. Dedicated tools like MultCloud, Cloudiway, and CloudFuze can preserve folder structure, timestamps, version history, and convert Dropbox sharing permissions to OneDrive's model.

What are the limitations when migrating Dropbox to OneDrive?

A: Microsoft's native import moves all files at once with no selection, no incremental backups, and no scheduling. Dropbox shared links, file comments, Paper documents, and third-party app integrations do not transfer. OneDrive also blocks special characters and has a 400-character path limit.

What happens to shared links after migration?

A: Dropbox shared links do not carry over and must be recreated in OneDrive. External collaborators must be re-invited. Files shared with you by others remain in Dropbox and do not transfer. Remove sharing permissions from Dropbox folders before deletion to prevent lingering access.

Can I schedule an automatic sync between Dropbox and OneDrive?

A: Yes, but only with third-party tools. MultCloud offers daily, weekly, or monthly scheduled syncs. Microsoft's native tool does not support scheduling.

How long does it take to migrate?

A: Migration time depends on data volume, file count, and network speed. Cloud-to-cloud tools are faster than manual download-upload. Running an audit first can help estimate time. Keep Dropbox active for 30 days as a fallback after migration.

What should I do with my Dropbox account after migrating?

A: Keep your Dropbox account active for about 30 days to verify all files transferred correctly. Remove sharing permissions from all folders before deleting anything. Then delete your files, empty the "Deleted Files" section, and finally close your account.

Summary

Following any way above, you can easily migrate Dropbox to OneDrive for free, and now you have found the easiest way to transfer files from Dropbox to OneDrive. If you select the effective way above with MultCloud, you can also save a lot of time. Besides the "Cloud Transfer" feature, MultCloud can also do cloud-to-cloud sync with "Cloud Sync". If you are going to sync Dropbox to OneDrive, you can make full use of this feature.

As a browser app, MultCloud requires no downloading or installation. Thus, you can save a lot of local disk space. It can still be applied in all operating systems like Windows PC & Server, Linux, Mac, iOS, Android, and ChromeOS; and all devices, including desktops, laptops, notebooks, iPads, cellphones, etc.