Securely Transfer OneDrive Files to a New Account in Minutes

OneDrive is used worldwide as a cloud-based file storage and sharing platform. Several users own more than one OneDrive account for managing their data. However, there are often instances when they need to transfer OneDrive files to another account.

Transferring files between OneDrive accounts can be overwhelming for all users, irrespective of the purpose. Whether you want to migrate files for consolidating multiple OneDrive accounts, decommissioning any OneDrive account, or just reorganizing the storage, being mindful during the process is crucial. For a smooth and secure transfer of data between cloud storage, what you need is efficient data management. It is something that can help you achieve an error-free process.

This article provides a complete guide with quick methods to migrate OneDrive files, preserving the data hierarchy and integrity. Let’s start and explore methods for easy data transfer.

How to transfer files from OneDrive to another OneDrive?

There are many different manual methods available to migrate OneDrive files. These methods are completely free to use and just require a few prerequisites to begin. Let’s see how to do that:

Use simple drag and drop technique

The simplest way to transfer files to another account in OneDrive is the drag-and-drop method. This method requires you to log in to both of your OneDrive (source and target) accounts in your web browser and then follow the steps as described below:

Step 1: Open the source OneDrive account in your browser.

Step 2: Select the files that you want to move to another OneDrive.

Step 3: Open the destination account in another browser.

Step 4: Drag the selected files from the source account and drop them to the destination.

Step 5: It will take a few minutes and then all the files selected will be migrated.

Remember that this process involves the risk of missing any crucial file during the drag-and-drop and an unstable internet connection often causes the process failure. 

Use download upload files method to migrate

Another method involves the download of files and then simultaneous upload to the destination account. To migrate with this method, download the OneDrive desktop application, login the target account in it. Here are the steps to follow after that:

Step 1: Open the source OneDrive in your web browser. 

Step 2: Select the files or folders that you want to migrate.

Step 3: Click the Download option, and all the selected files will be downloaded to your machine.

Step 4: Now, open the destination account on your OneDrive desktop app.

Step 5: Sync the destination account with your local machine.

This will allow you to access all the downloaded files from your local drive within the OneDrive account.

The limitation of using this method is that it takes a lot of time to move the files and is suitable for small data transfers. The process does not help you preserve metadata during the process.

Pointers you should consider before OneDrive to OneDrive migration

Here are a few things that you must know before you proceed with the migration to avoid errors and interruptions.

1. Make sure that the destination account has enough storage to store the migrated data.

2. Manual methods do not help you to preserve metadata, version history, or permissions. 

3. Manual methods cannot help you migrate bulk OneDrive files altogether.

4. You will need a smooth and interruption-free internet connection to effectively migrate the data. 

5. All the shared files will be required to be re-shared with the users to provide them the access.

6. Always take thorough data backup before starting the migration process.

Conclusion

OneDrive file transfer is easy if you plan everything wisely. For a successful transfer of OneDrive files, you need to take active measures to avoid data loss, disrupted hierarchy, retain permissions, etc. However, you can save yourself from extra work by switching to a professional OneDrive to OneDrive migration tool. 

This tool will help you perform a smooth data transfer without losing any critical data or structure. Your destination OneDrive will appear like the source, i.e., well-managed and organized to avoid cluttering of information after migration. Use the trial version first to evaluate the functionality and then shift to the full version for better results.

Read also: What Is the Best Way to Migrate Google Shared Drive to SharePoint?