How to Transfer OneDrive Files to Another Account Effortlessly using 4 Methods

Microsoft OneDrive is a cloud-based storage service that allows users to store and access their files from anywhere. Sometimes, you may need to transfer your OneDrive files to another account for various reasons. This article will guide you how to transfer OneDrive files to another account.

OneDrive and OneDrive for Business is a cloud-based storage service offered by Microsoft that allows users to store, share, and access their files from anywhere in the world. However, with so many different OneDrive accounts, there may come a time when you need to transfer your files from one account to another. Whether you are switching to a new account or simply want to share files with another person, transferring OneDrive files can be easily done through several methods.

In this guide, we will explore 4 of the most efficient ways to transfer OneDrive files to another account.

Method 1. Transfer OneDrive Files to Another Account Using Download and Upload Method?

Step 1: Download OneDrive files from the current account

To transfer OneDrive files from one account to another, you need to first download the files from your current account. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Open your current OneDrive account and navigate to the folder containing the files you want to transfer.
2. Select the files you want to transfer by clicking on them while holding down the “Ctrl” key.
3. Right-click on the selected files and choose “Download” from the context menu.
4. A window will appear showing the progress of the download. Wait until all files have been downloaded.

Step 2: Sign in to the new OneDrive account

Once the files have been downloaded, sign in to the new OneDrive account where you want to transfer the files.

Step 3: Upload the downloaded files to the new OneDrive account

To upload the files to the new OneDrive account, follow these steps:

1. Navigate to the folder where you want to upload the files.
2. Click on the “Upload” button, which is represented by a cloud with an upward arrow.
3. Select the “Files” option and choose the files you want to upload. You can also drag and drop the files into the OneDrive folder.

Wait until the upload is complete.

Step 4: Share the files with the new OneDrive account

If you want to share the files with the new OneDrive account, you need to share them from your current OneDrive account. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Open your current OneDrive account and navigate to the folder containing the files you want to share.
2. Right-click on the file and choose “Share” from the context menu.
3. Enter the email address of the new OneDrive account and select the appropriate permissions (e.g., view or edit).
4. Click the “Send” button to share the files with the new OneDrive account.

With these steps, you can easily transfer OneDrive files from one account to another. Remember to download the files from your current account and upload them to the new account before sharing them, if necessary.

Also Read: How to Migrate Outlook Emails to Office 365 -Two Effortless Methods

Limitations of Download-upload Method to Move Files from OneDrive to Another OneDrive Account

The limitations include:

• Time-consuming: This method can take a significant amount of time, especially if you’re transferring large files or many files.
• Internet connection: A reliable internet connection is necessary to transfer files between OneDrive accounts. Interruptions in your connection can cause problems during the transfer process.
• Space limitations: You’ll need enough storage space on your local hard drive to download the files before uploading them to the second OneDrive account.
• Possibility of errors: There’s a risk of file corruption or loss during the transfer process, especially if the internet connection is interrupted or if there are problems with the local hard drive.
• File duplicates: If you have already transferred the files once, you may end up with duplicate files on the second OneDrive account if you transfer the files again.
• Security concerns: If the files you’re transferring contain sensitive information, you should be careful about where you store them during the transfer process.

Method 2. Transfer Files from OneDrive to Another OneDrive Account via Syncing

By utilizing the OneDrive desktop app, you can transfer files from one OneDrive account to another with ease. The following steps will guide you through the process:

1. Download and install the OneDrive desktop app on your computer.
2. Sign in to your Microsoft account associated with the OneDrive account that you want to transfer files from.
3. On the “This is your OneDrive folder” screen, click “Next” to accept the default storage location for your OneDrive folder.
4. On the next screen, check the option “Sync all files and folders in OneDrive- On MSFT” and click “Next.”
5. Your computer will then create a OneDrive folder in the default location: C:\Users\Username\OneDrive
6. To add another OneDrive account, click on the OneDrive icon on your taskbar. From the popup window, select “Settings.”
7. Click the “Add an account” button and repeat Steps 2-5 to create a second OneDrive account. This will result in two OneDrive folders on your local hard drive.
8. To transfer files from one OneDrive account to another, simply drag and drop the desired files from the first OneDrive folder to the second OneDrive folder.
9. Wait for the files to sync. You can monitor the sync status by checking the OneDrive icon in the system tray. When the sync is complete, the files will be available in the second OneDrive account and accessible from any device where you sign in.

With this method, you can transfer your OneDrive files to another account without having to download and upload them, saving time and bandwidth.

Must Read: Best Practice to Secure Office 365; Keeping Your Office 365 Environment Secure

Limitations of Moving Files from OneDrive to Another OneDrive Account via Syncing

• File size limit: OneDrive has a maximum file size limit of 100 GB. If you try to sync files that are larger than this limit, the syncing process will fail.
• Slow transfer speed: If you have a slow internet connection, syncing large files between OneDrive accounts can be very slow.
• Limited version control: When you sync files between OneDrive accounts, the latest version of the file will overwrite the previous version. This means that you won’t be able to go back to an earlier version of the file once it has been synced.
• Dependence on internet connection: The syncing process between OneDrive accounts depends on having a stable internet connection. If your connection is unstable, the syncing process may be interrupted and you’ll have to start over.
• Conflict resolution: In case of conflicts, the syncing process may not work as expected. For example, if two people are working on the same file and one person syncs the file while the other is still making changes, the changes made by the first person may overwrite the changes made by the second person.

Method 3. Move Files Between Two OneDrive for Business Accounts using Power Automate

Follow these below steps:

1. Go to the Power Automate website by clicking here.
2. Click “Try it now” on the “Copy files from one OneDrive account or folder to another” page.
3. Sign into your OneDrive account and add a second account if you haven’t already done so. You can do this by clicking on the three dots icon and selecting “Add new connection” or clicking “Continue.”
4. Specify the source folder from the first OneDrive account and the destination folder on the second account. Then, click “Save.”
   Note: If you choose “Root” for both accounts, everything from the first account will be transferred to the second. However, if you select a specific folder instead of “Root,” only the selected files from the first account will be moved to the second.
5. Test the flow connection by uploading a file from the first OneDrive account and checking if it has synced to the second OneDrive account. If the file is present, it means the connection has been successful.

Limitation of Transferring Files Between Two OneDrive for Business Accounts using Power Automate

• Requirement of Power Automate: Power Automate is a paid service and requires a subscription to use. It may not be feasible for all users.
• Complexity: Setting up and configuring a Power Automate flow can be complex for some users, particularly those who are not familiar with automation tools.
• Limited Access: Power Automate is only available to OneDrive for Business users and may not be accessible to all users.
• Internet Connection: A stable and fast internet connection is required to use Power Automate, which may not be available in all areas.
• Security Concerns: There may be security concerns when using Power Automate to transfer sensitive data between OneDrive accounts.
• Error Handling: In the event of errors or issues, resolving them may be difficult for some users.
• Time Consuming: Depending on the size of the files being transferred, the process can be time-consuming and may take several hours or even days to complete.

Method 4. Move Files Between Two OneDrive for Business Accounts using Third Party Software Solution

Using third-party software solutions to transfer files between two OneDrive for Business accounts can be a convenient option, as they provide a quick and easy way to move data between accounts.

Third-party software can provide a more efficient, automated, and comprehensive solution for transferring files between two OneDrive for Business accounts compared to manual methods.

Some benefits include:

• Faster transfer speeds
• Ability to transfer large amounts of data
• Improved accuracy and reliability
• Increased security of sensitive information
• Ability to schedule and automate transfers
• User-friendly interfaces and technical support.

Benefits of Migrating Files Between Two OneDrive for Business Accounts using Third Party Software

Using a third-party software solution can help move files between two OneDrive for Business accounts by providing an automated and efficient process for transferring the files.

Some of the benefits include:

• Ease of use: With a third-party solution, the process of moving files is usually streamlined and user-friendly, allowing you to transfer files with minimal effort and technical know-how.
• Increased speed: Third-party solutions are often designed to transfer files quickly, allowing you to transfer large amounts of data in a short amount of time.
• Advanced features: Some third-party solutions offer advanced features such as scheduling, real-time syncing, and selective file transfer, providing you with more control over the process of moving files.
• Improved security: Third-party solutions often employ robust security measures to protect your data during the transfer process, ensuring that your files remain confidential and secure.
• Support: Third-party solutions typically provide support services to help you resolve any issues you may encounter while using the software.

Overall, using a third-party software solution can provide an efficient and secure way to move files between two OneDrive for Business accounts.

Conclusion

Transferring OneDrive files to another account can be easily achieved with the help of the 4 methods outlined in this guide. Whether you choose to use the OneDrive desktop app, the OneDrive website, the Microsoft SharePoint website, or Windows File Explorer, you are guaranteed a smooth and effortless file transfer experience.