If you are migrating from one Microsoft OneDrive account to another, you probably want to transfer all your files and folders to the new account quickly and with no hassle. While copying the entirety of your OneDrive account may seem like a tough task, it can actually be easy.
This article will explain how you can copy the contents of your OneDrive to a new account automatically and manually.
We start with the automatic option because it’s so much easier than the manual process, especially if you have a large OneDrive account. But if you have plenty of time to spare and are ready to take up the challenge, you can consider the manual option as well.
Option 1. Use VaultMe to transfer your OneDrive files to another account automatically
VaultMe is an online application for copying files and folders between OneDrive accounts. It makes moving to a new account as easy as it can be. VaultMe can transfer both OneDrive for Business and personal OneDrive to another account.
- VaultMe is fully automated and works in a browser (no need to download and install any software).
- VaultMe migrates both owned and shared documents.
- The VaultMe app preserves the folder structure of the copied account. All your files and folders will stay organized.
- VaultMe is trusted by individuals and businesses worldwide. Read our reviews and see for yourself!
- It takes only a few minutes to set up and works fast.
Option 2. Migrate your OneDrive files to the new account manually
Here’s how you can do it:
-
In a browser, download the files from your old OneDrive to your computer.
Select the file or folder you want to download and click the "Download" button in the top menu.
How to download files and folders from OneDrive -
Upload the files to your new OneDrive.
How to upload files and folders to OneDrive
Alternatively, you can install the OneDrive desktop app and sync your OneDrive with your computer to download the files. But the app does not support connecting two OneDrive accounts, so you may need to upload the files manually anyway.
The manual method described in this section has a number of significant downsides. Consider the following before you begin:
- The download and upload process will be very slow and may take up to several days or even weeks (especially if you have a large account with over 10 GB of content).
- You will have to do additional work to organize the downloaded files and folders.
- When you download multiple files or folders, Microsoft puts them in zip archives. If you want to preserve the folder structure of your old account, you’ll have to unzip and reorganize all files and folders before you upload them to the new account.
- You need to have enough free storage space on your hard drive for copies of all your files and folders.
- You will need to have a stable broadband connection and keep the computer powered on during the complete download and upload process. Interruptions to the internet connection and power supply may cause download and/or upload errors.
- You will have to download the files and folders that are shared with you separately.
When someone shares a file or folder with your OneDrive account, it appears in the "Shared" section of your OneDrive. You can either download these files and folders separately or you can add them to your Drive before you start downloading the content of the account.
How VaultMe compares to the manual method
Features | VaultMe | Manual download and upload |
---|---|---|
Fully automated | ||
Doesn’t need hard drive storage | ||
Works online | ||
Preserves folder structure | ||
Is recommended for both small (<10 GB) and large (10+ GB and/or 1000+ items) accounts | ||
Generates a detailed migration report | ||
Free option |
Conclusion
If you want to migrate your OneDrive files and folders to another OneDrive account, you have two options: you can make an automatic OneDrive transfer to another account using VaultMe or you can download and upload them manually.
The easy way to move your content is to use VaultMe. The VaultMe app saves the structure of the OneDrive account, provides precise results, and works fast. It is a paid service but it may cost you more in time and effort to migrate your content manually.
Still, owners of small accounts may benefit from the manual option. If you decide to go this route, you should be prepared for a number of challenges.