Migrate Google Drive to OneDrive
For many people, the easiest way to migrate from Google Drive to OneDrive is to use an automated migration tool. This method is quick, reliable, and requires no manual work.
All other methods are manual and therefore come with a number of limitations. These methods include:
- Manual download and upload
- Google Takeout (free tool for exporting content)
- Drag and drop using desktop apps
At the end of this guide, you'll find a comparison table summarizing all four methods and answers to common questions about migrating from Google Drive to OneDrive.
- Method 1. Migrate Google Drive to OneDrive with a cloud-to-cloud migration tool
- Method 2. Migrate Google Drive to OneDrive through manual download and upload
- Method 3. Migrate from Google Drive to OneDrive using Google Takeout "for free"
- Method 4. Migrate from Google Drive to OneDrive using Google Drive and OneDrive apps
- Bonus: Migrate Google Drive to OneDrive as an admin
- Google Drive to OneDrive migration considerations
- Before you migrate Google Drive to OneDrive
- How VaultMe compares to other migration methods
- Frequently asked questions about Google Drive to OneDrive migration
- Quick summary
- Related videos
- Related articles
Method 1. Migrate Google Drive to OneDrive with a cloud-to-cloud migration tool
Cloud-to-cloud migration tools transfer files directly between Google Drive and OneDrive without downloading them to your computer. VaultMe is an example of a cloud migration app that can do that job for you.
The app is easy to use and is a popular choice for both individuals and businesses. VaultMe has been vetted by top-tier universities such as Princeton, Dartmouth, UC Berkeley, and others who currently sponsor the use of VaultMe for their offboarding graduates.
Use this method when you:
- Have a large account (10+ GB)
- Need a quick transfer
- Want to retain folder organization
- Need to copy shared files
- Don't have hard disk space
Steps to transfer Google Drive data to OneDrive in the cloud:
- Select "Migrate a single user account to another account."
- Select Google and Microsoft 365.
- Sign in to your accounts to securely connect them. (You can revoke the connection at any time.)
- Select owned or shared files, or both.
- Start your migration and close your browser. The app will work in the cloud.
Why use VaultMe for your migration project:
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It transfers owned and shared documents, including shared drives.
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It copies the metadata, the formatting, and the folder structure of the Google Drive account.
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It does not use your computer's resources, which beats even those tools that work in the background.
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It supports personal and business accounts (Google Workspace / G Suite, OneDrive for Business / Microsoft 365 / Office 365).
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It generates a detailed item-level report.
VaultMe will not merge or sync your Google Drive and OneDrive accounts and will not move files from Google Drive to OneDrive. It will simply copy documents from Google Drive to OneDrive while preserving the folder structure. Sharing settings will not be copied, and any changes made in Google Drive after the migration will not be transferred to OneDrive.
Method 2. Migrate Google Drive to OneDrive through manual download and upload
This option involves downloading the files to your hard drive and uploading them to OneDrive.
Use this method when:
- You have a small account and a few files
- You have free space on your hard drive
- You don't mind manual work
- You have enough free time
To transfer files from Google Drive to OneDrive manually:
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Download the files from Google Drive to your computer. You can do that either by selecting them and clicking the "Download" button or by using Google Takeout.
If you decide to use Google Takeout, please note that it will not download files and folders that are shared with you. To save the documents that other people have shared with you, select and download them manually from the "Shared with me" section of your Drive.
- Upload the files to your OneDrive.
The obvious drawback of this method is that you must handle your owned and shared files separately.
But there are other important things that you should also take into account before you begin:
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Depending on the size of your Google Drive account, the download and upload process may take up to several days or even weeks.
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You will need to have enough storage space on your hard drive for a copy of your Google Drive account.
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Your computer will have to stay powered on during the whole download and upload process. Any interruptions to the internet connection and power supply can cause the process to fail.
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When you download multiple files (either manually or using Google Takeout), Google puts them in archives. To recreate the structure of your Google Drive in OneDrive, you will have to unzip the archives on your computer and reorganize the files before you upload them to OneDrive.
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If you have a large account (over 10 GB) and decide to use Google Takeout, your archive will be split into several parts by default. Some of them may fail to generate properly and the archive will have to be requested again.
Method 3. Migrate from Google Drive to OneDrive using Google Takeout "for free"
Using this option, you will be able to put a zipped archive of your Google Drive into OneDrive automatically.
Use this method when:
- You have a small account and a few files
- You don't have to copy shared files
- Your primary goal is archiving
To export Google Drive to OneDrive using Google Takeout:
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Go to Google Takeout.
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Select "Drive" and click "Next step."
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In the "Delivery method" drop-down menu, select "Add to OneDrive."
- Select the frequency ("Export once") and the export file type and size. Then click "Create export."
This method has some major drawbacks, including the following:
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Google Takeout will not transfer the files and folders that are shared with you. To copy shared documents, select and download them manually from the "Shared with me" folder of your Drive. Then, upload them to OneDrive.
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The migration process may take several days, depending on the size of your export. Larger accounts (10+ GB) will be split into several archives by default.
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Google Takeout will export one or several archives instead of individual files and folders. To use your documents in OneDrive, you must first download, unzip, and reorganize them.
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Google Takeout will not export your email files in a readable format. You will need to migrate Gmail to Outlook separately.
Method 4. Migrate from Google Drive to OneDrive using Google Drive and OneDrive apps
This method will work only if you use Google Drive to store files and folders that were not created in Google Drive's online services (such as Google Docs, Google Sheets, etc.). If you mainly store documents of other types (such as images, PDFs, music, and video files, etc.), you can give this option a go.
But if you use Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Slides frequently and wish to copy these documents to OneDrive, we suggest that you choose a different method.
And here's why: the Google Drive app does not save these files to your hard drive. Instead, it displays links that will not be useful in OneDrive after you migrate them.
Use this method when:
- You have a small account and a few files
- You have free space on your hard drive
- You don't mind manual work
- You have enough free time
- You don't need to copy shared files
- You don't need to copy files in Google's native formats
To transfer files from Google Drive to OneDrive:
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Install Google Drive and OneDrive desktop apps. Here are the links you can use to download them: Google Drive app, OneDrive app.
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Connect your accounts.
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Drag and drop files and folders from Google Drive to OneDrive.
Just like all other manual methods, this option is not ideal for the following reasons:
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Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides, and other documents created online are represented in your Google Drive desktop app as links and not the actual files. If those links are dragged to a different location, they will still be pointing to your Google Drive account.
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The Google Drive app will not display the files and folders that are shared with you. You will not be able to drag and drop them. To save these documents, download them from the "Shared with me" section of your Drive in a browser and then upload them to your OneDrive account.
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The desktop apps for cloud drives are not optimized for working with large volumes of files. If you have a large account (over 10 GB and/or over 10,000 files), the process may fail to complete.
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It may take a while for the drives to sync (possibly a week or more) because the apps will be downloading the documents from one online account and uploading them to the other using your hard drive and broadband connection.
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You'll need to have enough storage space on your hard drive for a temporary copy of your Google Drive account. Remember that you will also have to account for copies of "Shared with me" content that does not take storage space in your Google Drive account but will need it in OneDrive.
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You'll also need to have stable internet access and keep your computer turned on during the copying process. The process may slow down the work of your machine and increase power consumption.
Bonus: Migrate Google Drive to OneDrive as an admin
If you’re managing accounts for a school, university, or business, you may need to migrate files at the organizational level rather than as an individual user. Administrator-level migrations allow you to move user accounts in bulk and use admin authorization.
If you are an administrator tasked with migrating company Google Drive accounts to OneDrive, learn how VaultMe can help you with your project: VaultMe for Admins - Office 365 Migration.
Option 1: Migrate Google Drive to OneDrive as an admin with VaultMe
Steps to migrate files to OneDrive with VaultMe:
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Go to the VaultMe app.
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Select "Migrate or archive multiple user accounts (advanced)."
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Select Google and Microsoft 365.
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Connect your accounts using admin authorization.
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Select your migration preferences
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Start your migration.
After your migration is complete, you will have 30 days to sync up changes (run a delta migration) between the accounts if needed.
For more information regarding migrations to Microsoft 365 for Business, see the following article: Migrate from Google Workspace to Office 365.
Option 2: Migrate Google Drive to OneDrive as an admin with Microsoft's Migration Manager
Microsoft Migration Manager is a native tool offered by Microsoft. While this tool is free, it usually requires a lot of technical expertise.
Steps to migrate files to OneDrive:
- Connect to Google. Sign in to your Google account and install Microsoft 365 migration app
- Add Google Drive accounts for scanning.
- Add accounts to the migration plan. After all Google Drives are scanned as ready to migrate, you can add them to your migration list.
- Review migration paths. The app will map source paths to any exactly matching destination paths.
- Map identities. Map your domains, groups, and users in Google Drive to the domains, groups, and users in Microsoft 365.
- Start your migration.
The instructions for migrating to OneDrive using Migration Manager are very high-level. Native tools require extensive setup and are not backed by human support teams.
Google Drive to OneDrive migration considerations
Since Google and Microsoft are two independent systems, each with its own limitations, it's important to understand what may be affected when you migrate from Google Drive to OneDrive.
Consider the following limitations before you transfer your Google Drive to OneDrive:
- File formats.
Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides are proprietary Google formats that OneDrive does not support. Therefore, they need to be converted to Microsoft Office formats (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint). VaultMe will convert the files automatically.
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File size limits in OneDrive.
Google Drive allows up to 5 TB per file, while OneDrive has a file size limit of 250 GB. Some of the extra-large files may fail to be added due to the limitations on OneDrive's end.
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Path length limits in OneDrive.
OneDrive has a 400-character path limit, which can be a challenge when migrating from Google Drive using an automated tool. Google Drive doesn’t enforce strict character limits for file paths, allowing deeply nested folder structures with long names. When migrating, the file paths exceeding 400 characters will be changed to reduce the number of nesting levels.
We recommend flattening the folder structure and shortening the names of the files with extra-long names before the migration.
Before you migrate Google Drive to OneDrive
Migrating Google Drive to OneDrive is more efficient when you take the time to prepare. Before beginning the migration, follow these steps, especially if you’re using OneDrive for Business.
1. Activate OneDrive by signing in to it (for Microsoft 365 business users).
If you’re part of an organization using Microsoft 365, your OneDrive for Business account is not fully active until you sign in for the first time. If you don't sign in to your OneDrive at least once before the migration, your files will not be copied.
2. Check available storage in OneDrive (and optionally in Outlook).
To avoid mid-transfer errors, make sure the Microsoft account you’re transferring to has enough available storage in OneDrive. If emails are part of the migration, then check if you have enough free storage space in Outlook as well.
3. Clean up and organize files.
Before transferring:
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Delete old or unnecessary files from Google Drive to reduce clutter and the size of your account.
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Unshare unwanted folders if you are planning to copy shared files and folders along with the files and folders that you own.
How VaultMe compares to other migration methods
| Features | VaultMe | Manual download and upload | Direct Google Takeout export to OneDrive | Drag & Drop method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transfer of files from "My Drive" | Automatic | Manual | Automatic | Manual |
| Transfer of files from "Shared with me" and "Shared drives" | Automatic | Manual | Not supported | Not supported |
| Transfer of emails, contacts, and calendars |  |
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| No hard drive storage is required | |
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| Works online | |
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| Preserves folder structure | |
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| Copies Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides | |
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| Is recommended for large accounts (10+ GB and/or 10 000+ items) | |
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| Generates a detailed migration report | |
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| Human support | |
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| Free option | |
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Frequently asked questions about Google Drive to OneDrive migration
Is there a built-in tool to transfer files from Google Drive to OneDrive / Microsoft 365?
There isn't an official built-in tool, but you can achieve this by using third-party migration tools like VaultMe or manual methods.
Can you migrate from Google Drive to OneDrive?
Yes. To migrate Google Drive files to OneDrive automatically, connect your two accounts to VaultMe, select what types of items you want to migrate, and review the totals. To migrate Google Drive files manually, extract the files using Google Takeout and upload them to OneDrive.
Can I retain the folder structure during the Google Drive to OneDrive migration?
VaultMe allows you to preserve the folder structure during the transfer. Manual methods can retain the folder structure of the account, but they are less reliable and may cause data loss.
Can I pause the migration process?
This depends on the method or tool used. VaultMe allows you to pause the migration, while manual methods do not offer such flexibility.
Can I sync or connect Google Drive with OneDrive?
Google Drive and OneDrive are separate cloud storage services provided by Google and Microsoft, respectively. Although they don’t offer a built-in sync feature, you can transfer files between them manually or with third-party tools like VaultMe. VaultMe simplifies the transfer process, preserving folder structures and metadata.
Can I merge Google Drive and OneDrive?
Google Drive and OneDrive cannot be merged. However, you can transfer data from Google Drive to OneDrive using the methods explained in this article.
What is the easiest way to transfer files from Google Drive to Microsoft 365 / OneDrive?
The easiest way to transfer files from Google Drive to OneDrive is to use a third-party migration tool like VaultMe, which is specifically designed for this purpose. The automated process is the best way to migrate all Google Drive files to OneDrive, as it involves no manual download and re-upload.
Quick summary
The choice of migration method depends on several factors. They include the size of your Google Drive account, the type of files that you need to copy, your expectations of the speed and the accuracy of the results, and others.
Manual methods of moving Google Drive to OneDrive may work well for small accounts. But when large volumes of data need to be transferred from Google Drive to OneDrive, manual options have critical limitations.
To ensure a quick and precise result, use VaultMe to copy files from GDrive to OneDrive automatically. Unlike all manual options, it is designed to transfer data from Google Drive to OneDrive (both owned and shared files) and is easy to use. Although this option is not free, it is inexpensive, and it definitely pays off.
Related videos
Video Guide: How to Transfer Google Drive to OneDrive
Video Guide: How to Migrate Google Workspace to Office 365 or Microsoft 365
Video Guide: How to Migrate to Microsoft 365 or Office 365
Related articles
Want to migrate from Gmail to Outlook? VaultMe's detailed guide provides instructions: Migrate Gmail to Outlook in Two Ways.
Need to change your Gmail address? Refer to this detailed guide: How to Change a Gmail Address.
Are you wondering how you can check how much storage your shared files are taking up? This article might be helpful: How to Check the Size of the "Shared with me" folder in Google Drive.
Want to transfer your Google Drive content to another account? This post covers everything you need to know: How to Transfer Your Google Drive to a Different Account.
Looking for an email migration tool? Learn about your options: How to Choose an Email Migration Tool.
Want to transfer your company's data to Microsoft 365? This guide provides step-by-step instructions: How to Migrate to Microsoft 365.
Considering using Google Takeout for your migration project? Learn about the pitfalls of this method: Google Takeout Alternative.
Need to transfer your Google Docs to Microsoft 365 but don't know where to start? Refer to VaultMe's migration guide: Migrate Google Docs to Office 365.