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When businesses migrate from Microsoft to Google Workspace, they often forget about an essential component, which is OneDrive. Files, folders, shared documents, and business-critical data stored in OneDrive must be transferred to Google Drive without disrupting user access or the existing folder structure.
However, OneDrive to Google Drive migration is more than a simple lift-and-shift process. You have a lot to consider, including file size limits, file format conversions, folder permissions, and storage, to migrate files with minimum downtime, preserving user access and file structure.
How do OneDrive and Google Drive differ from each other?
Here is a clear comparison of both cloud storage platforms to understand why you might need to migrate OneDrive to Google Drive.
| Factors | OneDrive | Google Drive |
| Storage | Provides a free standalone storage of 5 GB | Includes free storage of 15 GB shared across Gmail, Google Photos, and Drive |
| Collaboration | Strong collaboration with Office components such as OneDrive, SharePoint, etc. | Real-time collaboration for web-based editing apps like Docs, Sheets, etc. |
| Compatibility | Integrates well with Windows OS | Known for its cross-platform compatibility and work well with all OS |
| Permissions | Include permissions, such as View, Edit, Owner | View, Comment, Edit, Owner |
| Use case | Employed mostly in professional organizations | Suitable both for personal and professional use |
What are the basic reasons to switch from OneDrive to Google Drive?
The section explained below mentions some of the reasons why a OneDrive user might need to switch to Google Drive.
- Users often migrate to Google Drive to get access to more free storage.
- Those using Google Docs, Gmail, etc. in their daily life can enjoy smooth workflow.
- Easy to co-edit documents with the users within or outside the organization.
- Google Drive uses AI to easily organize and retrieve files stored.
- Getting increased storage is cheaper with Google Drive than with OneDrive.
How to migrate from OneDrive to Google Drive?
Sometimes, users may want to migrate OneDrive data to Google Drive, which includes file transfer from OneDrive to Google Drive. Fortunately, multiple techniques, including manual and automated, help in doing so. Some of the prominent ones are discussed below:
Method 1. Download-Upload method
Download-Upload method is the simplest and straightforward method to migrate OneDrive data to Google Drive. To use this method, you need to have ample storage on your computer and a fast internet connection.
- Login to your OneDrive account, choose the file/folder and click Download.
- After downloading, go to Google Drive and click the New option.
- Click the Folder upload option.
- Select the files or folder to move and click the Upload button.
- A warning message will appear asking you to allow the upload job. Click Upload.
- The upload will start instantly.
- After completing, you can see the files uploaded from OneDrive to Google Drive.
Method 2. Direct sharing
The direct sharing method involves transferring files from OneDrive to Google Drive through a link to another user with any email address.
- Choose the folder and click the Share option.
- In the Send link window on the screen, input the Google Drive account email address. Click the Send option.
- You will get an invitation email to your Gmail account. Click Open button to see the folder’s content.
Method 3. Use the Copy link feature
Another method to transfer OneDrive files to Google Drive is using the Copy Link feature. It allows you to copy OneDrive files to Google Drive directly.
- Choose the folder and click the Copy link option.
- A new link URL will be created to be copied and used in the web browser to open the file.
Method 4. Drag and Drop files from OneDrive to Google Drive
Compared to the other manual processes, this is the most user-friendly and easiest method to transfer files from OneDrive to Google Drive.
- Download the OneDrive desktop application in your system.
- Sign in & synchronize the account with the system’s local drive.
- Open the browser and log in to your Google Drive account.
- Select all the OneDrive data that needs to be moved.
- Simply drag and drop the selected files to Google Drive to migrate OneDrive to Google Drive without hassle.
Limitations of using manual methods to migrate OneDrive to Google Drive
Manual processes bring along a few limitations with them, which include-
- The manual techniques have restrictive usage since only limited data can be transferred.
- Methods like file sharing and creating a shareable link only give access to the file rather than migrating it
- There is no suitable filter to select specific files and exclude unwanted ones.
- The file may become corrupt during the download-upload process if the Internet connection fails.
- It is a time taking process. Transferring a large volume of data can take several days or weeks.
- The downloaded files need to be uploaded in an organized manner to avoid confusion.
- An uninterrupted power supply and stable internet connection are a must.
What are the challenges of OneDrive to Google Drive migration?
Take a look at the challenges discussed below when migrating from OneDrive to Google Drive:
File Compatibility
Files in Microsoft OneDrive are stored in formats such as jpg, png, doc, pdf, xlsx, ppt, etc. However, Google Drive stores files in its own formats of Docs, Sheets, and Slides. File migration can impact file formatting, resulting in compatibility and accessibility issues.
Access Management
OneDrive and Google Drive use different approaches to access files. Permissions configured for OneDrive files may not transfer directly to Google Drive, which makes it crucial to map user permissions correctly.
File Organization
The organization of files and folders in OneDrive is not the same as in Google Drive. If the folder structure is not properly planned before migration, users will face issues in locating their files after migration.
Version History
Version history, time stamp, and other file metadata often fail to transfer during the cloud storage migration. Start the process with a clear planning on how to preserve the files and folders metadata after the transfer.
File Duplication
OneDrive often accumulates several duplicate and unused files and migrating these without a proper cleanup can increase storage consumption and make the migration more time-consuming.
Use an automated solution for secure OneDrive to Google Drive migration
To overcome the limitations of manual methods and to efficiently transfer files from OneDrive to Google Drive, use Kernel Migration for SharePoint. This SharePoint Migration tool allows you to select desired data from OneDrive for Business and then migrate it directly to Google Drive.
- The software’s user interface is simple and interactive for all users.
- Allow applying filters for selective migration of files.
- Migrate permissions along with the other files and documents.
- Easily schedule the migration at your convenient time.
- Migrate OneDrive to Google Drive with no file size or data volume limitations.
After migration, the software will give a complete OneDrive to Google Drive migration report. Apart from migration, you can also try to sync Google Drive to OneDrive. Having your data in more than one cloud platform ensures greater data availability and recovery. The advanced security mechanism of cloud storage also helps & serves as a backup solution against ransomware attacks.
Conclusion
Moving data from OneDrive to Google Drive allows you to have smooth access to your data even if Microsoft OneDrive is not working. This article explained the reasons and methods to transfer files from OneDrive to Google Drive. However, the manual workarounds are not completely reliable. For secure, easy & fast data migration, we recommend Kernel Migration SharePoint that not just migrates OneDrive to Google Drive but even supports SharePoint migration across different tenants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ans: No. None of your files will be deleted during or after the migration unless you delete them manually from the source.
Ans: Yes, even after you migrate OneDrive data to Google Drive, you can continue to use both platforms. You can also decommission OneDrive after migration, if required.
