How to Transfer Files Between Google Drive and OneDrive
Need to move files from Google Drive to OneDrive — or the other way around? Here are all the methods available in 2026, from manual to fully automated cloud-to-cloud transfers.
Why Transfer Files Between Cloud Providers?
There are many reasons you might need to move files between Google Drive and OneDrive. Maybe you're switching from a personal Google account to a corporate Microsoft 365 setup. Perhaps you want to keep backups of important files across multiple providers. Or you might be consolidating files from different accounts into one central location.
Whatever the reason, the process isn't as straightforward as it should be. Google and Microsoft don't offer native tools for cross-platform transfers. But there are several effective methods to get the job done.
Method 1: Manual Download and Upload
The most basic approach is to download files from Google Drive to your computer, then upload them to OneDrive. This works for small transfers but has significant drawbacks:
- Requires enough local storage for the files being transferred
- Upload and download speeds depend on your internet connection
- Time-consuming for large file collections
- Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides need to be converted to Microsoft formats
- Folder structure may not be preserved automatically
Method 2: Desktop Sync Apps
Both Google Drive and OneDrive have desktop applications that sync files to your computer. You can install both apps, then drag files from the Google Drive folder to the OneDrive folder in your file explorer. This preserves folder structure but still requires local storage and takes time for large transfers.
Method 3: Cloud-to-Cloud Transfer (Fastest)
The most efficient method is using a cloud-to-cloud transfer tool like Cloud Aggregator. These tools transfer files directly between cloud servers without routing through your computer. This means:
- No local storage needed — files move directly between servers
- Much faster transfers — server-to-server speeds beat home internet
- Works in the background — no need to keep your computer on
- Preserves file structure — folders and organization are maintained
- Duplicate detection — avoid copying files that already exist at the destination
Step-by-Step: Transfer with Cloud Aggregator
- Sign up for free at cloudaggregatorapp.com
- Connect your Google Drive account using secure OAuth
- Connect your OneDrive account the same way
- Select files from your Google Drive that you want to transfer
- Choose the destination OneDrive account and folder
- Start the transfer — Cloud Aggregator handles the rest
The free plan includes 5 GB of transfer data per month, which is enough for most personal transfers. The Standard plan ($9.99/month) offers 100 GB of transfers for heavier workloads.
Comparison Table
| Method | Speed | Local Storage | Ease of Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manual download/upload | Slow | Required | Easy |
| Desktop sync apps | Medium | Required | Medium |
| Cloud Aggregator | Fast | Not needed | Very easy |
Conclusion
For small, one-time transfers, the manual method works fine. For regular transfers or large file collections, a cloud-to-cloud tool saves significant time and effort. Cloud Aggregator supports Google Drive, OneDrive, and Dropbox, making it a versatile choice for anyone who uses multiple cloud storage providers.
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