How to Migrate from Google Drive to OneDrive?

Introduction
Why Migrate from Google Drive to OneDrive?
What Are the Different Google Drive to OneDrive Migration Methods?
Apps4Rent Can Help with Google Drive to OneDrive Migration
FAQs on Transferring/Moving Files from Google Drive to OneDrive

In an earlier comparison between OneDrive vs Google Drive, we noted that while Google Drive has more options, OneDrive for Business offers a better value proposition especially when it is a part of the Office 365/ Microsoft 365 suite. The familiarity of applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint that can be accessed within OneDrive for Business coupled with enterprise-grade security features often makes the Microsoft product the preferred solution, especially among larger businesses. It is common for individuals and smaller businesses to start with Google Drive that comes free with their Gmail mailbox. However, as your business begins to thrive, it is important to know how to perform Google Drive to OneDrive Migration to take advantage of the superior capabilities on OneDrive for Business.

In this blog post, we will explore how to migrate files from Google Drive to OneDrive. We will cover the reasons why you should consider this migration, as well as the methods you can take to switch files from Google Drive to OneDrive.

Why Migrate from Google Drive to OneDrive?

While you can use either Google Drive or OneDrive or a combination of both for personal use that involves smaller volumes of data that can be handled in the free accounts, organizations are often constrained to use one cloud storage solution. Let us look at the reasons to migrate from Google Drive to OneDrive for Business.

If your organization uses Windows 10 devices, features such as OneDrive Files On-Demand can help you optimize the use of local disk space.
Additionally, OneDrive for Business is tightly integrated with other Microsoft 365/ Office 365 applications and services such as Microsoft Teams, Yammer, SharePoint, and Exchange Online that simplifies collaboration.
If your users need to store many images, OneDrive for Business might be a better option as images are stored as regular files that can be found in the Pictures/Camera Uploads folder, unlike Google Drive on which they are available only online with Google Photos.

These are some reasons why users switch from Google Drive to OneDrive. Now, In the next section, we will discuss the different methods to transfer files from Google Drive to OneDrive.

What Are the Different Google Drive to OneDrive Migration Methods?

As popular cloud storage solutions, there are both native and third-party solutions for Google Drive to OneDrive migration. Let us explore the different methods available for the migration.

Native G Suite Drive to OneDrive for Business Migration

Microsoft provides a native solution for migrating files from Google Drive to OneDrive for Business.

Sign into your Google account and choose Drive from Google apps.
Download the documents from Google Drive and save the compressed .zip file locally.
Launch the OneDrive application and use your official Microsoft account credentials to sign in.
Import the files on your desktop into OneDrive for Business.

While this is the simplest method to import files from Google Drive into OneDrive, it is not very efficient. This process has to be performed at the user-level and can become cumbersome for large migrations.

Extensions for Moving Google Drive Files to OneDrive

Web-based extensions are a better alternative to the native migration method provided by Microsoft for Google Drive to OneDrive migration. These tools can synchronize the contents of Google Drive with OneDrive. While many of these web-based tools are available as browser extensions, they can also work in the background without having the browser open. They can directly transfer the contents without requiring users to import .zip file contents into OneDrive for Business. Additionally, some of these extensions might even be able to schedule Google Drive to OneDrive synchronization.

As with the native method, extensions also work at the user-level. Additionally, these extensions might not be compatible with all browsers, devices, and operating systems.

Tools for Google Drive to OneDrive Migration

Unlike the built-in method or extensions, migration tools generally offer a more robust and centralized method for moving files from Google Drive to OneDrive. Generally, the tools that are used for Google Workspace to Office 365 migration will be able to migrate contents from Google Drive to OneDrive. Using tools for migration can have the following advantages.

Admins can move the contents for all users in the organization.
Contents from other apps and services such as Gmail can also be moved to Office 365/ Microsoft 36.
Tools can be configured to minimize the effects of Office 365 throttling and reduce the chances of errors and failures.
Admins can generate detailed reports on errors, warnings, and other vital information.
The migration process itself would become faster and more efficient.

Apps4Rent Can Help with Google Drive to OneDrive Migration

While you can automate many tasks while migrating files from Google Drive to OneDrive to increase the efficacy of the process, you need to remember some important factors while performing these migrations. Google Drive and OneDrive use different file formats, permission models, and naming conventions that could make the migration a challenging task without expertise. As a Tier 1 Microsoft CSP, Apps4Rent engineers have performed thousands of migrations to Office 365/ Microsoft 365 from G Suite and similar solutions. Contact our specialists available 24/7 via phone, chat, or email for Microsoft 365/ Office 365 plans and migration assistance.

Contact now to get assistance with Google Drive to OneDrive migration

FAQs on Transferring/Moving Files from Google Drive to OneDrive

How long does it typically take to move/ transfer files from Google Drive to OneDrive?

Transfer times can vary depending on factors such as file size, internet speed, and the chosen method. Generally, smaller transfers are quicker, while larger ones may take more time.

What’s the easiest method for transferring files from Google Drive to Microsoft 365/OneDrive?

Utilizing migration tools specifically designed for this purpose is the simplest way. In cases where these tools aren’t available or if any issues arise during the transfer, seeking assistance from experts can ensure a smooth transition.

Is it possible to merge Google Drive and OneDrive?

Google Drive and OneDrive cannot be merged directly. However, you can transfer data from Google Drive to OneDrive using various methods explained in this article.

How can files be moved from Google Drive to OneDrive without disrupting access?

To seamlessly move files from Google Drive to OneDrive without disruption, Apps4Rent employs secure tools and systems, ensuring uninterrupted access during the transfer.

Can the migration process be paused?

The ability to pause the migration process depends on the method or tool being used. For instance, Some tools may allow pausing migrations, while manual methods typically do not offer this flexibility.

Does the Google Drive to OneDrive migration support and service transfer of Google Forms to another OneDrive account?

Yes, the Google Drive to OneDrive Migration service facilitates the migration of Google Forms, along with Google Docs and Google Sheets, to a OneDrive account seamlessly.

How can I transfer Google Drive folders to OneDrive while maintaining the folder structure?

Apps4Rent ensures seamless migration of Google Drive folders to OneDrive while maintaining the entire folder structure and user account hierarchy intact.

Will data undergo any alterations during the G Drive to OneDrive Migration for business?

No, there is no data loss during the export process, and the folder hierarchy remains intact in the output format when migrating data from Google Drive to OneDrive.

Is it possible to maintain the file and folder structure when transferring data between cloud services?

We make sure your file and folder structure remain intact when transferring data from Google Drive to OneDrive.

Are there any built-in options to transfer files directly from Google Drive to OneDrive?

Google and Microsoft do not provide built-in options for direct file transfers between Google Drive and OneDrive. You need to use manual methods or seek expert assistance for seamless file transfer from Google Drive to OneDrive.