Do you want to change cloud storage providers or just bring all your files together under one roof? Transferring files from Dropbox to OneDrive might look like a chore, but it's rather easy if you do it the right way. Whether you need more space on Dropbox or like OneDrive better, this guide will walk you through the process of transferring all your files with ease. Let's get going and find out how to make the switch!
Step 1: Get Your Dropbox and OneDrive Accounts Ready
Before proceeding to the transfer process, you need to have an account for Dropbox and OneDrive. In case you do not have an account with OneDrive, register on onedrive.com. Now, ready yourself by signing into both platforms so you can retrieve your files.
Dropbox: Visit the Dropbox website or use the Dropbox desktop application to access your files.
OneDrive: Sign into OneDrive with your Microsoft account.
Step 2: Download Dropbox Files
Launch your Dropbox account via a web browser or through the desktop application.
Go to the folder or files you want to transfer.
Click on the checkbox to the left of the files you want to move. You can select whole folders for bulk choice or click on multiple files simultaneously.
Once you've chosen the files, click on the Download button. Dropbox will zip the files into a ZIP folder if you're downloading a folder or multiple files.
Save the ZIP file to your computer. Make sure to remember where you're saving it so that you can find it easily later.
Step 3: Unzip the Files (If Needed)
If you’ve downloaded a ZIP file containing your Dropbox files, you’ll need to unzip it before uploading them to OneDrive.
Find the ZIP file on your computer.
Right-click on the file and click Extract All (Windows) or Open With > Archive Utility (Mac).
Select the destination folder for the extracted files, and press Extract.
Step 4: Upload Files to OneDrive
With your files organized and prepared, you can now upload them into OneDrive.
Open the browser or use the desktop app for your OneDrive account.
Access the OneDrive folder in which you will upload your files. If you'd like, create a new folder to better categorize.
On the OneDrive screen, tap the Upload button (usually denoted by an arrow pointing upward or "Upload Files" tab).
Choose the files (or whole folder) you need to upload on your computer.
OneDrive will start uploading the files. It will take the time based on the combined size of the files and your speed of internet. For big files, it would be better if you upload them in batches.
Step 5: Verify File Transfer
After uploading your files, confirm that everything is successfully transferred by accessing your OneDrive account. Check the folder names, file names, and sizes to confirm that everything has been successfully transferred.
Step 6: Delete Files from Dropbox (Optional)
You can delete the files from Dropbox once you have successfully transferred your files to OneDrive to reclaim storage space. To delete:
Choose the Dropbox files or folders you would like to erase.
Press the Delete button to delete them from your Dropbox storage.
Keep in mind that should you ever have to restore an erased file, Dropbox offers a 30-day period to undelete deleted content.
Alternative Approach: Utilize Cloud Transfer Tools
For others who want an automated approach, third-party utilities such as Easy Cloud Manager, Cloudsfer, MultCloud, or Mover.io can help transfer files directly from Dropbox to OneDrive without having to download them onto your local system. These tools allow for easy file transfer between various cloud platforms, streamlining the process for large-scale migrations.
Tips for a Seamless Transfer
Verify Storage Space: Prior to beginning the transfer, make sure that your OneDrive account has sufficient space for all your files. OneDrive provides 5 GB of free storage, with more storage provided by Microsoft 365 subscriptions.
Organize Files Prior to Migration: Use the time to reorganize your files in Dropbox into proper folders prior to moving them. This will ensure things remain organized in OneDrive.
Use a Trustworthy Internet Connection: Uploading huge files can be time-consuming, particularly if you are dealing with lots of gigabytes of data. A solid internet connection helps to maintain seamless file upload and download operations.
Through this guide, it is possible to switch between cloud platforms smoothly while maintaining security for your files and keeping them well-arranged. It's also wise to clean up your OneDrive from unused, large, duplicate, and old files of no use using the MultCleaner Web app.
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