Introduction
Migrating data from OneDrive to Google Drive is the process of securely transferring files between Microsoft’s and Google’s cloud storage platforms. Businesses and individuals may switch due to pricing considerations, or integration with preferred productivity tools.
This guide provides a step-by-step process to ensure a smooth, secure, and efficient migration from OneDrive to Google Drive while maintaining file integrity and accessibility.
What Does “OneDrive to Google Drive Migration” Look Like?
OneDrive is Microsoft’s cloud storage service, deeply integrated with Microsoft 365 tools like Word, Excel, and Teams. Whereas, Google Drive is Google’s counterpart, which offers integration with shared Google Workspace apps like Docs, Sheets, and Meet.
Why are Organizations Migrating from OneDrive to Google Drive?
1. Collaboration & Productivity
OneDrive offers real-time collaboration through Microsoft 365 apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Whereas, Google Drive integrates well with Google Workspace apps (Docs, Sheets, Slides), offering real-time collaboration features beneficial for remote and hybrid teams.
2. Cost & Storage Considerations
Google Drive offers free 15GB storage per account, while OneDrive’s free plan provides 5GB within its basic plan. Google Workspace provides various pricing models based on storage and business needs.
3. Cross-Platform Compatibility
Google Drive is widely used across different operating systems, especially in education and startups. Meanwhile, OneDrive excels with its integration on Windows.
Prerequisites: What Should You Know Before Starting the Migration?
Access Credentials
- Ensure you have admin or owner rights for both Global Admin for OneDrive for Business and Google Drive accounts.
Check Storage Availability
- Confirm your Google Drive account has enough storage for the migration.
Choose the Right Migration Tool
Select a migration tool that supports secure and efficient data transfers from OneDrive to Google Drive.
Why Cloudsfer?
Cloudsfer is a trusted cloud migration tool that supports OneDrive to Google Drive transfers. Its benefits include:
- A user-friendly interface.
- Advanced security features.
- Customizable filters for data selection.
- Efficient and secure migration processes.
Step-by-Step Migration Process
Step 1: Assess Data Volume in OneDrive
View Storage Metrics
- Log in to your OneDrive account.
- Click on the gear icon and select “Settings.” Navigate to the “Storage” section to view total storage usage.
- Determine large files or unnecessary data for cleanup before migration.
Step 2: Configure Google Drive
- Set Up Folder Structure:
Organize your Google Drive folders to match your OneDrive structure for easier navigation.
- Check Storage Availability:
Ensure your Google Drive account has enough space for the transferred data.
- Assign Permissions:
If using a business account, set up sharing permissions for team members.
Step 3: Set Up Cloudsfer as the Migration Tool
1. Connect OneDrive
- Log in to Cloudsfer.
- Authenticate OneDrive as the ‘Source’.
2. Connect Google Drive
- Inside Cloudsfer, select Google Drive as the migration ‘Target’.
- Authorize access to your Google Drive account.
3. Select Data to Migrate
- Use Cloudsfer’s interface to choose which files and folders to transfer.
- Apply filters such as file type, size, or date range to migrate only necessary data.
Step 4: Start the Migration
- Initiate the Migration Process
Start the migration using the tool’s dashboard with a few simple clicks.
- Monitor Progress
Track the migration status through progress indicators and logs.
- Handle Errors
If any issues occur, the tool will provide error logs for troubleshooting.
Step 5: Verify Migration
- Validate Data Integrity:
After completing the migration, log in to Google Drive to confirm all files and folders have been transferred successfully.
- Test Functionality:
Open and review files in Google Drive to ensure they function correctly.
- Check Permissions:
Verify that sharing settings and permissions are correctly applied to maintain security and collaboration.
