How to Copy OneDrive Files to Another OneDrive Account: Your Complete Guide

 Copying OneDrive files to another OneDrive account is a common need, whether you’re switching jobs, consolidating storage, or creating backups to protect against data loss. With more people relying on cloud storage for work and personal use, knowing how to move files safely and efficiently is essential. According to Microsoft, over 250 million people use OneDrive worldwide, underlining just how important it is to manage your files with confidence.

This guide covers the most reliable ways to copy OneDrive files to another OneDrive account, including manual methods, PowerShell scripts, and automated tools. We’ll also discuss the best practices for OneDrive for Business users and highlight key considerations. Let’s get started and find the method that works best for your needs.

Why Copy OneDrive Files to Another OneDrive Account?

People copy OneDrive files to another OneDrive account for several reasons:

  • Switching accounts: Moving from a personal to a business account, or vice versa.
  • Merging storage: Consolidating files from multiple accounts.
  • Backup: Creating a duplicate set of files to prevent data loss from accidental deletion, ransomware, or account issues.
  • Collaboration: Sharing entire folders or projects with a new team or organization.

A recent survey found that 60% of cloud storage users have more than one account, and nearly half have transferred files between accounts at least once. That’s why understanding the available methods is so valuable.

Manual Methods to Copy OneDrive Files to Another OneDrive Account

There are several manual approaches you can use, each with its own pros and cons. Let’s break down the most popular options.

Download and Upload Method

This is the most straightforward way to copy OneDrive files to another OneDrive account:

  1. Sign in to your source OneDrive account.
  2. Select the files or folders you want to move.
  3. Click “Download” to save them to your computer.
  4. Sign in to your destination OneDrive account.
  5. Upload the files or folders from your computer to the new account.

Pros:

  • No special tools required.
  • Works for both personal and business accounts.

Cons:

  • Time-consuming for large files or many folders.
  • Uses local storage and bandwidth.
  • File metadata (like creation dates) might not be preserved.

Tip: If you’re moving only a few files, this method is quick and easy. For larger migrations, you might want to consider other options.

Drag and Drop Between Accounts

If you prefer a visual approach, you can open both OneDrive accounts in separate browser windows side by side:

  1. Log in to the first OneDrive account in one browser.
  2. Log in to the second OneDrive account in another browser.
  3. Select files/folders in the source account.
  4. Drag and drop them into the destination account’s folder.

This method is simple but may not work for very large transfers or if your browser limits file operations.

Using the OneDrive Desktop App

The OneDrive desktop app allows you to manage multiple OneDrive accounts on your computer:

  1. Install the OneDrive app and sign in with your first account.
  2. Add a second business account via OneDrive settings (note: only one personal account is supported, but up to nine business accounts can be added).
  3. Open both OneDrive folders in File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac).
  4. Copy and paste or drag and drop files between the folders.

Advantages:

  • Transfers files directly between accounts.
  • Maintains folder structure.

Limitations:

  • Uses local disk space and network bandwidth.
  • Not suitable for very large migrations unless you have ample storage and a fast connection.

Sharing Files or Folders

OneDrive’s sharing feature lets you move files between accounts without downloading:

  1. Sign in to your source OneDrive account.
  2. Select files or folders and click “Share.”
  3. Enter the email address of your other OneDrive account.
  4. Send the invitation and accept it from the destination account.
  5. Add shared files to your OneDrive by clicking “Add to my OneDrive”.

Benefits:

  • No need to download or upload files.
  • Great for collaboration.

Drawbacks:

  • Shared files remain linked to the original account unless you copy them to your new account.

Copy OneDrive Files to Another OneDrive Account PowerShell

For advanced users or IT admins, PowerShell provides a way to automate the process, especially when dealing with OneDrive for Business accounts.

PowerShell Script Example

Here’s a basic outline of how you can use PowerShell to copy OneDrive files to another OneDrive account:

$departinguser = Read-Host “Enter departing user’s email”
$destinationuser = Read-Host “Enter destination user’s email”
$globaladmin = Read-Host “Provide the username of Global Admin account”
$credentials = Get-Credential -Credential $globaladmin
Connect-MsolService -Credential $credentials
$InitialDomain = Get-MsolDomain | Where-Object {$_.IsInitial -eq $true}

This script connects to Microsoft Online Services and prepares the environment for file transfer.

Note: You’ll need admin rights and the appropriate permissions to run these commands. PowerShell is best suited for organizations migrating multiple accounts or handling large volumes of data.

Statistic: According to Microsoft, automated migrations can reduce transfer time by up to 60% compared to manual methods.

Move OneDrive for Business Files to Another OneDrive Account

Business users often need to move files between accounts due to employee turnover, mergers, or organizational changes. Here are the most reliable ways to move OneDrive for Business files to another account:

Using the OneDrive App for Business

  • Install the OneDrive app and sign in with your business account.
  • Add another business account via settings.
  • Open both OneDrive folders and drag files from one to the other.

Sharing Files Between Business Accounts

  • Share files or folders from one account to another using the “Share” feature.
  • Accept the share from the destination account and add the files to your OneDrive.

Automated Tools for Copying OneDrive Files

If you want a hassle-free experience, automated tools are the way to go. For those looking to copy OneDrive files to another OneDrive account, the SysTools OneDrive for Business Migration Tool stands out as a robust and reliable solution.

It is designed to simplify and secure the process of transferring files between OneDrive accounts. Whether you're moving photos, audio, videos, documents, or PDFs, this tool can handle all types of files with ease.

Key Features:

  • Bulk Migration: Move data from multiple OneDrive for Business accounts simultaneously, making it ideal for organizations or users with several accounts.
  • No Need for User Credentials: After a simple application registration in Azure AD and assigning the necessary API permissions, you only need to provide the Microsoft 365 Admin ID and Application ID. The tool fetches and migrates accounts automatically, saving time and reducing manual effort.
  • Selective Migration: Use date-range filters to migrate only the data you need, which is perfect for cleaning up or archiving specific periods.
  • Migrate Permissions: The tool transfers not just files but also their permissions, ensuring that document access remains intact after migration.
  • Pause and Resume: You can stop the migration process at any time and resume it later, providing flexibility during large transfers or if you need to pause for any reason.
  • Concurrent Migration: Perform migrations in batches, speeding up the process for organizations with many users.
  • Detailed Reporting: Track real-time progress with a live dashboard and export detailed or summary reports for auditing and compliance.
  • Large File Support: Move files larger than 250MB, which is often a limitation in manual transfers.
  • User-Friendly Interface: The software is designed for both IT admins and individual users, with a straightforward setup and migration process.

How It Works:

  1. Download and Install the Software on your PC.
  2. Enable Document and Apply Date Filter.
  3. Enter Admin Details & Validate the Permissions.
  4. Create Mapping and Select Users Accounts.
  5. Set Priority and Start Migration.

Example: A mid-sized company recently used SysTools to migrate over 500 user accounts in under a day, maintaining all file permissions and folder structures. The IT manager praised the tool for its reliability and the ability to pause and resume migration without data loss.

Why Choose SysTools?

  • Secure and efficient for both small and large migrations.
  • Trusted by thousands of organizations worldwide.
  • 24/7 customer support and comprehensive documentation

Tips for a Smooth Transfer

  • Check storage: Make sure your destination account has enough space.
  • Organize files: Clean up and organize files before transferring for easier management.
  • Test with a few files: Try the process with a small batch before moving everything.
  • Monitor progress: Automated tools often provide logs or notifications.
  • Backup important data: Always keep a backup until you confirm the transfer is complete.

Best Practices for Businesses

If you’re an IT admin or managing multiple accounts, consider these best practices:

  • Use PowerShell or migration tools for bulk transfers.
  • Automate repetitive tasks to save time and reduce errors.
  • Communicate with users about planned migrations to avoid confusion.
  • Document the process for future reference.

Conclusion

Copying OneDrive files to another OneDrive account is simple and secure when you use the right tools. The SysTools Cloud Migration Tool makes the process fast, reliable, and suitable for both individuals and organizations.

With features like bulk migration, permission transfer, and real-time progress tracking, it takes the hassle out of moving your files. Whether you’re managing a few documents or hundreds of accounts, SysTools ensures your data stays safe and organized throughout the migration.

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