Proton Drive to SharePoint: Two Straightforward Ways to Move Your Files

Moving files from Proton Drive to Microsoft SharePoint can be trickier than it looks, especially when encryption, storage limits, and large folders are involved. This guide focuses on two practical approaches: a traditional manual download-and-upload workflow, and a cloud-based transfer using CloudsLinker that avoids local handling altogether.

Introduction

Proton Drive and Microsoft SharePoint are built with very different goals in mind. Proton Drive emphasizes privacy and encrypted storage, while SharePoint is designed for collaboration inside the Microsoft 365 ecosystem. When users need to bring files from a private Proton Drive space into SharePoint—whether for teamwork, long-term archiving, or company-wide access—there’s no built-in transfer option between the two. As a result, most people rely on one of two paths. The first is a manual approach: downloading files from [Proton Drive](https://proton.me/drive) and uploading them into [SharePoint](https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/sharepoint/collaboration) through a browser or desktop sync client. The second approach skips local storage entirely by using a cloud-to-cloud service such as [CloudsLinker](https://www.cloudslinker.com), which handles the transfer online. In this article, we’ll walk through both methods and explain when each one makes the most sense.

Method 1: Download from Proton Drive and Upload Manually
Method 2: Transfer Online with CloudsLinker
Comparison of the Two Methods
Things to Consider Before Transferring
FAQ

What is Proton Drive?

Proton Drive is a privacy-focused cloud storage service developed by Proton, the same company behind Proton Mail. It is designed for users who want strong encryption and control over their data, rather than deep collaboration features. Files stored in Proton Drive are protected with end-to-end encryption, meaning only you can access their contents.

End-to-end encryption: Files are encrypted before they leave your device.
Privacy-first design: Proton cannot read or scan your stored data.
Cross-platform access: Available via web and official desktop apps.
Simple folder structure: Organized like a traditional file system.
Best for personal storage: Less focused on multi-user collaboration.

What is Microsoft SharePoint?

Microsoft SharePoint is a collaboration and document management platform built into Microsoft 365. Unlike personal cloud drives, SharePoint is structured around teams, sites, and document libraries, making it a common choice for organizations that need shared access, permissions, and compliance controls.

Shared workspaces: Files live inside team sites and libraries.
Microsoft 365 ecosystem: Tight integration with Teams, OneDrive, and Office.
Permission management: Control access at site, folder, or file level.
Version tracking: Automatically keeps a history of file changes.
Enterprise-ready: Supports auditing, retention rules, and compliance policies.

Comparison: Proton Drive vs Microsoft SharePoint

Before transferring files from Proton Drive to Microsoft SharePoint, it helps to understand why these two platforms feel so different in day-to-day use. While both store files in the cloud, Proton Drive is built around personal privacy and encryption, whereas SharePoint is designed as a shared workspace for teams operating inside Microsoft 365.

Aspect	Proton Drive	Microsoft SharePoint
Primary Focus	Private, encrypted personal storage	Team-based document management
Storage Model	User-owned folders and files	Sites and document libraries
Collaboration Style	Limited sharing, privacy-first	Multi-user collaboration with permissions
Platform Integration	Works within the Proton ecosystem	Deeply integrated with Microsoft 365 and Teams
Security Approach	End-to-end encryption by default	Enterprise security, auditing, and compliance
Typical Use Case	Personal or sensitive data storage	Organizational file sharing and workflows

In practice, Proton Drive excels at keeping data private and under individual control, while SharePoint shines when files need to be organized, shared, and governed across teams. This difference is exactly why many users eventually need a reliable way to move data between the two.

Before You Start the Transfer

A smooth transfer from Proton Drive to SharePoint starts with a quick review of your existing files. Check how much data you plan to move and whether your folders are already organized in a way that makes sense for a shared environment. What works for private storage doesn’t always translate perfectly to team libraries.

On the SharePoint side, confirm that you have access to the correct site and document library. Upload permissions are typically managed at the site or library level, so it’s worth verifying your role in advance—either through your Microsoft 365 settings or with help from your organization’s administrator.

At this point, you can decide how hands-on you want the transfer to be. Smaller sets of files can be downloaded from Proton Drive and uploaded manually into SharePoint. For larger transfers, or when you don’t want to rely on local storage and a running computer, an online service like CloudsLinker can handle the migration directly between platforms. Spending a little time planning upfront helps avoid permission issues, missing folders, and unnecessary rework later on.

Method 1: Download and Upload Files Manually

Step 1: Download Files from Proton Drive

Begin by opening the Proton Drive web interface and signing in to your account. Browse through your folders and locate the files you plan to move into SharePoint. If you need to select multiple items, use Ctrl on Windows or Command on macOS while clicking.

Once selected, use the download option from the toolbar or context menu. Proton Drive will prepare the files for download, and folders are typically delivered as compressed archives. After the download finishes, extract the contents locally so they’re ready to be uploaded in their original structure.

⬇️ Download files and folders from Proton Drive to your local computer

Step 2: Upload Files to SharePoint

Next, open your organization’s SharePoint site in a browser and sign in with your Microsoft 365 account. Navigate to the document library where you want the files to be stored.

Use the Upload button to add files or folders, or drag and drop them directly into the library window. This is also a good opportunity to adjust folder names or reorganize content so it fits more naturally into a shared, team-based structure.

⬆️ Upload extracted files from your computer into a SharePoint document library

This manual approach works best when you’re moving a limited number of files or performing a one-time transfer. If your Proton Drive contains a large amount of data, or if you prefer not to rely on local storage, a cloud-based solution like CloudsLinker can transfer files directly between platforms without keeping your browser or computer running.

Method 2: Cloud-to-Cloud Transfer with CloudsLinker

Overview: Move Files Without Local Downloads

CloudsLinker runs transfers entirely in the cloud, allowing files to move directly from Proton Drive to Microsoft SharePoint without being downloaded to your computer. Once a task starts, it continues in the background even if you close your browser.

Step 1: Add Proton Drive as the Source

Sign in to app.cloudslinker.com and open the dashboard. Click Add Cloud, locate Proton Drive in the list of supported services, and select it.

To complete the connection, simply enter the email address associated with your Proton account and follow the authorization prompts. No advanced configuration is required. Once added, Proton Drive will appear as an available source inside CloudsLinker.

Step 2: Add SharePoint as the Destination

Next, add Microsoft SharePoint as the destination cloud. When prompted, sign in with your Microsoft 365 account and confirm the SharePoint site you want to use.

If your SharePoint site contains multiple document libraries, CloudsLinker will list them during setup. Select the appropriate library to receive the transferred files.

Add Microsoft SharePoint in CloudsLinker

Step 3: Choose Source and Destination

Open the Transfer section. On the left side, choose your connected Proton Drive and select the files or folders you want to move. On the right side, select your SharePoint library and the target folder.

This step defines exactly where your data comes from and where it will land in SharePoint, giving you a chance to adjust folder placement before the transfer begins.

Select Proton Drive as source and SharePoint as destination

Step 4: Start and Monitor the Transfer

Start the transfer and monitor progress from the task list. CloudsLinker displays real-time status updates, processed files, and any items that require attention. Tasks can be paused or resumed if needed.

After completion, a summary report shows which files were transferred successfully. Your Proton Drive data will now be available in SharePoint, ready for collaboration and sharing.

For users who want to avoid manual downloads and local bandwidth limits, CloudsLinker provides a practical and low-maintenance way to move files from Proton Drive to SharePoint.

Need to Move Files Between Other Cloud Services?

In addition to SharePoint, CloudsLinker supports cloud-to-cloud transfers involving OneDrive, MEGA, Box, WebDAV, and more. All tasks run online, so your computer doesn’t need to stay connected.

Comparing Two Ways to Transfer Files from Proton Drive to SharePoint

When moving files from Proton Drive to Microsoft SharePoint, there isn’t a single approach that works best for everyone. The right choice mainly depends on how much data you’re transferring, whether you want hands-on control, and how much time you’re willing to spend managing the process. The table below compares the two most common and practical options.

Method	Ease of Use	Transfer Speed	Best Suited For	Uses Local Bandwidth	Technical Skill
Manual Download & Upload	★★★★★	★★★☆☆	Small or one-time transfers	Yes	Beginner
CloudsLinker (Cloud-to-Cloud)	★★★★★	★★★★★	Large folders or unattended transfers	No	Beginner

If you’re only moving a few files and want full visibility at every step, manually downloading from Proton Drive and uploading to SharePoint is often enough. However, as file counts grow or transfer time becomes a concern, a cloud-based option like CloudsLinker can significantly reduce effort by handling the transfer online without relying on your local network or keeping your browser open.

Key Tips Before Transferring Files from Proton Drive to SharePoint

Moving data from Proton Drive to Microsoft SharePoint is usually straightforward, but a few checks beforehand can prevent common issues—especially when dealing with encrypted files, large folders, or shared team libraries.

Confirm File Accessibility: Files stored in Proton Drive must be fully accessible before transfer. When using manual downloads, make sure all selected files are available locally before uploading them into SharePoint.
Plan Your SharePoint Structure: SharePoint organizes content by sites and document libraries rather than personal folders. Decide where files should live ahead of time to avoid reorganizing content after the migration.
Account for Network Constraints: Manual uploads rely on your local internet connection. For large transfers or unstable networks, a cloud-based option like CloudsLinker helps reduce interruptions by running transfers entirely online.
Review File Size Limits: SharePoint supports individual files up to 250 GB, though limits may vary by tenant configuration. Large archives should be checked in advance to avoid failed uploads.
Verify Permissions Early: Ensure your Microsoft 365 account has write access to the target SharePoint site and document library before starting the transfer.
Think Beyond One-Time Moves: If you expect to transfer large volumes of data or repeat the process later, look for features like retry handling, progress reports, and unattended execution.

A small amount of preparation can significantly improve the outcome of a Proton Drive to SharePoint migration. Understanding SharePoint’s structure and choosing the right transfer method helps keep files organized, accessible, and ready for collaboration.

Proton Drive to SharePoint Migration FAQ

This usually happens when files were not fully accessible during the transfer. For manual methods, ensure all files are completely downloaded before uploading them into SharePoint.

CloudsLinker uses Microsoft’s official OAuth authorization flow. You sign in with your Microsoft 365 account, and no SharePoint passwords are stored or exposed during the process.

During setup, you can select which document library should be used as the destination. Once chosen, that library will receive all transferred files.

Yes. When using CloudsLinker, the transfer runs entirely in the cloud, so your computer does not need to stay connected.

For large datasets, cloud-to-cloud transfers are typically the fastest option. Tools like CloudsLinker move data directly between Proton Drive and SharePoint servers, avoiding local network bottlenecks.

Conclusion

Transferring data from Proton Drive to SharePoint doesn’t require complex tooling if your needs are simple. Manual downloading and uploading remains a workable option for small batches of files or one-time moves, though it can be slow and dependent on your local network and storage. For larger transfers, or for users who prefer not to keep their computer running for hours, a cloud-based solution like CloudsLinker offers a more efficient alternative by moving files directly between platforms. Choosing between these two methods comes down to file size, time constraints, and how much manual effort you’re willing to invest.

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