Google Drive to OneDrive: 3 Proven Ways to Transfer Your Files

Discover the most effective methods to move your data from Google Drive to OneDrive. This guide covers three essential strategies: Google Takeout, Rclone, and CloudsLinker—each designed for different user needs.

Introduction

Migrating files between cloud services has become a common task for individuals and organizations alike. Whether you're consolidating platforms or transitioning to Microsoft 365, transferring data from Google Drive to OneDrive can seem daunting without the right tools. In this guide, we introduce three distinct methods to simplify the process—ranging from Google’s native export tool, to command-line solutions for advanced users, to smart online platforms that run in the cloud. Each method has its own advantages depending on your technical experience, file volume, and preferred workflow. Read on to find the method that fits your needs and move your data with confidence.

Method One: Google Takeout
Method Two: Rclone Command‑line Sync
Method Three: CloudsLinker Online Tool
Comparison & Tips
Step‑by‑Step Video Tutorial
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is OneDrive?

OneDrive is Microsoft's cloud storage platform, seamlessly integrated with Microsoft 365. It provides advanced features like large‑file support, strong collaboration tools, enhanced AI search, and mobile import for Google Drive and Photos :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.

What is Google Drive?

Google Drive is Google’s versatile cloud storage system, offering real‑time collaboration via Docs, Sheets, and Slides. It allows seamless sharing, versioning, and web/mobile access—perfect for both personal and business users.

Switching from Google Drive to OneDrive: Practical Reasons & Strategic Benefits

Moving from Google Drive to OneDrive has become increasingly common, especially for users who are integrating more deeply into the Microsoft ecosystem. Here are some of the key reasons driving this transition:

Seamless Microsoft 365 Integration: OneDrive offers native integration with Office apps like Word, Excel, and Teams, enabling real-time collaboration and easier document workflows across desktop and cloud environments.
Advanced File Sharing and Permissions: OneDrive allows granular file access controls, including expiring links, view/edit toggles, and real-time tracking, which enhance security and collaboration in professional environments.
Enterprise-Grade Security: With features like ransomware detection, file version history, and Microsoft Defender integration, OneDrive delivers strong protection for sensitive data. Learn more on OneDrive Security.
AI-Powered File Search: Leveraging Microsoft Search and Copilot AI, OneDrive provides faster, more accurate file retrieval, especially in large cloud directories.
Mobile App Superiority: OneDrive's mobile app supports automatic photo backup, PDF scanning, and direct file sharing, making it more versatile than Google Drive in mobile-first workflows.

These advantages make OneDrive an ideal solution for users who rely on Microsoft tools, need enterprise-grade security, or want better control over file sharing and collaboration. In the next sections, we’ll explore the best ways to migrate from Google Drive to OneDrive efficiently and securely.

Method One: Manual Transfer via Google Takeout

Step 1: Export Google Drive Data Using Takeout

Start by visiting Google Takeout, Google's official data export service. Select only Google Drive as the data source. Click All Drive data included to choose specific folders if needed. Once confirmed, select OneDrive as the delivery destination and proceed with account authorization.

Step 2: Authorize OneDrive & Start Export

Google will redirect you to authorize access to your OneDrive account. Once permissions are granted, Takeout will begin exporting your selected files. Large files over 2 GB will be split into multiple ZIP archives. Depending on file size, the process may take some time.

Step 3: Access and Organize Files in OneDrive

Once the export is complete, you’ll receive an email with a link to the shared ZIP file in your OneDrive account. Open the link, move the file to your My files section, and unzip it using your operating system’s built-in tools. Organize your files as needed within OneDrive.

Method Two: Command-Line Transfer with Rclone

Step 1: Install Rclone

Begin by downloading and installing Rclone, a powerful open-source tool that supports direct cloud-to-cloud file transfers. It’s available for macOS, Windows, and Linux. After installation, open your terminal or command prompt.

Step 2: Configure Google Drive and OneDrive Remotes

Run the following command to start the configuration process:

rclone config

Create two remotes—one for Google Drive (e.g., drive) and one for OneDrive (e.g., onedrive). Rclone will guide you through authentication by opening a browser window for authorization.

Make sure to select the appropriate drive type (personal or business) when prompted, and test each remote to verify successful setup.

Step 3: Transfer Files Between Cloud Accounts

Once both remotes are configured, you can initiate the transfer using the following command:

rclone copy drive:/path/to/folder onedrive:/target-folder --progress

This command copies files from your Google Drive folder to your OneDrive folder while showing real-time progress. You can also use --filter to include or exclude specific file types, or --dry-run to preview changes before executing.

Note: Rclone transfers occur directly between cloud services, so your local bandwidth is not used. This makes it ideal for large-scale or automated transfers.

Method Three: Transfer from Google Drive to OneDrive via CloudsLinker

About CloudsLinker:

CloudsLinker is a powerful online tool that supports seamless file transfer across over 40+ cloud storage platforms including Google Drive and OneDrive. It operates entirely in the cloud—no downloads or installations required. Using secure OAuth 2.0 authentication, CloudsLinker ensures that your files are transferred safely, without consuming local bandwidth or system resources.

Step 1: Connect Google Drive to CloudsLinker

Visit CloudsLinker and click Add Cloud. Choose Google Drive and follow the OAuth 2.0 authentication process by logging into your Google account. Once authorized, your Google Drive will be listed and ready for use in the transfer panel.

Step 2: Add OneDrive Account

Repeat the same process for OneDrive. Click Add Cloud, select OneDrive, and sign in using Microsoft’s OAuth 2.0 flow. After authorization, your OneDrive account will be available for selection as a destination cloud.

Step 3: Configure Your Transfer Task

Go to the Transfer tab. Select the source folder from Google Drive and choose a destination folder in OneDrive. You can also create a new target folder within OneDrive directly from the interface. CloudsLinker supports advanced options like file type filters, size limits, and duplication rules to give you full control.

Want automation? You can set up scheduled transfers—daily, weekly, or monthly. This is perfect for users managing recurring data sync between Google Drive and OneDrive.

Step 4: Start and Monitor the Transfer

Once all settings are in place, click Transfer to begin. You can monitor the process in the Task tab, where progress bars and status indicators show real-time updates. If a task fails, CloudsLinker will retry automatically and notify you via email if enabled.

Step 5: Confirm Transfer Completion

After the task is marked as Completed, log in to your OneDrive account and navigate to the target folder to verify the files. You’ll find all selected Google Drive content successfully transferred. CloudsLinker ensures data integrity during migration, and no local disk space or bandwidth is used.

Comparative Overview of Transfer Methods

Method	Advantages	Disadvantages
Google Takeout	Official tool by Google; supports direct export to OneDrive; no software required.	No real-time sync; slow for large data; ZIP splitting for files over 2GB.
Desktop Sync Clients	Full control via file explorer; ideal for ongoing backup and large file transfer.	Consumes local disk space; sync setup required; depends on system performance.
Rclone	Fast, scriptable, and precise; suitable for automation and advanced workflows.	Command-line tool; steep learning curve for beginners.
CloudsLinker	No download needed; real-time cloud-to-cloud transfer with filtering and scheduling.	Requires internet access and account authorization; third-party dependency.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

A1: Yes, all methods listed use secure OAuth 2.0 authorization or local encryption. Rclone supports encrypted remotes, and CloudsLinker never stores your data—transfers happen directly between clouds.

A2: It depends on file size and method. Google Takeout can take hours for full exports. Rclone and CloudsLinker offer faster transfers, especially for incremental updates or folder-specific tasks.

A3: Rclone offers unmatched flexibility with command-line flags for include/exclude rules. CloudsLinker also provides a GUI-based filter system to choose file types and sizes.

A4: Desktop sync clients handle large files reliably if you have enough local space. For cloud-only solutions, CloudsLinker handles large datasets efficiently without stressing your local network.

A5: CloudsLinker is best for beginners—it requires no setup, offers a visual interface, and handles everything in the cloud. Google Takeout is also straightforward but less dynamic.

Watch Our Step-by-Step Video Tutorial

See how to transfer files from Google Drive to OneDrive using CloudsLinker, Rclone, and more. Our video guide walks you through each method in a clear and simple way. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, you'll find the best solution to fit your needs.

Conclusion

Each method offers unique strengths: Google Takeout is great for archival or one-time moves; Rclone is perfect for tech-savvy users needing flexibility and precision; CloudsLinker offers the easiest and most efficient experience for day-to-day users. Choose the method that fits your comfort level and data volume. For a hands-off, fast, and reliable solution, CloudsLinker is highly recommended.

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