How to Move Files Between Dropbox and OneDrive Safely
Question details
The user needs a reliable method to transfer files between Dropbox and OneDrive cloud storage accounts without losing data.
- Product
- Dropbox, OneDrive
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Migrating or synchronizing files between two different cloud storage platforms using desktop folders.
- Observed behavior
- Files can be transferred using File Explorer, but some unsupported or large media files (like FLV formats) may fail to sync properly, risking data loss.
Ensure that you have installed the desktop client apps for both Dropbox and OneDrive, logged into your accounts, and verified that both folders are visible and fully synced in your computer's File Explorer.
Transfer Files Manually via File Explorer
The most straightforward way to transfer files is by copying them from your local Dropbox folder to your local OneDrive folder.
This method utilizes the native desktop clients of both cloud services. By copying the files locally, the destination client will automatically detect the new files and upload them to the cloud.
Press Windows Key + E to open File Explorer and ensure both your 'Dropbox' and 'OneDrive' folders appear in the left-side navigation pane.
Navigate to the source folder (for example, Dropbox). Select the files or folders you wish to move.
Right-click the selected files and choose 'Copy'. Navigate to your destination 'OneDrive' folder, right-click inside an empty space, and select 'Paste'. Alternatively, you can open two File Explorer windows side-by-side and drag the files across.
Leave your computer connected to the internet. Watch the sync status icons on the files in your OneDrive folder until they display a solid green checkmark, indicating the upload is complete.
Log into your OneDrive account via a web browser to confirm that all files have been successfully uploaded and are accessible.
Manage Your Cloud Documents Easily with WPS Office
While migrating your files between cloud providers, you need a reliable suite to manage and edit your documents. WPS Office is a highly compatible, free, and lightweight Microsoft Office alternative that allows you to seamlessly open, edit, and save files directly to OneDrive, Dropbox, and Google Drive.
- 1. Download and Install: Get the free WPS Office suite from the official website and install it on your device.
- 2. Connect Your Cloud Drives: Open WPS Office, go to the 'Open' menu, and select 'Add Cloud Storage' to securely link your Dropbox or OneDrive accounts.
- 3. Edit and Sync Seamlessly: Open your documents directly from the cloud, make your edits, and hit save to automatically sync changes back to your preferred cloud drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my FLV files fail to transfer to OneDrive?
Some cloud storage services have syncing restrictions on certain media file types, sizes, or excessively long file paths. If FLV files or other large media fail to transfer, try zipping them into an archive (.zip) before pasting them into the OneDrive folder.
Can I move files between Dropbox and OneDrive on a Mac?
Yes. The process is identical on a Mac using Finder. Ensure both the Dropbox and OneDrive Mac desktop clients are installed, then drag and drop files from the Dropbox folder to the OneDrive folder.
Is it better to copy or move files between cloud drives?
It is highly recommended to 'Copy' the files rather than 'Cut' or 'Move' them. Copying leaves the original files intact in Dropbox, acting as a backup in case the OneDrive synchronization process is interrupted or fails for certain unsupported file types.
