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How to Transfer Files and Excel Documents from Lenovo to Mac using OneDrive
Question details
The user wants to migrate files and Excel workbooks from an old Lenovo Windows laptop to a new Mac computer using Microsoft OneDrive.
- Product
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Device & OS
- Lenovo (Windows) and Mac
- Scenario
- Migrating personal data, documents, and spreadsheets from an older Windows PC to a newly purchased Mac system.
- Observed behavior
- The user needs a reliable method to ensure all files, specifically Excel documents, are securely transferred and accessible on the new macOS environment without data loss.
Ensure you have a stable internet connection on both your Lenovo laptop and Mac, and verify that you have enough OneDrive cloud storage available to hold all the files you intend to transfer.
Transfer Files via OneDrive Synchronization
Use your Microsoft account to sync files from your Lenovo laptop to the cloud, then access them on your Mac using OneDrive's Files On-Demand feature.
This is the most efficient method for transferring files if you already use Microsoft services. It requires an active internet connection and sufficient OneDrive storage space.
Open File Explorer on your Lenovo laptop. Locate your files and Excel documents, select them, and drag them into the local OneDrive folder on your PC.
Check the status icons next to your files in the OneDrive folder. Wait until a solid green checkmark appears next to all files, indicating they are fully synced to the cloud.
Open a web browser on your Lenovo or Mac, sign in to OneDrive.com with your Microsoft account, and confirm that all your important folders and Excel files are present.
Download the OneDrive app from the Mac App Store or Microsoft's website. Install the application and sign in using the exact same Microsoft account.
Once set up, open Finder on your Mac and click on OneDrive in the sidebar. The Files On-Demand feature allows you to view and open your transferred files directly without downloading them locally until you need them.
Manual Transfer for Non-OneDrive Files
For files stored outside of OneDrive or if you lack sufficient cloud storage space, transfer your documents using a USB flash drive or external hard drive.
Open Your Transferred Excel Files on Mac with WPS Office
After transferring your Excel workbooks to your new Mac, you need a reliable office suite to view, edit, and save them. WPS Office is a lightweight, highly compatible, and completely free alternative to Microsoft Office that works seamlessly on macOS.
- 1. Download WPS Office for Mac: Visit the official WPS Office website on your Mac and download the macOS installation package.
- 2. Install the Application: Open the downloaded .dmg file and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder.
- 3. Edit Your Transferred Files: Launch WPS Office, click 'Open', and select the Excel workbooks you just transferred from your Lenovo laptop to start editing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to buy Microsoft Excel again for my new Mac?
If you have an active Microsoft 365 subscription, you can install the Mac version at no extra cost by signing in with your account. If you originally purchased a one-time Windows-only license, it will not work on Mac. In that case, you can use free office suites like WPS Office to open your Excel files natively.
Why aren't my files showing up on my Mac's OneDrive folder?
First, ensure that you are signed in with the exact same Microsoft account on both devices. Next, check the Lenovo laptop to ensure it has fully finished uploading the files to the cloud. You can verify this by looking for solid green checkmarks next to the files on the Lenovo, or by logging into OneDrive.com to see if they appear online.
What is OneDrive Files On-Demand on Mac?
Files On-Demand is a feature that allows you to see all your cloud files in the Mac Finder without having to download them to your local hard drive. A cloud icon next to the file means it is online-only. When you double-click the file, it quickly downloads and opens, saving valuable disk space on your new Mac.
Can I transfer my files if my old Lenovo laptop is broken?
If the laptop is completely dead but your files were already synced to OneDrive previously, you can simply install OneDrive on your Mac or log into OneDrive.com to access them. If the files were not synced, you may need to physically remove the hard drive from the Lenovo and use a USB hard drive enclosure to extract the files on your Mac.
