OneDrive File Issues

How to Transfer Work or School OneDrive Data to a Personal Account

Maira Mehtab Sep 21, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user needs to migrate personal files that are currently stored on a university-managed Microsoft 365 account to a private, personal Microsoft account.

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: A user is leaving a university or organization and wants to retain their personal documents before the school account is deactivated or migrated.
Observed behavior: Files are currently locked within a OneDrive for Business/School environment and need to be safely copied to a personal OneDrive environment.

Before you start

Confirm that you have explicit permission to copy the information and that transferring these files complies with your university or organization's data-retention, ownership, and security policies.

Solution 1Recommended

Sync and Move Files Using the OneDrive Desktop App

This is the most efficient method, allowing you to drag and drop files directly between the two accounts using your computer's local File Explorer.

By signing into both your organizational and personal accounts on the same computer, OneDrive will create two separate folders. This lets you move files locally while the app handles the cloud synchronization automatically.

Sign in to your work or school account

Open the OneDrive desktop application and log in using your university or company credentials. Allow the files to sync to your local computer.

Add your personal account

Click the OneDrive cloud icon in your system tray, go to 'Help & Settings' > 'Settings' > 'Account', and click 'Add an account'. Sign in with your personal Microsoft account.

Open File Explorer

Open File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac). You will now see two OneDrive folders: 'OneDrive - [Your Organization]' and 'OneDrive - Personal'.

Transfer the files

Select the files or folders you want to keep from the work/school folder, then drag and drop (or copy and paste) them into your personal OneDrive folder.

Wait for synchronization

Leave your computer on and connected to the internet until the sync status icons on the transferred files turn into solid green checkmarks, indicating they are safely uploaded to your personal cloud.

Tip: Copying (instead of moving) the files ensures you have a backup in the original location just in case the synchronization process is interrupted.

Solution 2

Download and Upload via Web Browser

If you cannot install the desktop app or are using a public computer, you can manually download the files from your school account and upload them to your personal account.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Looking for a Better Way to Manage Your Personal Documents?

If you are transitioning away from a school or corporate Microsoft 365 subscription, WPS Office is an excellent free alternative. It provides powerful tools for creating and managing documents without being tied to an expensive institutional license.

1. Download the installer: Visit the official WPS website and download the free WPS Office installation file.
2. Install and launch: Follow the on-screen instructions to install the suite and open the application.
3. Open existing files: Simply drag and drop your recently transferred Microsoft Office files into the WPS workspace to continue editing seamlessly.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx).Includes free built-in WPS Cloud storage to keep your personal files safe and accessible.Lightweight software that runs smoothly on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android.Familiar, tabbed user interface makes migrating from Microsoft Office effortless.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer OneDrive files directly from one account to another in the cloud?

No, Microsoft OneDrive does not currently offer a direct cloud-to-cloud transfer button for moving files between different accounts. You must use a local computer as a bridge by either syncing both accounts via the desktop app or manually downloading and uploading the files via a web browser.

What happens to my files if my university deletes my Microsoft 365 account?

Once a school or organization terminates your account, you will immediately lose access to all files stored in that associated OneDrive for Business. It is highly recommended to back up or transfer your personal data well before graduation or your departure date.

Why can't I download some files from my work OneDrive?

Some organizations implement Data Loss Prevention (DLP) or strict security policies that block users from downloading, copying, or syncing files to unmanaged personal devices. If you encounter errors or missing download buttons, you must contact your institution's IT department to request permission.

Document & File Issues