How to Use Two Personal OneDrive Accounts on One Windows PC
Question details
The user wants to connect and use two different personal OneDrive accounts simultaneously on a single Windows computer, or needs a secure way to move thousands of files between them.
- Product
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Device & OS
- Windows PC
- Scenario
- Managing multiple cloud storage profiles and attempting to transfer a large volume of files from one personal OneDrive account to another.
- Observed behavior
- The OneDrive desktop application restricts users to connecting only one personal account at a time. Adding a second personal account requires completely unlinking the first one.
Ensure your computer has enough local hard drive space to temporarily store the files you plan to transfer between your two OneDrive accounts.
Transfer Files Manually via Local Storage
Safely copy files from your first OneDrive account to your PC, unlink the account, and then upload them to the second account.
Since the OneDrive desktop app does not support syncing two personal accounts simultaneously, the safest method to move files is by downloading them locally first, verifying the transfer, and then uploading them to the new account.
Open your current OneDrive folder in File Explorer, copy the files and subfolders you want to move, and paste them into a local folder on your computer, such as your Desktop or Documents.
Check the local destination folder to ensure all files have been copied successfully and can be opened without errors.
Right-click the OneDrive cloud icon in your Windows taskbar, click the gear icon to open Settings, navigate to the 'Account' tab, and select 'Unlink this PC'.
Launch the OneDrive app again and sign in using the email and password for your second personal Microsoft account.
Move the files you previously saved on your local drive into the new OneDrive folder in File Explorer to begin syncing them to the second account.
Use the OneDrive Web App for the Second Account
Access your second personal OneDrive account through a web browser while keeping the first account synced to the desktop app.
Manage Your Documents Efficiently with WPS Office
While managing multiple personal OneDrive accounts on Windows can be restrictive, switching to WPS Office provides a lightweight, highly compatible, and free alternative for all your document needs. It seamlessly integrates with various cloud services and supports all major Office file formats.
- 1. Install the software: Download and install WPS Office on your Windows PC from the official website.
- 2. Access your cloud files: Open WPS Office, click on 'Open' in the left navigation panel, and select 'Add Cloud Storage' to connect your preferred cloud drive.
- 3. Edit and save: Open any Microsoft Office format document directly from your cloud storage, edit it with full compatibility, and save it back seamlessly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I connect one personal and one work OneDrive account on the same PC?
Yes, the Windows OneDrive desktop app allows you to link one personal account and multiple work or school accounts simultaneously without any restrictions.
Will Microsoft allow multiple personal OneDrive accounts in the desktop app in the future?
Currently, restricting users to a single personal OneDrive account is a known product limitation by Microsoft. There have been no official announcements regarding plans to support multiple personal accounts on the desktop app natively.
Is there a third-party tool to sync two OneDrive personal accounts?
Yes, there are third-party cloud management tools and sync utilities that can connect and manage multiple personal OneDrive accounts on a single PC. However, native support within the official Windows OneDrive client remains limited to one personal account.
