Microsoft 365 Migration

How to Move Microsoft 365 OneDrive Files to a New Account

Maira Mehtab Sep 20, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to transfer files from an over-quota university OneDrive account to a new OneDrive account but has encountered limitations using standard migration tools.

Product: Microsoft 365 OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: A university storage reduction caused the original OneDrive account to exceed its storage quota, requiring the user to migrate files to a new account.
Observed behavior: Attempted migrations using Migration Manager and Mover encountered issues due to tool limitations and service instability for individual users.

Before you start

Before attempting to move your files, verify that your target OneDrive account has sufficient available storage space to accommodate all the transferred data.

Solution 1Recommended

Use Microsoft Migration Manager (For Administrator-Led Migrations)

Migration Manager is the recommended tool for migrating files between Microsoft 365 tenants if you or your IT department have administrative access.

Microsoft has officially retired Mover for admin-led migrations. Migration Manager is now the standard supported tool for administrators to migrate user data.

Access Migration Manager

Sign in to the SharePoint admin center using an account with administrative privileges and navigate to the Migration center.

Set up the migration task

Select the source and destination paths for the OneDrive accounts you wish to migrate.

Run the migration

Map the users, validate the destination storage quota, and execute the migration task to transfer the files.

Admin Access Required: This method requires admin privileges. If you are a standard user, you must request your institution's IT department to perform this migration.

Solution 2

Use Mover.io for Individual File Transfers

Individual users can still attempt to use Mover.io where the service remains available, though it may present limitations and instability.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Experience Lightweight Document Management with WPS Office

If you are dealing with Microsoft 365 storage limits and complex migration processes, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative with its own built-in cloud storage for seamless document management.

1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS website, download the free installer for your operating system, and follow the simple on-screen instructions.
2. Sign In for Cloud Access: Launch WPS Office and sign in to activate your free WPS Cloud storage space.
3. Open and Save Documents: Open your existing Word, Excel, or PowerPoint files directly in WPS Office and save them effortlessly to WPS Cloud.

Includes built-in cloud storage to keep your documents safely backed up without strict institutional quotasFully compatible with all major Microsoft Office formats including DOCX, XLSX, and PPTXLightweight software that runs smoothly on any device without heavy resource usageProvides a familiar, easy-to-navigate user interface for a seamless workflow transition

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I use Mover for my university OneDrive migration?

Microsoft has officially retired Mover for admin-led migrations, replacing it with Migration Manager. While individual users can sometimes access mover.io, it is often unstable or unsupported for complex organizational transfers like those involving a university tenant.

What happens to my files if my OneDrive account exceeds its storage quota?

If your account goes over quota due to a university storage reduction, it will typically enter a read-only state. You will still be able to view and download your existing files, but you cannot upload new files or save edits online until you migrate the data or free up space.

Can I manually transfer my files to a new OneDrive account?

Yes. If automated migration tools are unavailable or failing, you can manually download your files from the old OneDrive account to your local computer's hard drive, sign out, log into your new OneDrive account, and upload the files manually.

Migration & Recovery