10 April 2026, 07:01 PM
In this guide, we will explain how you can change OneDrive backup to Google Drive with proper steps. Also, explain the reasons for moving your backup.
Cloud storage has become essential for storing, syncing, and backing up important files. Many users initially rely on Microsoft OneDrive for backups because it integrates well with Windows devices. However, over time, users may decide to switch their backup storage from OneDrive to Google Drive. This shift often happens when users move to the Google ecosystem, require better collaboration tools, or want more flexible storage options.
The challenge is that there is no direct option to change backup from OneDrive to Google Drive. As a result, users must manually transfer files or use a dedicated migration tool.
Why Users Change Backup from OneDrive to Google Drive?
Before discussing the process, it is important to understand why many individuals and businesses migrate their backups.
Things to Consider Before Changing Backup Storage
Before moving your backup from OneDrive to Google Drive, keep the following points in mind.
Method 1: Change Backup from OneDrive to Google Drive Manually
The most common way to switch backups is by downloading files from OneDrive and uploading them to Google Drive. Although this method works for small amounts of data, it can become time-consuming for larger backups.
Your files will now start uploading to Google Drive.
Method 2: Use Google Drive Desktop for Backup
Another approach is using Google Drive for Desktop, which automatically syncs folders from your computer.
The software will automatically upload them to Google Drive.
Limitations of Manual Backup Transfer
While manual methods are simple, they come with several drawbacks.
Professional Solution to Change Backup from OneDrive to Google Drive
For businesses and users dealing with large datasets, a dedicated OneDrive to Google Drive Migration Tool by SysTools is the most reliable option. A professional migration solution allows you to transfer backup data directly between cloud platforms without downloading files locally.
Key Features of a Professional Migration Tool
Using a professional tool eliminates manual steps and significantly reduces migration time.
Steps to Migrate OneDrive Backup Using a Migration Tool
Below is the general workflow used by most professional migration tools.
Conclusion
Changing backup from OneDrive to Google Drive is a common requirement for individuals and organizations switching to the Google ecosystem. While manual methods like downloading and uploading files can work for smaller datasets, they become inefficient for larger backups. Using a professional migration tool simplifies the process.
Cloud storage has become essential for storing, syncing, and backing up important files. Many users initially rely on Microsoft OneDrive for backups because it integrates well with Windows devices. However, over time, users may decide to switch their backup storage from OneDrive to Google Drive. This shift often happens when users move to the Google ecosystem, require better collaboration tools, or want more flexible storage options.
The challenge is that there is no direct option to change backup from OneDrive to Google Drive. As a result, users must manually transfer files or use a dedicated migration tool.
Why Users Change Backup from OneDrive to Google Drive?
Before discussing the process, it is important to understand why many individuals and businesses migrate their backups.
- Google Drive integrates seamlessly with Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides, allowing teams to collaborate in real time. With this, multiple users can edit the same file simultaneously without creating duplicate versions.
- Organizations using Gmail, Google Meet, and other Workspace tools prefer Google Drive as their central storage location. This helps keep everything within a single ecosystem.
- Google Drive offers simpler sharing controls. Users can easily generate links, assign roles, and manage permissions.
- Some users prefer Google One storage plans due to pricing or storage flexibility.
Things to Consider Before Changing Backup Storage
Before moving your backup from OneDrive to Google Drive, keep the following points in mind.
- Ensure your Google Drive account has enough storage to accommodate all OneDrive backup files.
- Remove unnecessary files, duplicates, and temporary data to make the migration process easier.
- When transferring backups, preserving the original folder hierarchy is important for easy access later.
- Manual transfers depend heavily on internet stability. A slow connection may interrupt the migration.
Method 1: Change Backup from OneDrive to Google Drive Manually
The most common way to switch backups is by downloading files from OneDrive and uploading them to Google Drive. Although this method works for small amounts of data, it can become time-consuming for larger backups.
- Open OneDrive in your web browser.
- Sign in with your Microsoft account.
- Locate the backup folders you want to move.
- Select the files or folders.
- Click Download. After that, extract the downloaded files to upload it in
- Go to Google Drive.
- Sign in with your Google account.
- Click New.
- Select Folder Upload or File Upload.
- Choose the extracted files.
Your files will now start uploading to Google Drive.
Method 2: Use Google Drive Desktop for Backup
Another approach is using Google Drive for Desktop, which automatically syncs folders from your computer.
- Download Google Drive for Desktop.
- Install the application on your computer.
- Sign in with your Google account.
- Select folders that you want to back up.
- Move your downloaded OneDrive files into the synced folder.
The software will automatically upload them to Google Drive.
Limitations of Manual Backup Transfer
While manual methods are simple, they come with several drawbacks.
- Downloading and uploading large amounts of data can take hours or even days.
- Interruptions during download or upload may result in incomplete transfers.
- If new files are added to OneDrive later, you must repeat the entire process.
- Sometimes folder hierarchies or file organization may change during the transfer.
- Organizations with large OneDrive backups or multiple user accounts cannot efficiently migrate data manually.
Professional Solution to Change Backup from OneDrive to Google Drive
For businesses and users dealing with large datasets, a dedicated OneDrive to Google Drive Migration Tool by SysTools is the most reliable option. A professional migration solution allows you to transfer backup data directly between cloud platforms without downloading files locally.
Key Features of a Professional Migration Tool
- Direct cloud-to-cloud migration
- Maintains folder hierarchy
- Supports large data transfers
- Bulk user migration
- Advanced filtering options
Using a professional tool eliminates manual steps and significantly reduces migration time.
Steps to Migrate OneDrive Backup Using a Migration Tool
Below is the general workflow used by most professional migration tools.
- Download and install the software on your system.
- Choose: Microsoft 365 as the source and Google Drive as the destination.
- Select your data items from the workload selections.
- Add the account details of both the source and destination accounts.
- Import user accounts by automatically fetching or manually importing them.
- Click Start Migration to begin transferring backup files from OneDrive to Google Drive.
Conclusion
Changing backup from OneDrive to Google Drive is a common requirement for individuals and organizations switching to the Google ecosystem. While manual methods like downloading and uploading files can work for smaller datasets, they become inefficient for larger backups. Using a professional migration tool simplifies the process.