Migrating from Dropbox to Onedrive: What You Need To Know

By Special Guest
Catherine Umar
  |  November 12, 2019



Cloud storage services help users upload files to the Internet for extra security. You can also use these services if your device is running low on disk space. You might even be using Dropbox (News - Alert) as your primary cloud storage solution. But, you decided it's time to migrate to Microsoft’s Onedrive. If so, here are the essential things you need to know when migrating from Dropbox to Onedrive.

Dropbox vs. Onedrive: A Feature Comparison

Both Dropbox and Onedrive have free plans for users who want to take advantage of the cloud storage services without paying anything. But, these free plans come with limited storage space.

For Dropbox, you can get 2 GB of storage space for the free plan. Conversely, you can gain 5 GB of free cloud storage space for Onedrive. At this point, it’s clear that Microsoft’s (News - Alert) storage solution beats Dropbox.

But, if you opt for the paid options, Dropbox still lags behind the competition. You have to pay $15 per month (at the time of writing) to enjoy 1 TB of storage. On the other hand, Onedrive lets its customers pay $6.99 per month for the same storage allocation.

Still, it doesn’t mean that Dropbox isn't an ideal online file storage system for specific users. This cloud service might be a better performer than Onedrive. Syncing files in Dropbox needs less bandwidth than its Microsoft sibling. Thus, people connected to Internet connections with data caps might find Dropbox to be a better solution than Onedrive.

Migrating from Dropbox to Onedrive

Both cloud storage systems come from different developers. Thus, it might not come as a surprise that there’s no direct way to migrate files between apps. But, it doesn’t mean that the deed is impossible. Here are three ways to help you transfer data from Dropbox to Onedrive.

  • Use a Third-Party Application

Third-party apps like Cloud Fastpath lets you consolidate files between both cloud storage solutions. Start by logging in with your accounts on both cloud systems on the third-party application. Then, transfer data with ease using streamlined features like clicking-and-dragging files from Dropbox to Onedrive.

But, you need to consider specific requirements before the successful migration of your files. First, ensure your Dropbox folder retains its structure. Also, check your files; Onedrive isn’t as flexible in comparison with Dropbox in accepting files. So, some files might not migrate to the other cloud storage app successfully. For instance, Onedrive only supports .mp4, .mov, and .m4v video file extensions.

Always check the results of the file transfer operation upon its completion. Make sure all files and media are in your Onedrive account to reduce the risks of losing valuable data. 

  • Download and Upload

You might experience repercussions from using Dropbox, especially if your company doesn’t allow its use. You might find Onedrive as an alternate online file storage solution. But, your company doesn’t allow downloading other apps to help with the migration.

If so, you can always use the tried-and-true method of manually downloading and uploading your files between storage solutions. Start by creating a new folder in Dropbox and place all your files and folders in there. Download that folder, and upload it to Microsoft Onedrive.

Albeit downloading files and uploading them to another cloud storage seems simple, it might take more time and effort than necessary.

  • Use IFTTT

IFTTT stands for If This Then That, and it’s an online tool that allows you to automate a broad range of online services. For example, you can use it to save contact information from all emails received to an online spreadsheet. Another useful way to take advantage of this online app is to sync files found in both Dropbox and Onedrive.

Syncing files between these storage solutions using IFTTT may no longer require you to download and upload files to respective servers. But, using IFTTT might need the assistance of tech-savvy individuals.

You might need to do coding for your files in Dropbox to sync with Onedrive successfully. It may also take a few trials-and-errors. However, the outcome might deliver extra benefits like added security. Since you have a copy for each file in Dropbox, you'll always have a backup in case of problems in keeping your records. 

Make sure you prepare your files and folders in Dropbox before transferring them to Microsoft Onedrive. Individuals who fail to do precautionary measures before the migration might lose valuable data. While both cloud storage solutions have inexpensive plans, it doesn’t mean you should become complacent when transferring data. Ensure every piece of information found in your Dropbox account transfers properly to your Onedrive storage.

Author: Catherine Umar

Catherine Umar is a cloud computing expert who spent years learning and practicing this skill. Presently, Catherine provides cloud computing services to startup and growing companies. She works by introducing this practice to the business and help employees fully embrace its features. Aside from working with businesses personally, Catherine also contributes articles on cloud computing. Her articles cover basic and extensive topics on cloud computing.



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