How to Move Your Dropbox Files to OneDrive

Step 1Get Ready to Move Your Files

OneDrive copies your files while leaving the originals untouched in Dropbox, keeping your data safe during the transfer.

Know What Might Not Be Moved

Certain items fail to transfer when you move Dropbox to OneDrive because Microsoft enforces strict limits on file sizes and character counts. Files larger than 15 GB and paths exceeding Windows character limits will stay behind, so check these items first to prevent failed transfers and missing files.

• Long File and Folder Names: File or folder names that are too long (more than 256 characters for files, 250 for folders) might not move. The full address to the file can also cause problems if it’s longer than 400 characters.
• Large Files: Files bigger than 15 GB usually don’t move.
• Empty Files: Files with no content (0 bytes) won’t be moved.
• Restricted Files: If some files in Dropbox are marked as restricted, they won’t move unless you remove that restriction first.
• Dropbox Specifics: Things like Dropbox Paper documents, templates, and shortcuts are not moved to OneDrive.

Step 2Start Moving Your Files

Move your Dropbox files through two main routes: the mobile app or the website. Both methods achieve the same goal.

Using the OneDrive Website

The OneDrive website lets you manage large transfers when you move Dropbox to OneDrive without needing to install extra software on your computer. Go to onedrive.com, sign in with your Microsoft account, and use the browser interface to handle migrations that exceed standard desktop app limits.

1. Sign In to OneDrive: Open your web browser and go to onedrive.com. Sign in with your Microsoft account.
2. Go to Settings: Once you are logged in, look for the settings icon, which usually looks like a gear and is in the top-right corner of the page. Click on it.
3. Choose 'Import cloud photos and files': In the settings menu, find and click the option called 'Import cloud photos and files'.
4. Connect to Dropbox: You will see a list of cloud services you can move files from. Choose 'Dropbox'.
5. Allow Access: You will be sent to the Dropbox website. Sign in there and give OneDrive permission to access your files.
6. Start the Move: After you give permission, follow the instructions on the screen to start copying your files from Dropbox to OneDrive.

Step 3Watch and Manage the Move

Keep an eye on the transfer progress, especially if you are moving more than 100 GB of data.

How the Move Works

OneDrive creates duplicate copies of your data during the transfer. Original files stay put in Dropbox and remain untouched throughout the process.

Step 4Running the Move Again

Run the move process again to solve the problem if some files were missed or new ones were added to Dropbox after the initial transfer.

How it Works

The sync engine saves time when you move Dropbox to OneDrive by comparing timestamps and checking for changes since your last transfer. OneDrive only copies brand-new files and updated items, which stops you from wasting storage space and bandwidth on duplicates.

• New Files: Any files that are in Dropbox but not in OneDrive will be copied.
• Changed Files: If a file has been changed in Dropbox since the last move, OneDrive will look at the dates it was last changed. If the Dropbox version is newer, it will replace the existing file in OneDrive.
• Unchanged Files: If the files are the same, or if the OneDrive version is newer, nothing will happen to those files.

Step 5Sharing Files and Cleaning Up

Once files reside in OneDrive, review sharing permissions and plan when to clean up the Dropbox account.

File Sharing Settings

Sharing settings and links created in Dropbox do not carry over during the migration. Rebuilding those sharing links inside OneDrive is required.

Reference:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-US/onedrive/import-other-cloud-files-using-onedrive

Summary

Check available storage space and review file limitations first, then initiate the transfer via the OneDrive website or app.