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

Dropbox files larger than 15 GB, or files with very long names or web addresses, may not move to OneDrive automatically. Checking these specific file size and naming limits before beginning prevents unexpected roadblocks.

• 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

Microsoft OneDrive lets you start moving your Dropbox files through two main routes: the mobile app or the website. Both methods achieve the same goal.

Using the OneDrive Website

OneDrive offers a web interface at onedrive.com for handling larger migrations. Using the website is particularly helpful when moving more than 100 GB of data. Sign in to your Microsoft account on the OneDrive website and locate the settings ⚙️ icon to begin.

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

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

How it Works

The system automatically checks for anything new or changed since your last transfer. OneDrive then copies only the files that are new or have been updated in Dropbox, preventing redundant data transfers.

• 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, reviewing sharing permissions and planning when to clean up the Dropbox account becomes necessary.

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

Checking available storage space and reviewing file limitations comes first, followed by initiating the transfer via the OneDrive website or app.