To move one Google Drive to another, you copy files from your current account to a new one using Google's built-in sharing tools or third-party migration services. This process transfers ownership of files while preserving their structure.
Google Drive doesn't have a direct "move" function between accounts, but you can achieve the same result through sharing or migration tools. The process involves:
The two primary ways to move files between Google Drives are:
Use manual sharing for small transfers (under 1GB) or occasional moves. For large-scale migrations (multiple GBs or thousands of files), use a third-party tool to automate the process.
For example, if you're switching from a personal to a work account, manual sharing might suffice. But if you're managing multiple users in a company transitioning to Google Workspace, a migration tool is more efficient.
Many people think they can simply copy files from one Drive to another, but this creates duplicates rather than moving files. True movement requires transferring ownership.
Another mistake is assuming all files transfer equally. Some file types may lose functionality during transfer, particularly custom scripts or add-ons tied to specific accounts.
Here's how to manually move files between accounts:
When moving files between accounts, pay attention to:
Always verify transferred files retain their original formatting and functionality. Some complex documents or spreadsheets may require reformatting after transfer.