Moving folders from one Google Drive to another involves either sharing them or exporting them via download and re-upload. This process ensures your files stay organized across different accounts.
Google Drive doesn't support direct drag-and-drop transfers between accounts. Instead, you can share folders with another account or download them as ZIP files and upload them to the destination Drive. Shared folders remain accessible to both accounts, while downloaded folders create independent copies.
There are two primary ways to move folders between Google Drives:
Use sharing when collaborating with others, as it keeps files in sync. Use exporting when migrating files permanently or working offline. Shared folders require ongoing internet access, while exported folders are self-contained.
To share a folder:
The recipient can now access and edit the folder directly.
To export a folder:
Many users assume they can drag and drop folders between accounts, which isn't supported. Others forget to set proper permissions when sharing, limiting access. Always verify the destination account has the correct access level.
For large-scale migrations, consider using Google Takeout or third-party tools designed for bulk transfers. These methods handle hundreds of gigabytes efficiently.
If you're moving files between computers rather than Google Drives, this guide covers the process.
I once needed to transfer a client's entire project folder between my personal and work Google Drives. Sharing the folder saved time and kept everything updated in real-time. The client could still access files while I organized them in the new location.