Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
You can import files from Google Drive and photos from Google Photos directly into OneDrive using Microsoft’s cloud-import option in the OneDrive app or on the web. It copies content into OneDrive rather than removing it from Google, but it uses your OneDrive storage and does not guarantee that every item or album detail will transfer.
Before you start
- Check how much free space is available in OneDrive and estimate the size of the Google content you plan to import. A large library can use a substantial portion of your destination storage.
- Decide whether you need to move files, or simply make copies available in OneDrive. Microsoft describes this as an import that copies content; your originals remain in Google.
- Have access to the Google account containing the files or photos so you can connect it when prompted.
Import Google Drive files or Google Photos into OneDrive
- Open OneDrive. In the mobile app, use the import prompt if it appears, or open the profile or settings area and choose Import Cloud Photos and Files. On onedrive.com, go to Settings > Import cloud photos and files. Menu names and availability can vary by account or client.
- Choose Google Drive or Google Photos as the source, connect the Google account, and follow the on-screen prompts to begin importing.
- When the import finishes, review the OneDrive destination for the folders and files you expected. If you add more content to Google later, you can restart the import to copy newly added items; Microsoft does not describe this as continuous syncing.
What transfers—and what may not
The import copies individual photos and files into OneDrive cloud storage; it does not download them into your phone’s local storage. Microsoft says zero-byte files and files marked restricted or not copyable are skipped unless the restriction is disabled. Google Drawings, Forms, Sites, and Maps are not imported.
Google’s document formats are converted during import: Sheets files become Excel workbooks, Docs become Word documents, and Slides become PowerPoint presentations. Check the converted files in OneDrive if formatting or editability is important to your workflow.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Microsoft’s documentation does not establish a comprehensive guarantee for Google Photos album structure, dates, or all metadata. After importing, inspect a few representative photos and files in OneDrive to confirm that the details you rely on are present.
#1 Best Overall
- Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
If the cloud import option is unavailable: download and upload
You can instead download the content from Google to a computer and upload it to OneDrive. This route gives you more control over what you transfer, but it involves local storage and more manual handling.
Upload through the OneDrive website
- Download the files or photos you need from Google to your computer.
- Sign in to OneDrive on the web and open the destination folder.
- Select Upload, choose the files, and start the upload. Microsoft states that browser uploads support files up to 250 GB each. Folder upload is available in Chrome and Edge.
Microsoft recommends the OneDrive desktop app for large files or many files. The upload guidance is available at Microsoft Support.
Rank #2
- Easily store and access 5TB of content on the go with the Seagate portable drive, a USB external hard Drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Upload with the OneDrive desktop app
Install and sign in to the OneDrive desktop app, then copy the downloaded items into your local OneDrive folder and let them sync. Copy rather than move files if you want to keep them in their original local location: moving a file into the OneDrive folder can remove it from where it was before.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- [Upgraded Version] - This external hard drive features a mirrored logo stripe combined with a striped anti-slip design, and the rounded corners of the casing make it easier to grip. The stripes also have a heat dissipation function, ensuring stable and fast data transfer.
- 【Ultra-thin and quiet】 - The motherboard adopts JMicron 578 noise-free solution, giving you a quiet working environment. Lightweight and portable size designed to fit in your pocket for easy portability.
- 【Ultra-Fast Data Transfers】 - Pairing this external hard drive with JMicron 578 solution USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 interfaces enables blazing-fast data transfer. It boasts theoretical read speeds of up to 125MB/s and write speeds of up to 103MB/s.
- 【Plug and Play】 - With no software to install, just plug it in and the drive is ready to use.The hard disk chip is wrapped with an aluminum anti-interference layer to increase heat dissipation and protect data.
- 【What You Get】 - 1 x Portable Hard Drive, 1 x USB 3.0 Cable, 1 x User Manual, Gift-type shell packaging ,Three-year manufacturer's warranty and free technical support services.
Rank #4
- Easily store and access 4TB of content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Rank #3
- Easily store and access 1TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop. Reformatting may be required for Mac
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Choose the route that fits your transfer
| Consideration | OneDrive cloud import | Download and upload |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Connect Google Drive or Google Photos in OneDrive and import directly. | Download to a computer, then upload through the website or desktop app. |
| Local computer needed | No; the import copies content to OneDrive cloud storage. | Yes; downloaded content is handled on the computer. |
| Storage to check | Available OneDrive space for the imported content. | Computer space for downloads and OneDrive space for uploads. |
| Selection and handling | Convenient for a cloud-to-cloud import; unsupported items may be skipped. | More manual, but lets you choose what to download and upload. |
| Large or numerous files | Microsoft’s import guidance does not specify a file-size limit. | Microsoft recommends the desktop app for large files or many files; browser uploads are limited to 250 GB per file. |
Check the destination after importing
- Compare the OneDrive folders and files with the Google content you intended to transfer.
- Open representative converted documents and photos, especially if their formatting, dates, or metadata matter.
- Handle skipped or unsupported items separately; do not assume that restarting the import will bring over file types Microsoft lists as not imported.
- Treat the import as a copy, not an ongoing sync. Future additions or changes in Google are not automatically guaranteed to appear in OneDrive.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
