How to Move Google Photos to OneDrive [5 Effective Ways]

OneDrive vs. Google Photos: Which One is Better?

When comparing OneDrive photos vs Google Photos, it’s important to consider what features matter most to you. Google Photos excels at smart organization and easy searching, making it ideal for photo-focused users. On the other hand, OneDrive offers a broader file management system with strong Microsoft app integration.

Here’s a quick comparison to help you see the main differences between Google Photos and OneDrive:

💡 Related Post: >> OneDrive vs Google Drive: Which One is Better?

Why Transfer Google Photos to OneDrive?

As Google’s storage policy changes and OneDrive becomes more integrated with Windows, you may be re-evaluating where to store your photos.

Here are the main reasons why moving Google Photos to OneDrive might be the right choice:

🔗 Better Integration with Microsoft 365

OneDrive works seamlessly with Microsoft Office apps and Windows devices, making it easier to access and manage your photos alongside other files.

☁️ Consolidated Cloud Storage

Instead of spreading your data across multiple services, storing everything in OneDrive keeps your files, documents, and photos in one place.

🚧 Storage Limit Changes on Google Photos

Google no longer offers unlimited free storage for high-quality photos. If you’re out of space, moving your photos to OneDrive—especially if you already subscribe to Microsoft 365—can save money and storage.

📁 Simple Folder-Based Organization

OneDrive uses a traditional folder system, which some users prefer over Google Photos’ AI-based sorting.

📄 Support for More File Types

OneDrive isn’t just for photos—it supports a wide variety of file types, making it more versatile for all-around storage.

1. How to Move Photos from Google Photos to OneDrive via Google Takeout

Google Takeout offers a secure and straightforward method for moving photos from Google Photos to OneDrive. This official tool from Google allows you to select specific albums or export the entire photo library. After downloading the files, you can upload them directly to OneDrive.

This method works well if you want to transfer your photos once, back up the images, or switch to another cloud service. It lets you stay in control of your files and avoid using third-party tools. Still, you need to go through each step manually, and exporting a large photo library can take time. Some folders may also contain .json files, which can clutter things up.

Make sure you check your OneDrive space, split large files when needed, and download everything before the link expires. Even with these extra steps, many people prefer moving photos from Google Photos to OneDrive with Google Takeout because it keeps their data safe, gives them flexibility, and doesn’t cost anything.

📋 Follow these step-by-step instructions to help you backup Google Photos to OneDrive:

Step 1. Go to Google Takeout and sign in with your Google account.

Step 2. Deselect all services, then select Google Photos and click Next step.

Step 3. Under Destination, you need to choose Add to OneDrive.

Step 4. Click "Link accounts and create export". Then, authorize both your Google and OneDrive accounts to allow Takeout access.

Step 5. After processing, click Open in OneDrive to view your transferred photo archive there.

2. How to Use the OneDrive Import from Google Photos Tool to Transfer Images

The OneDrive Import from Google Photos tool provides a simple way to move Google Photos to OneDrive without needing manual downloads or uploads. By avoiding third-party apps, this method saves time, reduces effort, and protects your privacy. While the tool offers convenience, it may not be accessible to all users or in every region, and it might not transfer your entire photo library or preserve album organization perfectly.

Additionally, the transfer speed can vary depending on your internet connection and the size of your photo collection. This option suits users who want a quick, one-time transfer and value ease over detailed control of their photos.

📋 Should the OneDrive Import from Google Photos feature appear in your account, you can transfer images in just a few clicks. Here’s how to do it step by step.

Step 1. Log in to your OneDrive account and click the gear icon in the top-right corner.

Step 2. Select "Import cloud photos and files" from the menu.

Step 3. Click Connect to Google Photos, then sign in to your Google account and permit Microsoft to access your photos.

Step 4. Check your OneDrive storage to ensure enough space, then click Start to begin importing your Google Photos.

Step 5. Once the import shows as completed, go to My Files in OneDrive, open the Imports folder, and find your photos inside the folder named after your Google email.

3. How to Move Google Photos to OneDrive by Download and Upload

Moving Google Photos to OneDrive by downloading and uploading provides a simple and flexible way to take full control of your files. This method lets you pick specific photos and organize your images directly in OneDrive, which appeals to users who prefer managing their data manually and prioritize privacy.

At the same time, the process can be time-consuming, especially if you have a large photo library, and you’ll need enough space on your computer to store the files temporarily. Since album structures don’t transfer automatically from Google Photos, you’ll likely need to spend some time reorganizing your photos once they’re uploaded to OneDrive.

📋 For those looking to transfer Google Photos to OneDrive manually, the following step-by-step guide will make the process easy to follow:

Step 1. Sign in to Google Photos at photos.google.com using your Google account.

Step 2. Browse your library and select the photos or albums you want to move by clicking the checkmark on each.

Step 3. Click the three-dot menu icon at the top right and choose Download. The photos will be saved to your computer, often as a ZIP file.

Step 4. Locate the downloaded ZIP file on your computer and extract it to access your photos.

Step 5. Open OneDrive in your browser or launch the OneDrive desktop app, then upload the extracted photo folders by dragging them into the desired OneDrive folder or using the Upload button.

4. How to Backup Google Photos to OneDrive Using CBackup

In addition to uploading photos to OneDrive manually, you can use CBackup to sync or back up your photos automatically. CBackup not only simplifies the transfer process but also offers nearly unlimited cloud storage by combining multiple cloud accounts, which is great if you have a large photo library. It supports scheduled backups, so your photos stay updated on OneDrive without you lifting a finger.

CBackup also provides incremental backup to save time and bandwidth by only uploading new or changed files. Its user-friendly interface makes managing your backups easy, and it offers strong security features to keep your data safe. With CBackup, you can efficiently protect and organize your photos on OneDrive, making the whole process smoother and more reliable than manual uploading alone.

📋 To transfer Google Photos to OneDrive easily using CBackup, follow these simple steps:

Step 1. Download and install the CBackup desktop app, then open it and log in or create a new account.

Step 2. In the app, go to Storage, and select Google Drive. Follow the prompts to authorize CBackup to access your Google Drive.

Step 3. Click the Backup tab, then select New Backup Task to create a backup job.

Step 4. Choose the folder on your computer containing your downloaded Google Photos as the source. Then, select OneDrive as the destination cloud storage.

Step 5. Click Start Backup to transfer your photos to OneDrive.

5. How to Sync Google Photos to OneDrive Using MultCloud

To sync Google Photos to OneDrive without manual downloads and uploads, it's recommended to use MultCloud, a cloud-to-cloud sync service. MultCloud connects your Google Drive (which stores Google Photos) and OneDrive accounts, enabling direct transfer or sync between them online. This method saves time and bandwidth by skipping the need to download files to your computer.

MultCloud offers scheduled sync options, keeping your photos updated automatically. It also provides various sync modes, including one-way and two-way sync, to fit different needs. MultCloud suits users who manage multiple cloud accounts or want to keep their photo libraries synchronized across platforms without extra effort. Using MultCloud allows you to transfer and sync photos securely and efficiently, making it an excellent choice to move Google Photos to OneDrive.

📋 Here’s a straightforward way to sync Google Photos with OneDrive using MultCloud:

Step 1. Go to the MultCloud website and create a free account or log in.

Step 2. In the dashboard, click Add Cloud, select Google Drive, and authorize access (Google Photos are stored here). Add your OneDrive account the same way by selecting Add Cloud and authorizing it.

Step 3. Navigate to Cloud Sync, choose Google Drive as the source, and OneDrive as the destination.

Step 4. Click Sync Now to start syncing, or schedule automatic syncs by setting the sync frequency.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve seen the main methods for transferring, backing up, and syncing images, you have multiple options to choose from based on your needs. Whether you prefer manual upload, Google Takeout, OneDrive’s import tool, CBackup, or MultCloud, each method offers a practical way to handle your photo transfer. When asking how to move Google Photos to OneDrive, think about your storage size, automation needs, and device limits. In the end, the best method is the one that saves time, protects your data, and fits your workflow.

FAQs on Moving Google Photos to OneDrive

If you’re unsure about a few details, the following FAQs on moving Google Photos to OneDrive may provide the answers you need.

1. How to Move Photos to OneDrive on Android Phones?

For Android users who want to back up their images, OneDrive offers a convenient way to store their photos in the cloud. Here’s how to move photos to OneDrive on Android phones in just 5 steps:

• 1. Download and install OneDrive from the Google Play Store.
• 2. Open the app and sign in with your Microsoft account.
• 3. Tap the profile icon in the top left, then go to Settings.
• 4. Select Camera Upload, then turn it on to back up photos automatically.
• 5. To upload manually, tap the + icon, choose Upload, select your photos, and tap Done.

2. How to Move Photos from Google Photos to Another Google Drive?

Google Photos no longer syncs directly with Google Drive, so if you want to move photos from Google Photos to another Google Drive account, you’ll need to do it manually. This works well for sharing or backing up specific images to a different account. Here's how to move photos from Google Photos to another Google Drive in 5 simple steps:

• 1. Go to photos.google.com and sign in with your original account.
• 2. Select the photos you want to move by tapping the checkmarks.
• 3. Click the three-dot icon and choose Download to save them to your device.
• 4. Sign in to the target Google Drive account at drive.google.com.
• 5. Click + New > File upload, then select and upload the downloaded photos.

3. Can I Move Google Photos to OneDrive Directly?

You can’t move Google Photos to OneDrive directly in most cases because there’s no built-in sync between the two services. However, Microsoft has begun rolling out a feature in OneDrive called “Import cloud photos and videos,” which allows some users to connect Google Photos and transfer images directly. This feature is still limited and may not appear for everyone yet.

If the option isn’t available in your OneDrive account, you can still move your photos using other methods, like:

• Google Takeout to export and upload photos to OneDrive
• CBackup or MultCloud for automated cloud-to-cloud transfer

So while a fully direct transfer isn't widely supported, reliable alternatives are available.