Which Method Fits Your Drive?
A Drive belongs to one account. A Google Drive migration gives the files a new owner or copies them into a second account.
| Method | Scope | Cost | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admin console transfer | Same organization | Free | Staff hand off all files |
| File ownership transfer | Same organization | Free | A few files |
| Migration software | Different domains | Paid | Many users |
How does the Admin Console Move a Drive?
Method #1: Admin Console Transfer Ownership (Free)
Who it suits. Workspace admins who handle a Google Drive migration inside one organization. Extra application. None.
- Sign in to the Google Admin console.
- Go to Apps, then Google Workspace and Drive and Docs.
- Select Transfer ownership.
- Enter the current owner under From user and the new owner under To user.
- Select Transfer Files.
The Google Admin Help page states that both accounts must belong to your organization. The new owner account must be active.
Google creates a transfer folder in the My Drive of the new owner. Items in Trash, Google Photos files, Google Maps files and orphaned files do not move.
The old owner can still edit the files unless you delete the account or remove the permissions.
How do You Transfer a Single File?
Method #2: File Ownership Transfer (Free, per File)
Who it suits. Users with a few files to hand over. Extra application. None.
- Right click the file in Drive and select Share, then Share.
- Select the down arrow next to the recipient name.
- Select Transfer ownership.
Personal accounts transfer only to a person who already has access to the file. A transfer cannot go from a personal account to a work or school account.
Work and school accounts transfer inside the same organization. The Google Drive Help page states that a folder transfer does not move the files inside it.
What Moves Drive Data Between Domains?
Method #3: SysTools Google Drive Migration Tool (Paid Software)
Who it suits. Admins who handle a Google Drive migration between two domains. Extra application. Windows or Linux migration software.
The SysTools Google Drive Migration Tool moves Docs, Sheets, Slides, Drawings and files with their file and folder permissions. The source and the destination use an admin account or individual user accounts.
The destination users must exist before the move. The vendor page lists a date range filter, delta migration and a retry option for failed items. Summary and detailed CSV reports come with the tool.
The tool needs a Google Cloud service account client with a P12 key. The page lists G Suite Education as unsupported.
The Shared with Me folder and Trash do not move. The free trial migrates 2 user accounts.
When does a Shared Drive Fit Better?
Google states that you cannot transfer files into a shared drive with the Admin console transfer. A shared drive retains the content when a member leaves. Google names it as the alternative for many external files.
Moving a personal Drive to another personal account follows the guide to export Google Drive to another account.
Where Else do Drive Files Move?
- Move files to Microsoft with the OneDrive to Google Drive guide.
- Sync both clouds with the Google Drive and OneDrive sync guide.
- Save photos locally with the Google Drive photo download guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do You Migrate Google Drive to Google Drive?
Admins use Transfer ownership in the Admin console. Moving between domains needs a migration tool.
Can You Transfer a Drive to a Personal Account?
No. Google does not support a direct transfer to or from an external account.
What does the Transfer Folder Contain?
It contains the old My Drive files, Transferred Computers folders and shortcuts to files in unshared folders.
Does the Transfer Move Trash?
No. Move the items out of Trash first.
Does the Old Owner Lose Access?
No. The old owner can still edit the files unless you delete the account or remove the permissions.
Does the SysTools Tool Move Shared With Me?
No. The vendor page states that Shared with Me and Trash do not move.
How Many Accounts does the Free Trial Move?
The free trial migrates 2 user accounts.
Author's Verdict
Use the Admin console for one organization and the Share menu for a few files.
Choose migration software when the Google Drive migration crosses two domains.
Key Takeaways
- Every Google Drive migration needs a source and a destination account.
- The Admin console moves one user Drive to another user.
- Ownership transfers remain inside one organization.
- Trash and Shared with Me do not move with the tool.
- Shared drives retain content when a member leaves.
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