Move Files from OneDrive to PC: Admin Guide for 2026
-
Written By
Aradhya Jain -
Approved By
Shivam Rathore -
Updated on
July 1st, 2026 - Read Time
6 minutes
User Query: “My OneDrive is full, and I can’t sign in to upload anything new. I just want all my files sitting safely on my laptop instead of being stuck in the cloud. How do I actually move them off OneDrive and onto my PC without messing up my folders?”
Introduction: Microsoft’s OneDrive is a cloud that syncs files automatically for all hardware platforms you use. Some people still choose to keep their files on a Windows PC despite the convenience of using a cloud service. The advantage of moving files from OneDrive to PC is that you do not require any technical skills or knowledge. If you want to move a few folders or your entire OneDrive account, you can do it using File Explorer and OneDrive’s built-in sync feature. This blog explains the manual method and a professional DRS Softech OneDrive Backup Tool for a hassle-free process.
Manual Ways to Transfer OneDrive files to your computer
There are two basic manual methods that allow you to move files from your OneDrive to your local computer: You can either download files to your computer using the OneDrive website OR you can copy & paste them from the OneDrive Folder found in the File Explorer on your computer.
Method 01: Download Files from OneDrive Website
This is the most common way to move files from OneDrive to a PC. Steps to follow:
- Firstly, open your browser and sign in to Microsoft OneDrive
- Now, go to “My Files” in the left panel
- Select the files or folders you want to move
- Click Download from the top menu
- Save the file on your PC
- If prompted, choose a location like Downloads or Desktop.
Important Note: If you download multiple files, OneDrive compresses them into a ZIP file. You must extract the ZIP file manually after downloading
Limitation: This method becomes slow and repetitive when handling large amounts of data. You also lose time in extracting ZIP files and reorganizing folders.
Method 02: Move OneDrive files to a PC Using a Folder
- Install or open the OneDrive desktop app.
- Sign in with your Microsoft account.
- After that, open File Explorer on Windows.
- Find the OneDrive folder and select files or folders.
- Copy or cut them and paste them into a local folder or external drive.
Important Note: The OneDrive folder syncs automatically with cloud storage. Any change made locally can reflect online.
Risk: Accidental deletion may remove files from cloud storage; duplicate files may appear due to sync conflicts.
Professional Tool to Move Files from OneDrive to PC
For a bulk OneDrive file migration, you can use the DRS Softech OneDrive Backup Tool. This tool allows users to select multiple OneDrive files at once with no data loss. It preserves the original email formatting, structure, and metadata during the process. Simple interface, which means every user can easily use it. Offer several features, like:
- Preview option to cross-verify the added OneDrive files.
- Date Filter for selective email migration between the start and end dates.
- Deselect allows duplicate files to delete duplicate OneDrive files.
- Skip the previous migration for an incremental migration.
- For example, if you have 100 GB of data and 60 GB has already been transferred. The software will continue migrating only the remaining 40 GB instead of starting from the beginning.
- Migrate from OneDrive to another OneDrive, Google Drive, or a local drive.
- Also, widely compatible with all Windows and Mac versions.
How to Copy OneDrive Files to a New PC?
- Download the DRS Softech OneDrive Backup Tool. Select Single or Impersonation.
- Choose the Account Type: OneDrive for Business or Personal.
- Verify your OneDrive account and click Next.
- Preview OneDrive files or folders to move. Press Next.
- Apply features and filters as per your needs. Click Next.
- Lastly, choose Saving Format from the list and click Backup.
Real-Life Scenario: Moving OneDrive files to the PC
A marketing company in Texas with 120 employees stored over 2.8 TB of project files in OneDrive. An IT department has used DRS Softech’s OneDrive Backup Tool to develop a secure local backup prior to an upgrade to their systems. The files have been moved from one drive to the office PC. Completion of the backup took less than six hours. All employees still have access to work-related documents while they continue working as usual.
Conclusion
The process to move files from OneDrive to PC is important to keep a local copy of your important data. Free up cloud storage and access files even without an internet connection. The manual method helps transfer a few files or folders. That’s why it’s best to use the professional tool. It supports batch processing with multiple advanced features. Additionally, you can download the demo version of this tool to understand its features and functions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ans. You can move OneDrive files to your PC by using the manual method or a professional tool. Several differences between the two methods: the manual method supports few files, has limited features, limitations, and more. A professional tool performs bulk migration with multiple advanced features.
Ans. Using the DRS Softech OneDrive Backup Tool, the folder structure remains the same during transfer. Also, an option to skip previously migrated data for an incremental backup.
Ans. The professional OneDrive Backup Tool supports batch processing to move multiple files/folders at once without losing any important data.
Ans. If you have large OneDrive files to transfer, then the best solution is a professional tool. It gives a guarantee of no data loss and a 100% accurate result.
Ans. DRS Softech tool offers a date filter for the create or modified date between the start and end dates.
Ans. Yes. Your data remains secure when using trusted methods. The OneDrive Backup Tool performs the transfer without modifying the original files and maintains complete data integrity.
Ans. Yes. The software supports both OneDrive Personal and OneDrive for Business accounts, which allows you to back up files from either platform.
Ans. No. The DRS Softech OneDrive Backup Tool does not permanently store your OneDrive login credentials or the files you transfer. Your account information remains secure throughout the process.
Ans. Yes. DRS Softech provides 24×7 technical support to help users resolve installation, login, backup, or migration-related issues whenever needed.
Ans. Yes. IT administrators can backup and transfer data from multiple OneDrive accounts, which makes the software suitable for business and enterprise environments.
