Multiple accounts, how to sync and transfer files

OneDrive storage cannot be reassigned or merged between Microsoft accounts; either share the qualifying Microsoft 365 subscription with the 5-GB account or copy its files into the account that already has the larger allowance.

If the 1-TB account owns Microsoft 365 Family

Only the subscription holder can share an eligible subscription:

1. Sign in to the Microsoft account that owns the subscription.
2. Open Services & subscriptions.
3. If Share subscription is available, invite the 5-GB account.
4. Sign in to the 5-GB account and accept the invitation by selecting Join now.
5. Allow up to two hours, then open Manage storage, refresh the page, and check the allowance.

This gives the invited account subscription storage benefits without merging the accounts; its files and mailbox remain private and separate. If Share subscription is absent, that subscription is not eligible for this sharing procedure.[^1^](https://support.microsoft.com/accounts-billing/subscriptions/[Subscription ID] "Troubleshoot sharing a Microsoft 365 subscription")

If you want one account to hold all files

Copy the files from the 5-GB OneDrive to the larger OneDrive. Keep the originals until the destination has fully synchronized and you have opened several files successfully.

When one account is personal and the other is work or school

Windows can sync both account types:

1. Select the OneDrive cloud icon in the Windows notification area.
2. Select Help & Settings → Settings → Account → Add an account.
3. Sign in to the other account.
4. In File Explorer, open the source OneDrive folder.
5. Select the files and folders, then choose Copy.
6. Open the destination OneDrive folder and choose Paste.
7. Wait for OneDrive to finish uploading, then sign in to the destination OneDrive online and verify the files.

Copy/paste is safer than drag-and-drop because it leaves the source intact while the upload is verified.^2^

If files came from a work or school account, copy only content your organization permits you to retain. Copied files may lose metadata such as Created date or Modified by, and shared items must be shared again.^2^

When both are personal Microsoft accounts

The Windows OneDrive sync client supports only one Personal OneDrive account at a time, so you cannot add both personal accounts side by side.^3^

Use this transfer method instead:

1. Sign in to the 5-GB account on OneDrive on the web.
2. Select the required files or folders and choose Download.
3. Confirm the downloaded archive or files open correctly.
4. Sign out and sign in to the 1-TB account.
5. Upload the downloaded files and folders.
6. Wait for upload completion and verify the destination files before deleting anything from the old account.

For a large collection, another option is to synchronize the 5-GB account to the PC, ensure all required files are locally available, unlink that account, link the larger account, and copy the retained files into its OneDrive folder. Microsoft documents the Windows unlink path as OneDrive cloud icon → Help & Settings → Settings → Account → Unlink this PC.^4^

Do not cancel a subscription or close either account until the transfer is complete and independently verified. Microsoft accounts, subscriptions, purchases, and OneDrive data cannot be merged directly.^5^

References

1. [Troubleshoot sharing a Microsoft 365 subscription](https://support.microsoft.com/accounts-billing/subscriptions/[Subscription ID])
2. Copy, transfer or import files to your personal OneDrive | Microsoft Support
3. How to add an account in Microsoft OneDrive | Microsoft Support
4. [Windows](https://support.microsoft.com/onedrive/unlink-and-re-link-onedrive)
5. Eliminating Multiple Office 365 accounts - Microsoft Q&A