syncing content between work and personal accounts

viktorya adib 5 Reputation points
2026-11-11T18:03:40.92+00:00

Hi, I recently got a work account with more storage and would love to use that extra space. Can I sync over the content I already have on my personal account?

Microsoft 365 and Office | Subscription, account, billing | For business | Other
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  1. AI answer

    2026-11-11T18:03:53.9933333+00:00

    Yes, but the accounts cannot be merged.

    Personal OneDrive and OneDrive for work or school stay separate by design. Content does not automatically flow between them, and work or school folders cannot be synced directly into personal OneDrive folders.

    What is supported:

    1. Add both accounts to the OneDrive sync app.
      • In Windows: select the OneDrive cloud icon in the notification area → Help and Settings → Settings → Account → Add an account.
      • In Mac: select the OneDrive cloud icon in the menu bar → Preferences → Account → Add an account.
    2. Sign in to the other account when OneDrive Setup opens.
    3. Copy files from the personal OneDrive folder to the work or school OneDrive folder on the computer.
      • Copying is recommended over drag-and-drop because it is less prone to mistakes.
      • After copying, OneDrive syncs the files to the destination account.

    Important limits and effects:

    • The storage remains separate even when both accounts are added.
    • Files copied from work or school to personal are treated as new files, so metadata such as Date created and Modified By is not retained. Re-sharing is also required for copied shared files.
    • Only personal files should be copied. Confidential or intellectual property from an employer or school must not be retained unless permitted by policy or law.

    If the goal is simply to use the extra work storage, the practical approach is to sync both accounts on the same device and copy the files that should live in the work account.

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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  2. Chris-D 2,700 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-11-11T18:28:20.7533333+00:00

    Hi viktorya,

    If you are referring to files stored in your personal OneDrive account, you can move or copy them to your work OneDrive to use the additional storage.

    OneDrive personal and OneDrive for work are separate storage locations, so the content will not sync automatically between the two accounts. You can sign in to both accounts in the OneDrive desktop app, then copy or move the files from your personal OneDrive folder to your work OneDrive folder.

    Before transferring the files, keep in mind that your work account is managed by your organization. Files stored there may be subject to your organization’s security and retention policies, and you could lose access if the work account is disabled in the future.

    For detailed instructions, you may find these articles helpful:

    I hope this information is helpful. If you are referring to another type of content, such as email, photos, or contacts, let me know so I can provide the appropriate steps.  

    If the answer is helpful, please click "Yes" and kindly upvote it.

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