Use Google Drive over OneDrive with Proper Steps
Are you switching from Microsoft OneDrive to Google Drive for better collaboration? This blog helps you learn how to use Google Drive instead of OneDrive. In this, I will explain the benefits of using Google Drive over Microsoft’s OneDrive cloud storage service.
For business, cloud storage becomes necessary for managing and storing documents. Microsoft OneDrive provides you with excellent features, but many prefer Google Drive because of its simpler interface and seamless collaboration with Google Workspace.
Although for more advanced functions, OneDrive is better for enterprise. But Google Drive also contains features that are why users want to use it.
Why Use Google Drive Instead of OneDrive?
Users may prefer Google Drive over Microsoft OneDrive because of the software ecosystem, free storage, and collaboration needs. But for more clarity, below are the common reasons.
- Google Drive provides you with 15 GB of free storage, which is shared across other Google apps. This is more than OneDrive offered, 5 GB.
- Google Drive provides real-time editing facility in Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides, which is missing in Microsoft’s co-authoring tools.
- You can upload an individual file up to 5 TB in Google Drive, whereas OneDrive only allows 250 GB.
- If you mostly use Android phones, Gmail, or Chromebooks, Google Drive is a much better way for backup and file access across your devices.
- For sharing your data, Google Drive has a much better option than OneDrive.
So, these reasons can be useful for many users when they start to use Google Drive over OneDrive. Before you switch your services. You have to keep in mind certain points.
Important Preparations Before Switching Platforms
- First, check your total used storage in OneDrive.
- Remove unnecessary/duplicate files, old backups, and temporary files.
- Organize your files into proper folders so that it is easy to move them.
- Check that your target Google Drive has enough storage space.
- Review that your OneDrive file formats are compatible with your Google Drive format.
- Make sure you create a backup of your files before proceeding to the procedure.
After that, follow the steps to properly use Google Drive instead of OneDrive.
How to Use Google Drive Over OneDrive?
The process is simple: you have to create a new account in Google Drive, move all your OneDrive data to the new account, organize your files, sync your Google Drive with your desktop, and share with the teams. The process is lengthy, and I am going to explain each step one by one.
Create a New Google Drive Account
Start by creating a new account in Google Drive using your Google account.
- In your web browser, go to the Google Drive page.
- Click on the Sign in button. Enter your Google account details.
- Properly follow the instructions to complete the sign-up process.
Upload Files and Folders to Google Drive
After properly logging in to your Google Drive, it is time to upload the files and folders to the Google Drive.
- In the Google Drive, click the + New button.
- Choose the File or Folder upload option.
- Browse the files or folders and then upload them to the Google Drive.
Sync Google Drive on your Desktop
If you want your workflow to be like OneDrive sync, then you have to use Google Drive for Desktop. Install the desktop version of the Google Drive to sync with your local Drive.
- Go to the Google Drive download page and download the tool.
- Follow the instructions to install the applications on your computer.
- Sign in with your Google account.
Organize Files and Folders
Once you have uploaded your files, you need to properly organize them to maintain productivity and easy access to important documents. For this, you must do these steps.
- Create folders and subfolders to categorize your files.
- Rename the files.
- Keep your important files as Starred items.
- Use labels or naming conventions for easy searching.
Share Files and Collaborate With Others
To share your files with your other teams, you can easily do so by following these steps.
- Choose the file or folder that you want to share.
- Right-click the file and then select the Share button.
- Enter the email address of the person that you want to share it with.
- Choose the permission level: Viewer, Commenter, or Editor, and then the Send button.
Want your OneDrive Files in Google Drive?
The above steps explain how you can properly use Google Drive. In businesses, most people often move their OneDrive files to Google Drive to continue their work. If you also want to do that, use the SysTools OneDrive to Google Drive Migration Tool to completely shift your data without any issues. This software is helpful for businesses where you want to securely transfer data.
Along with this, there are some practices recommended by experts that make using Google Drive easier.
Tips that Make Google Drive Easier to Use
- Make your folders color-coded to visually distinguish your projects. Right-click the folders >> Select organize >> Folder color. Assign any color of your liking.
- You can make your files as important items by adding them to Starred. This makes your file instantly accessible.
- For searching your particular files within the subfolders. Use advanced search operators in the search bar. To filter by file type, type “type:pdf” or “type:spreadsheet”. Find the file on the basis of the owner, type owner:me.
- You can enable offline access from Google Drive settings to view and edit the Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides in offline mode.
- For business accounts, you can use the Priority tab to create Workspaces that group the related files from different folders for specific tasks.
Conclusion
If you want to use Google Drive instead of OneDrive. Here, I have provided proper steps to use Google Drive. From creating the Google Drive account to managing and sharing your Drive account, I have properly explained the process. Along with it, if you want your OneDrive files to be in Google Drive, try the professional method. Don’t miss the tips that can make your work easier in Google Drive.