How to Move a Folder to Another Google Drive: A Comprehensive Guide

Moving folders between Google Drive accounts isn’t as intuitive as you might hope, but it’s certainly achievable. The most straightforward method involves sharing the folder from the source account, creating a copy in the destination account, and then, optionally, deleting the original folder from the source. Let’s dive deep into the process, exploring the nuances and offering tips for a smooth transition.

Understanding the Landscape of Google Drive Transfers

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, it’s crucial to grasp the underlying mechanisms. Unlike simply dragging and dropping files on your local computer, moving a folder between Google Drives involves a more complex interplay of permissions and ownership. Google Drive prioritizes data security and ownership, which explains why a direct “move” function across accounts isn’t readily available. We must instead leverage sharing and copying functionalities.

Step-by-Step Guide to Moving Your Folder

Follow these steps to relocate your folder seamlessly:

Step 1: Sharing from the Source Account

1. Locate the folder: In your source Google Drive account, find the folder you intend to move.
2. Initiate Sharing: Right-click on the folder. A menu will appear. Select “Share.”
3. Enter the Destination Account’s Email: In the sharing dialog box, type in the email address associated with the Google Drive account where you want to move the folder.
4. Set Permissions: Crucially, set the permission to “Editor“. This grants the destination account the necessary rights to copy the folder. Avoid “Viewer” or “Commenter” which won’t allow copying.
5. Send the Invitation: Click “Send.” The destination account will receive an email notification about the shared folder.

Step 2: Accessing the Shared Folder in the Destination Account

1. Check the “Shared with me” Section: In your destination Google Drive account, navigate to the “Shared with me” section.
2. Locate the Shared Folder: Find the folder you just shared from the source account.

Step 3: Creating a Copy in the Destination Account

1. Right-Click the Shared Folder: Right-click on the shared folder within the “Shared with me” section.
2. Select “Make a copy”: A new copy of the folder and all its contents will be created in your destination Google Drive.

Step 4: Organizing the Copied Folder (Optional)

1. Move to the Desired Location: The copied folder will initially be in your “My Drive” root. You can now drag and drop it into any subfolder within your destination Google Drive to organize it as desired.

Step 5: Addressing Ownership (Important)

The copied folder and its contents now belong to the destination account. This ensures proper file management and access control within the new Google Drive.

Step 6: Removing Sharing from the Source Account (Optional)

1. Revisit the Sharing Settings: Go back to the original folder in the source Google Drive account. Right-click and select “Share.”
2. Remove the Destination Account: In the sharing dialog box, locate the email address of the destination account. Click on the permission level (e.g., “Editor”) and select “Remove.”
3. Confirm Removal: Confirm the removal to revoke access for the destination account.

Step 7: Deleting the Original Folder (Optional)

1. Assess the Need to Keep the Original: Decide whether you need to keep the original folder in the source account. If not, proceed with deletion.
2. Delete the Folder: Right-click on the original folder and select “Remove” (or “Delete,” depending on your Drive interface). This moves the folder to the trash.
3. Empty the Trash (Optional but Recommended): To permanently remove the folder and its contents, go to the “Trash” in your Google Drive and empty it. This frees up storage space.

Important Considerations

• Large Folders: Moving very large folders can take considerable time depending on your internet connection speed and the size of the folder.
• File Versions: The “Make a copy” function typically copies the latest version of each file. However, older versions might not be preserved.
• Sharing Settings Within the Folder: If files or subfolders within the original folder have separate sharing settings, these might need to be reconfigured in the destination account.
• Third-Party Apps: Be cautious with third-party apps claiming to simplify the process. Always prioritize security and only use reputable apps from trusted sources.
• Google Workspace Accounts: If you’re using Google Workspace (formerly G Suite), your administrator might have restrictions on sharing files externally.
• Testing: Before deleting the original folder, thoroughly check the copied folder in the destination account to ensure everything has been transferred correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I move multiple folders at once to another Google Drive?

Unfortunately, Google Drive doesn’t allow you to move multiple folders simultaneously using the built-in “Make a copy” function. You’ll need to repeat the process for each folder individually. While tedious, this ensures proper transfer and avoids potential errors.

2. What happens to the sharing permissions of files within the folder when I move it?

The new copied folder in the destination drive will not inherit sharing permissions from the old folder. You will need to reshare those files if the access is still required.

3. Is there a faster way to move large folders between Google Drives?

For very large folders, consider using the Google Takeout service to download the folder contents as a zip file. Then, upload the zip file to the destination Google Drive and extract it. This can sometimes be faster than relying solely on the “Make a copy” function. But it’s still a manual process.

4. Will collaborators lose access to the files if I delete the original folder after moving it?

Yes, collaborators who only had access to the original folder will lose access once it’s deleted. Make sure to inform them and reshare the files/folders from the destination Google Drive if needed.

5. How do I ensure that file timestamps are preserved when moving folders?

Unfortunately, the “Make a copy” function may not perfectly preserve the original file creation and modification timestamps. While the file content will be the same, the timestamps may reflect the time the copy was created. Google Takeout and other transfer methods have the same limitations.

6. Can I automate this process using Google Apps Script?

Yes, with some coding knowledge, you can use Google Apps Script to automate the sharing, copying, and permission management steps. However, this requires programming expertise and a thorough understanding of the Google Drive API.

7. What if I accidentally delete the original folder before verifying the copy?

Immediately check your Trash in the source Google Drive account. You can restore the folder from the Trash if it’s still there. If you’ve already emptied the Trash, data recovery becomes significantly more difficult and might require contacting Google support.

8. How does moving folders affect storage quota in both Google Drive accounts?

The “Make a copy” function creates a complete duplicate of the folder and its contents. Therefore, the copied folder will consume storage space in the destination Google Drive account. The original folder will continue to consume space in the source account until it is deleted.

9. Is it possible to transfer ownership of the original folder instead of copying it?

No, Google Drive doesn’t directly offer a “transfer ownership” feature between different Google accounts for entire folders. The “Make a copy” method is the standard workaround. For individual files, the ownership can be transferred with certain settings.

10. What happens to Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides within the folder?

When you use “Make a copy,” Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides are also copied and become independent files in the destination Google Drive. They are no longer linked to the originals. Any changes made to the copy will not affect the original, and vice versa.

11. Can I move a folder to a Shared Drive (formerly Team Drive) from my personal Google Drive?

Yes, you can move a folder to a Shared Drive using a similar method: Share the folder with yourself on the Shared Drive then make a copy of the folder. Be aware that you must have the appropriate permissions (“Contributor” or higher) in the Shared Drive to copy files to it.

12. What should I do if I encounter errors during the folder transfer process?

First, check your internet connection and ensure that both Google Drive accounts have sufficient storage space. Clear your browser cache and cookies, or try using a different browser. If the problem persists, contact Google Drive support for assistance, providing details about the error message and the steps you’ve taken.