Tranferred from one microsoft to another

MelT-7395 0 Reputation points
2026-08-28T21:45:54.51+00:00

Hello, how can I move over all of my information, pictures, and files from one of my Microsoft accounts that I will close to another one that I already have?

Microsoft 365 and Office | OneDrive | Other | Windows
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  1. AI answer

    2026-08-28T21:46:08.89+00:00

    Microsoft accounts cannot be merged or combined. To move data from one account to another, copy or export the data and then add it to the account that will remain.

    For files and pictures in OneDrive:

    1. Sign in to both accounts on the PC if possible: the old work/school or personal OneDrive and the destination personal OneDrive.
    2. In File Explorer, select the files and folders to keep from the old account.
    3. Select Copy.
    4. Go to the destination OneDrive folder for the account that will remain.
    5. Select Paste.
    6. Let OneDrive sync the copied files.

    Important notes:

    • Copy/paste is recommended instead of drag/drop because it is less prone to mistakes.
    • Make sure the destination account has enough storage.
    • Copied files are treated as new files, so metadata such as Date created or Modified By is not retained.
    • If files were previously shared, they must be shared again.
    • Only copy personal files from a work or school account if permitted by policy or law.

    For Outlook email, contacts, calendar, and tasks:

    • If the old account is a POP account, the data is stored in an Outlook .pst file.
    • Copy the .pst file from the old computer, set up Outlook with the new account, and then open the .pst file on the new computer.
    • Common .pst locations:
      • C:\Users\<username>\Documents\Outlook Files on Windows 10 and Windows 11
      • C:\Documents and Settings\\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook on older Windows versions
    • Moving the .pst file does not move the email account settings. The new account still needs to be configured in Outlook.

    If moving from an old PC to a new Windows 11 device:

    • Signing in with the Microsoft account on the new device helps bring files and data across Microsoft apps and services.
    • Backing up files before the move is recommended.

    After confirming everything is copied and accessible in the destination account, the old account can be closed.

    References:

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  2. Hendrix-V 18,605 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-08-29T03:33:48.96+00:00

    Hi MelT-7395,

    Since Microsoft accounts cannot be merged into a single account, one option you may want to consider is using the OneDrive "Share" feature from the account you plan to close. Share the folders with your new Microsoft account, sign in to the new account, then use "Add shortcut to My files" or copy only the content you need into the new OneDrive. This can make it easier to review and organize your files before permanently removing the old account.

    A few things to keep in mind:

    • Verify that all important files open correctly from the new account before closing the old one.
    • Check that the destination account has enough available OneDrive storage.
    • If you have subscriptions, purchases, or services linked to the old account, review those separately as they generally do not transfer between Microsoft accounts.

    Once you've confirmed everything is accessible from the new account, you can proceed with closing the old account with greater confidence.

    I hope this helps. Let me know if you need further assistance, feel free to ask me by clicking "Add Comment" or "Add Answer" if you cannot add comment so your response will be visible. Thanks for your effort.

    Note: Please follow the steps in our documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread.

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  3. GsN5034 - IA 76,465 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-08-29T05:48:21+00:00

    Hello, thank you for reaching out.

    The easiest way to move all your OneDrive cloud files from one account to another is to upload them from your OneDrive desktop folder to the destination account.

    1. On your Windows PC, make sure you’re signed in to the OneDrive desktop app with the Microsoft account that currently has the files.
    2. Open an incognito or private browsing window, then sign in to the OneDrive website with the Microsoft account you want to transfer the files to: https://onedrive.live.com/
    3. Click “Create or upload,” then select “Folder upload.”
    4. Choose the folders one by one from your OneDrive desktop folder.

    Once uploaded, your folders will be transferred to the other OneDrive account.

    You can sign out of your account in the OneDrive desktop app, then sign in with another Microsoft account you want to keep active.

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