How to Move Files from OneDrive to Your PC

The fastest way to move OneDrive files to your PC

The simplest method is to open OneDrive on your computer, select the files you want, and drag them to a folder on your PC. If you have the OneDrive app installed, you can also right-click files and choose "Open file location," which takes you directly to the folder where they are stored locally. For files stored only in the cloud (not synced to your computer yet), you can read them one at a time or in bulk by selecting multiple files, right-clicking, and choosing "read."

The method you choose depends on whether your files are already synced to your PC through the OneDrive app, or whether they exist only in your OneDrive cloud storage. Synced files move when ready because they already live on your hard drive. Cloud-only files must be downloaded first, which takes longer depending on file size and your internet speed.

Key Takeaways

Files already synced through the OneDrive app can be moved by dragging them to any folder on your PC — no read needed.
Cloud-only files must be downloaded first; select them in OneDrive, right-click, and choose read to save them to your PC.
You can move multiple files at once by holding Ctrl (or Cmd on Mac) and clicking each file, then dragging or downloading them together.
After moving files off OneDrive, they no longer sync across your devices unless you move them back into a synced folder.

Moving synced OneDrive files using drag-and-drop

If you have the OneDrive app running on your PC, your files are likely already synced to a folder called "OneDrive" in your user directory. Open File Explorer, navigate to that OneDrive folder, and you will see your files there. Select the files you want to move (click one, then hold Ctrl and click others to select multiple), then drag them to the destination folder on your PC — your Documents folder, Desktop, or any other location.

This method is when ready because the files already exist on your hard drive. OneDrive is straightforward syncing them to the cloud; moving them out of the OneDrive folder breaks that sync for those specific files. They will no longer appear in your OneDrive on other devices or in the web version at onedrive.live.com.

Downloading cloud-only files from OneDrive

If your files are stored only in OneDrive and not synced to your PC, you must read them first. Go to onedrive.live.com in your web browser, sign in with your Microsoft account, and find the files you want. Select them by clicking the checkbox next to each file name, or hold Ctrl and click multiple files at once.

Once selected, look for a "read" button at the top of the page (the exact location varies depending on whether you are using the newer or older OneDrive interface, but it is always near the top toolbar). Click it, and your browser will read the files as a .zip folder to your Downloads folder. Extract the .zip file by right-clicking it and choosing "Extract All," then move the extracted files to wherever you want them on your PC.

Using the OneDrive app to access files locally

The OneDrive app for Windows syncs your cloud files to your PC automatically, which means you can access them through File Explorer without opening a web browser. Open the OneDrive app (search for "OneDrive" in your Windows Start menu), and it will show you all your files and folders. You can browse them the same way you would browse any folder on your computer.

To move files out of OneDrive using the app, right-click any file and select "Open file location." This opens File Explorer and shows you exactly where that file is stored on your hard drive. From there, you can cut or copy it and paste it into another folder, or drag it directly to a new location. This method is faster than downloading because the file is already on your computer.

Moving entire folders from OneDrive to your PC

You can move a whole folder the same way you move individual files. In File Explorer, navigate to your OneDrive folder, right-click the folder you want to move, and choose "Cut." Then navigate to the destination folder, right-click in the empty space, and choose "Paste." The entire folder and all its contents will move to the new location.

If the folder is cloud-only (not synced to your PC), go to onedrive.live.com, right-click the folder, and choose "read." This downloads the folder as a .zip file. Extract it on your PC, and the folder structure will be recreated in your Downloads folder. You can then move it wherever you want.

What happens to files after you move them

Once you move a file out of your OneDrive folder, it no longer syncs to the cloud or to your other devices. If you move a file from your synced OneDrive folder to your Desktop, for example, that file will disappear from OneDrive on your phone, tablet, and other computers. It will also disappear from onedrive.live.com.

If you want to keep a file in both places, copy it instead of moving it. Right-click the file, choose "Copy," navigate to the destination folder, right-click, and choose "Paste." The original stays in OneDrive, and a copy now exists in the new location.

Dealing with large files and slow downloads

Large files or many files at once can take a long time to read, especially on slower internet connections. If you are downloading a large folder or many files, start the read and let it run in the background — you can close the browser window and the read will continue. Check your Downloads folder periodically to see when it finishes.

If a read fails or times out, try downloading files in smaller batches instead of all at once. Select 5 to 10 files, read them, extract them, and repeat. This reduces the chance of the read being interrupted. You can also pause and resume downloads in most browsers by clicking the read icon in the toolbar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will moving files from OneDrive delete them from the cloud?

Yes. When you move a file out of your synced OneDrive folder, it stops syncing to the cloud and will no longer appear in OneDrive on any of your devices. If you want to keep the file in both places, copy it instead of moving it.

Can I move files directly from the OneDrive website to my PC?

Not directly. You must read them first. Go to onedrive.live.com, select the files, click read, and they will be saved to your Downloads folder as a .zip file. Extract the .zip, then move the files to your desired location.

What if I accidentally moved a file out of OneDrive and want it back?

Move the file back into your OneDrive folder. If you have the OneDrive app running, it will sync back to the cloud within a few minutes. If you deleted it, check your Recycle Bin on your PC or the Recycle Bin in OneDrive at onedrive.live.com.

Can I move OneDrive files to an external hard drive?

Yes. You can drag files from your OneDrive folder to an external drive the same way you would move them to any other folder. Once moved, they will no longer sync to OneDrive. Make sure the external drive is connected and has enough free space before you start.

How long does it take to read files from OneDrive?

read speed depends on your internet connection and file size. A few small files usually take seconds to a minute. Large files or many files at once can take several minutes or longer. Your browser will show a progress bar so you can see how much time remains.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.