Overview

A successful migration keeps paths stable, avoids duplicates, and documents who owns which shared folders.

Plan the scope and structure

Decide which accounts and shared folders you will move and where they will live on the NAS.

• List users and shared folders with current owners
• Design destination folders such as Home, Teams, and Archive
• Confirm available capacity and plan growth

Choose a migration method

Pick one approach based on your environment and timelines.

• Direct transfer using Synology Cloud Sync from OneDrive to NAS
• Workstation copy where users export to a staging drive then copy to NAS

Direct Cloud Sync approach

Use the Cloud Sync package to connect to OneDrive and pull data into the NAS with version rules.

• Create a dedicated destination folder per user or team
• Map OneDrive paths to matching NAS folders
• Run an initial sync after hours and verify a sample set

Workstation copy approach

Use this when you prefer manual control or have limited admin rights.

• Export from OneDrive to a local staging drive
• Copy to the NAS using the desktop client or SMB
• Verify sizes and spot check file integrity

Permissions and sharing

Set clean ownership and sharing rules before users reconnect.

• Create groups that match departments
• Assign read and write permissions per folder
• Enable recycle bins and quotas where appropriate

Reconnect desktop and mobile clients

Switch users to Synology Drive with minimal disruption.

• Install Synology Drive Client and connect to the NAS
• Select folders to keep offline on laptops
• Confirm mobile app sign in and background sync

Backup and verification

Protect the new data location and verify success.

• Enable snapshots and create a Hyper Backup job
• Run a sample restore drill
• Archive the staging export for a short period before deletion

Troubleshooting checklist

Use this list to resolve common issues.

• Check path lengths and special characters
• Verify permissions and group membership
• Review Cloud Sync logs for skipped files

FAQs

Quick answers to common migration questions.

• Can I migrate sharing links
• Recreate sharing through Synology Drive
• Do versions come across
• Use Cloud Sync rules, or keep versions in the OneDrive archive
• Is downtime required
• Plan a read only window during final copy