Onedrive and Dropbox Conflict: How to Solve Sync Issues and Use Both

Quick Navigation:

• OneDrive and Dropbox Conflict Error!
• What is the OneDrive and Dropbox Conflict?
• Why Conflicts Between Onedrive and Dropbox
• Fixes for OneDrive and Dropbox Conflicts
• Tips for Using Onedrive and Dropbox Together
• Can I Use Onedrive and Dropbox at the Same Time?
• Conclusion

OneDrive and Dropbox Conflict Error!

If you're using both Onedrive and Dropbox for file storage and syncing, you may have come across a frustrating issue: the Onedrive and Dropbox conflict. These two cloud storage giants, each with their unique features, can sometimes interfere with one another when installed on the same computer or device. This conflict can lead to syncing issues, access errors, and other problems that can slow down your workflow. But don’t worry! In this article, we’ll explain what causes this conflict, whether you can use both services at the same time, and how to fix common issues.

What is the OneDrive and Dropbox Conflict?

The OneDrive and Dropbox conflict occurs when the two cloud storage services clash, particularly when they try to access or sync the same file or folder simultaneously. This can happen when both apps are running on the same device, competing for system resources, or trying to sync the same file in different ways. Thus, you might encounter the following errors:

• Can’t back up to both OneDrive and Dropbox.

• We can’t back up your ** folder in OneDrive, because it contains another cloud storage. Please turn off the cloud service that you’re syncing your folders with and try again.

Other errors indicate the OneDrive and Dropbox conflict.

Why Conflicts Between Onedrive and Dropbox

Let's first examine the functions of Dropbox and Onedrive to comprehend why this conflict arises. Dropbox is a third-party service that provides cloud-based file storage, whereas Onedrive is a Microsoft file hosting service that is closely integrated with Windows. Although both apps have different syncing strategies, they frequently attempt to regulate file access and syncing when installed on the same device, which might cause problems.

Onedrive and Dropbox conflicts might arise for several primary reasons:

Fixes for OneDrive and Dropbox Conflicts

• Way 1. Remove Dropbox from OneDrive Folder
• Way 2. Let Dropbox Sync the Same File First Then Sync to OneDrive
• Way 3. Create Backup Copies and Upload to Dropbox and OneDrive Separately

Way 1. Remove Dropbox from OneDrive Folder

Dropbox won't interfere with OneDrive if you place it at C:\Users\username\Dropbox. Make sure both Dropbox and OneDrive are located in the corresponding path:

• C:\Users\yourusername\Dropbox
• C:\Users\yourusername\OneDrive

Just change the Dropbox folder location to the above path when setting up.

Way 2. Let Dropbox Sync the Same File First Then Sync to OneDrive

We found that if you have synced these files and folders to OneDrive, then syncing them to Dropbox will show you the OneDrive and Dropbox conflict error. If you sync files to Dropbox first, and then sync them to OneDrive, there will not be a problem.

Here is how to sync files to Dropbox, then sync to OneDrive to let Dropbox and OneDrive sync the same files:

1. Please install both Dropbox and OneDrive desktop apps, and log in to both accounts.

2. Tap the Dropbox icon > Your Account icon > Preferences.

3. Tap Backup on the left side, then choose Manage Backup.     

4. Choose Enable backup.

5. Choose the folders you’d like to Dropbox, hit Save > Set up, and follow the guide to sync folders to Dropbox.

6. Click on the OneDrive icon on the system tray, then hit the gear icon > Settings.

7. Choose Manage backup in the Sync and backup section.

8. Select the same folders and hit Save to sync the same files to OneDrive.

Limitation: However, we have done it successfully just once, it’s failed to run twice and it shows the error message “We can’t back up your ** folder in OneDrive, because it contains another cloud storage”.

Way 3. Create Backup Copies and Upload to Dropbox and OneDrive Separately

If you want to sync the same files and folders to Dropbox and OneDrive, using the desktop apps might not be the best way. You can create backup copies for those files and folders, then upload copies to Dropbox and OneDrive via the web app.

Tips for Using Onedrive and Dropbox Together

• Separate Storage Locations: The most effective way to use both services without issues is to ensure that Onedrive and Dropbox are not syncing the same folders. You can set each service to sync different directories, which prevents them from competing for file management.
• Check Syncing Settings: Be sure to check the settings of both apps to confirm which folders are being synced. You can set up selective sync on Dropbox or use Onedrive’s folder selection options to avoid syncing the same files on both platforms.
• Prevent System Overload: Avoid syncing too many files at once since this may cause your computer's resources to get overloaded. Reduce the number of cloud storage apps you use when working on huge files, or sync each service separately if you're working on a project that uses both.

Can I Use OneDrive and Dropbox at the Same Time?

In fact, if you want to sync the same files and folders to both Dropbox and OneDrive, there is the best free way for you to complete this job, using the powerful web-based multiple cloud storage manager MultCloud. Why?

It allows you to sync same files from one cloud to another directly without downloading and taking up space on your computer.

It supports almost all clouds, including Dropbox, OneDrive, Dropbox Business, OneDrive for Business, Google Drive, Google Workspace, iCloud Drive, iCloud Photos, MEGA, MediaFire, pCloud, ownCloud, Wasabi, Backblaze, etc.

You can perform automatic migration between Dropbox and OneDrive because you can set up the task to run at a scheduled time, daily, weekly, or monthly.

It uses 256-bit AES encryption and an OAuth authorization system to safeguard your precious files.

Sync OneDrive with Dropbox Straightforward in Three Easy Steps

1. Go to the MultCloud website, and sign up for free. And then sign in with your password and email address.

2. Integrate OneDrive and Dropbox with MultCloud. To add Dropbox, click "Add Cloud" and choose it. To allow access to MultCloud, adhere to the guidelines. Next, add OneDrive using the same procedure.

3. Sync OneDrive and Dropbox. Hit "Cloud Sync" on the left, then choose OneDrive as the source directory and choose Dropbox as the target directory. After that, click "Sync Now" to finish syncing Dropbox and OneDrive.

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Conclusion

The Onedrive and Dropbox conflict can be frustrating, but it’s manageable with the right approach. Whether you're dealing with syncing issues, access errors, or wondering how to use both services at the same time, the key is understanding how each platform works and taking steps to prevent clashes. By using them smartly, you can make the most of both Onedrive and Dropbox, ensuring smooth file management and syncing across both platforms.