Introduction
This guide will help you switch from Google Drive to Tresorit, a zero-knowledge encrypted cloud storage service based in Switzerland. Tresorit ensures that only you can access your files - not even Tresorit can decrypt them.
Why switch?
- Google Drive files are not end-to-end encrypted
- Google can access and scan your documents
- Data stored on US servers under US jurisdiction
- Privacy concerns with Google’s data practices
Why Tresorit?
- Swiss privacy laws protect your data
- Zero-knowledge encryption (only you have the keys)
- GDPR and HIPAA compliant
- Easy-to-use interface similar to Google Drive
- Business and personal plans available
Prerequisites
- Active Google Drive account
- Tresorit account (paid service, no free tier for storage)
- Tresorit desktop application
- About 30 minutes of time
- Sufficient Tresorit storage for your files
Info: Tresorit is a paid service starting at around 10/month. The security and privacy features justify the cost for many users.
Step 1: Create your Tresorit account
- Visit tresorit.com and click “Start free trial” or “Sign up”
- Choose your plan (Personal, Professional, or Business)
- Enter your email and create a strong password
- Verify your email address
- Complete account setup
Tip: The password you choose is crucial - Tresorit cannot recover it due to zero-knowledge encryption. Use a password manager!
Step 2: Download Google Drive data
- Go to Google Takeout
- Click “Deselect all”
- Select only “Drive”
- Click “Next step”
- Choose “Export once” and preferred file size
- Click “Create export”
- Download the archive when ready
Warning: Google Docs files export as Microsoft Office format. They’re fully compatible with Tresorit.
Step 3: Install Tresorit desktop application
- Download Tresorit from tresorit.com/download
- Install the application
- Sign in with your Tresorit account
- Create your first “tresor” (encrypted folder)
- Choose which tresors to sync locally
Step 4: Upload your files to Tresorit
Using the desktop app (Recommended)
- Extract downloaded Google Takeout archives
- Drag files into your Tresorit folder
- Or copy files to the synced Tresorit folder
- Wait for upload and encryption to complete
- Verify files in Tresorit web interface
Using the web interface
- Log into web.tresorit.com
- Click “Upload” to add files
- Create folders to organize content
- Monitor upload progress
Tip: The desktop app is faster and more reliable for large uploads.
Step 5: Organize your tresors
Tresorit uses “tresors” instead of folders for top-level organization:
- Create tresors for different purposes (Work, Personal, Photos)
- Inside tresors, create regular folders
- Each tresor can have different sharing settings
- Move files into appropriate tresors
Step 6: Set up sharing (if needed)
- Right-click a file or folder
- Select “Share”
- Choose “Get link” for public sharing (files are still encrypted)
- Or invite specific people with Tresorit accounts
- Set permissions and optional expiration
Info: Even shared links are encrypted. Recipients need the link to decrypt files.
Tips & Gotchas
Warning: Tresorit cannot recover your password. Store it securely in a password manager!
- Storage limits: Check your plan’s storage limit before migrating
- File size limits: Personal plans may have file size limits
- Collaboration: Real-time collaboration requires Tresorit accounts for all participants
- Offline access: Mark tresors for offline access on mobile
- Recovery key: Set up and save your recovery key
- Two-factor authentication: Enable 2FA for extra security
What’s Next?
After completing this guide:
- Install mobile apps: iOS and Android apps available
- Enable 2FA: Add two-factor authentication
- Set up recovery key: Crucial for account recovery
- Review sharing: Update any shared links for important files
- Disable Google Drive: Once migration is complete
Related Guides
- Google Drive to Nextcloud - Self-hosted alternative
- Dropbox to Nextcloud - Similar cloud storage migration
- Gmail to ProtonMail - Swiss email alternative
