If you’ve relied on ExpanDrive to map cloud storage as a local drive or streamline file access, you already understand the power of making cloud files feel local. But as your business grows, or your workflows become more automated, collaborative, or compliance-driven, it might be time to upgrade from desktop file access to a full-featured file transfer platform.

That’s where Files.com comes in.

In this guide, we’ll show you why and how to migrate from ExpanDrive to Files.com and how Files.com can take your file operations from helpful to high-performing.

Why Upgrade to Files.com?

ExpanDrive is built for individuals and power users who need direct access to cloud storage providers. Files.com, on the other hand, is built for teams and systems – centralizing file transfer, workflow automation, integrations, and enterprise-grade access control in one platform.

Here’s what you gain by migrating:

Centralized File Management

Instead of connecting user-by-user through desktop apps, Files.com gives you a central platform to orchestrate file transfers, manage access, and monitor everything happening across your organization.

Automation Without Scripts

Files.com lets you build no-code workflows that move, sync, or transform files across systems – on a schedule or triggered by events. No custom scripts or external cron jobs required.

Security & Compliance

Files.com includes encryption (in transit and at rest), detailed audit logs, IP restrictions, and support for SSO, SCIM, and role-based access – out of the box. If you’re in a regulated industry or managing sensitive data, this is a serious upgrade.

Native Integrations at Scale

You can connect Files.com directly to your existing cloud storage providers – Amazon S3, Azure Blob, Dropbox, Google Drive, and more – using built-in connectors that operate behind the scenes. No need for mounted drives or manual transfers.

User Management & Granular Permissions

Files.com gives you team-wide user management, permissioning, and access controls. Whether you’re managing a few collaborators or an enterprise org, you’ll have full visibility and control.

How to Migrate from ExpanDrive to Files.com

The migration is straightforward, and your Files.com site can be set up in minutes. Here’s the recommended approach:

Step 1: Audit Your ExpanDrive Usage

Make a quick inventory:

• Which cloud services are connected?
• Are you using any scripts or automation around your mounted drives?
• Who in your team is actively using ExpanDrive?

This helps map out what needs to move over.

Step 2: Set Up Your Files.com Site

If you don’t already have a Files.com account, start a trial. You’ll get access to the full platform – no feature gating – and can start testing with your actual workflows and connections.

Step 3: Connect the Same Cloud Providers

Files.com supports direct integrations with most major storage providers:

• Amazon S3
• Dropbox
• Google Drive
• Microsoft SharePoint & Azure Blob
• Backblaze B2, Wasabi, and more

These connections can be used to push, pull, sync, or automate transfers – without needing to mount them locally.

Step 4: Recreate Your Workflows. Faster and Smarter

With Files.com, there’s no need to manually rebuild scripts or use third-party tools. Instead, use the built-in no-code workflow builder to:

• Schedule recurring syncs between connected storage
• Automatically transfer files when new ones are uploaded
• Route files to multiple destinations simultaneously
• Send alerts when workflows succeed or fail

You’ll get more control, more visibility, and less manual effort – without writing a single line of code.

Bonus: If you need something custom, Files.com also provides a robust REST API, CLI tool, and SDKs for deep integration with your systems.

Step 5: Onboard Your Team

Invite your users directly, or set up SSO via Okta, Azure AD, Google Workspace, or your identity provider of choice. You can manage users, groups, and folder-level permissions from the UI or programmatically.

Can You Still Use ExpanDrive?

Of course! ExpanDrive isn’t going away. In fact, if you upgrade to Files.com, you get to keep using ExpanDrive as a powerful companion tool – at no additional cost on Enterprise and Premier plans.

Here’s how the two work together:

• ExpanDrive as a Files.com Client: You can connect ExpanDrive directly to your Files.com site and use it to browse, upload, download, or sync files as if they were on your desktop. It gives you a native Finder or File Explorer experience – without syncing or local storage bloat.
• Perfect for Power Users: Designers, engineers, and anyone who lives in a file browser can use ExpanDrive for fast access, while still benefiting from Files.com’s security, access controls, and audit trails behind the scenes.
• No Change in Daily Habits: If you're used to drag-and-drop or right-click to move files via ExpanDrive, that workflow stays intact. The only difference is that you're now connected to a platform that scales across your team and automates everything else.
• Use It Where It Makes Sense: Not every user in your organization needs ExpanDrive, and that’s okay. It’s available for those who prefer a native desktop feel, while others can access Files.com through the web UI, mobile app, API, or integrations.

So while you’re upgrading to a modern, enterprise-grade file platform with Files.com, you’re not leaving the desktop experience behind. You’re just making it a whole lot smarter.

Files.com vs. ExpanDrive: At a Glance

Start Your Migration Today

Moving from ExpanDrive to Files.com unlocks the next level of file transfer power: secure, automated, and ready to scale with your organization.

You don’t have to give up what you love about ExpanDrive – you just get a lot more.

Start your Files.com trial now

Or contact our team for help with your migration.