Perform a Google Workspace Migration to Microsoft 365 or Office 365
Introduction
Many organizations that started on Google Workspace (formerly G Suite) eventually realize the need for advanced productivity, security, and enterprise collaboration tools. This leads them to explore Microsoft 365 (previously Office 365) as a more scalable and integrated alternative.
Whether it's for better integration with Microsoft Teams, tighter security, or powerful desktop apps like Word and Excel, switching platforms is becoming increasingly common.
But a Google Workspace to Microsoft 365 migration isn't always straightforward—it requires careful planning and execution.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to successfully migrate from Google Workspace to Microsoft 365, ensuring your data, emails, calendars, and documents make the move safely.
Why Migrate from Google Workspace to Microsoft 365?
Here are a few reasons why enterprises are making the switch:
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Full-featured Desktop Applications: Microsoft 365 provides native desktop versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
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Advanced Email Management: Outlook’s capabilities surpass Gmail’s, especially for enterprise email organization, compliance, and archiving.
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Better Integration: Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive work together seamlessly for document management and collaboration.
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Stronger Security & Compliance: Microsoft offers powerful admin and compliance tools including Data Loss Prevention (DLP), eDiscovery, and Azure Active Directory integration.
What Can You Migrate?
A complete Google Workspace to Microsoft 365 migration usually includes:
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Emails from Gmail to Outlook
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Calendars from Google Calendar to Microsoft Calendar
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Contacts to Microsoft Outlook
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Drive Files to OneDrive or SharePoint
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Shared Drives to SharePoint document libraries
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Labels and Folder Structures, where possible
Step-by-Step: Google Workspace to Microsoft 365 Migration
Step 1: Pre-Migration Planning
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Audit Your Data: Understand how much data needs to be moved—emails, calendars, files, etc.
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Check Licenses: Ensure each user has an active Microsoft 365 license.
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User Communication: Inform your team about what to expect during and after the migration.
Step 2: Domain Verification
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Sign in to the Microsoft 365 admin center.
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Go to Settings > Domains, and add your Google Workspace domain.
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Update the DNS settings in your domain registrar to verify ownership.
Step 3: Create Microsoft 365 User Accounts
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Set up accounts in Microsoft 365 for each user migrating from Google Workspace.
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Match usernames for easier transition.
Step 4: Use the Microsoft 365 Migration Tool
Microsoft provides a built-in migration tool to streamline the process:
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Navigate to Setup > Data Migration in the Microsoft 365 admin center.
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Select Google Workspace (Gmail) as your data source.
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Enter the admin credentials for Google Workspace.
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Select the users and what data (email, contacts, calendar) you wish to migrate.
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Start the migration. Microsoft 365 will pull data directly from Gmail accounts.
Step 5: Drive Data Migration
Migrating Google Drive files to OneDrive or SharePoint requires separate steps:
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Use tools like Microsoft Migration Manager, Google Takeout, or third-party solutions like CloudM or BitTitan.
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Maintain file hierarchy and permissions where possible.
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Shared Drives should ideally go to SharePoint, while individual Drive content goes to OneDrive for Business.
Step 6: Cutover and Final Sync
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After the initial sync, schedule a cutover date when all users start using Microsoft 365.
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Perform a delta sync to capture any data changes since the first migration.
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Update DNS records to point email traffic to Microsoft 365.
Common Challenges & How to Overcome Them
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Lost Metadata: Some file attributes (like last modified date) may not transfer. Use advanced migration tools to preserve this.
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Third-Party App Integration: Not all Google Workspace add-ons have Microsoft equivalents. Audit before migrating.
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User Training: Ensure your team is trained on Outlook, Teams, and OneDrive to minimize disruption.
Real-World Use Case
A mid-sized legal firm with 100+ employees migrated from Google Workspace to Microsoft 365 to meet regulatory compliance standards. Using a phased migration plan and third-party tool support, the transition was completed with zero data loss and increased collaboration using Teams and SharePoint.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long does it take to migrate from Google Workspace to Microsoft 365?
It depends on the volume of data and number of users. A small business may take a few hours, while large organizations may need days or weeks.
2. Will my email stop working during the migration?
No, email will continue to flow. However, final DNS cutover should be scheduled during non-peak hours to avoid disruption.
Conclusion
A Google Workspace to Microsoft 365 migration is a strategic move toward better productivity, tighter security, and more powerful enterprise collaboration tools. But the migration process can be technical and risky without proper planning.
At Star Knowledge, we specialize in Google Workspace to Microsoft 365 migration services. Our certified experts ensure a smooth, secure, and seamless migration experience—from planning to execution and post-migration support.
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