29 Apr 25
How to Migrate from Google Workspace to Microsoft 365: A Complete Guide for Businesses
Imagine your entire team working faster, collaborating smarter, and securing data better — all from Day 1.
That's the power of Google Workspace to Microsoft 365 migration.
Every day, more businesses are making the move, driven by the need for stronger collaboration tools, better integration with Microsoft apps, and more advanced security.
But though the payoff is tremendous, the process of moving over can seem daunting if you're not sure where to begin.
This blog is here to transform that. No matter whether you're conducting a complete email migration, files, calendars, or contacts, we'll take you through it all you need to know to experience a smooth, hassle-free Google Workspace to Microsoft 365 migration — without the mess.
Google Workspace vs Microsoft 365: Speed Comparison
Prior to delving into the process of migration, there are differences in the two systems that one must know about:
Email
Gmail is cherished for its simplicity, but Outlook in Microsoft 365 provides richer calendar integration, better search, and more advanced organization capabilities for business use.
Storage:
Google Drive is flexible, but OneDrive is better integrated with Microsoft's desktop programs, so accessing and sharing files is more straightforward for Office users.
Collaboration:
Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides provide live collaboration, but Microsoft Teams integrated with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint does more with quality editing and real-time communication.
Admin & Security:
Google Workspace Admin Console is simple but Microsoft Admin Center offers stronger compliance, security, and user management features — a must for expanding businesses.
Pre-Migration Checklist
A successful migration begins with sound planning. Here's what you should include before you begin:
Inventory: Document all users, mailboxes, data volumes, shared drives, and aliases.
Decide what needs to be migrated: Select what to migrate — emails, calendars, contacts, Drive files, and Chat data.
Confirm domain ownership in Microsoft 365: Complete domain verification in Microsoft 365 to ensure smooth mail flow later.
Backup Important Data: Always backup important files and emails — better safe than sorry.
Communication Plan: Notify your team well in advance of the migration schedule and any anticipated changes.
Step-by-Step: Migrating Google Workspace to Microsoft 365
Ready to begin? Here's a straightforward step-by-step guide on how to migrate from Google Workspace to Microsoft office 365 without the stress:
Step 1: Set up Microsoft 365 accounts and verify your domain
Get appropriate Microsoft 365 licenses for your team and validate your domain to begin preparing your setup.
Step 2: Prepare Google Workspace accounts for migration
Make sure IMAP access is turned on in Gmail and admin APIs are turned on to allow for migration.
Step 3: Choose your migration method (IMAP or tool-based)
Make a choice to use IMAP migration (for simple/small migrations) or tool-based migration such as BitTitan, MigrationWiz, or Google Workspace Migration for Microsoft Exchange (GWMME) for complicated requirements.
Step 4: Begin mail migration (Gmail ? Outlook)
Migrate Gmail messages to Outlook mailboxes with folder structure and labels retained wherever possible.
Step 5: Migrate calendars and contacts
Use Microsoft's migration tools or export/import options to move events and contact lists to Outlook.
Step 6: Migrate Google Drive files to OneDrive or SharePoint
Transfer Drive documents to OneDrive for Business or SharePoint. Exercise care with file sharing permissions and structures.
Step 7: Post-migration testing and verification
Test email flow, file access, and calendar syncing prior to complete switching over.
Step 8: Update MX records to route mail to Microsoft 365
Redirect your domain's MX records to route new mail to Microsoft 365 rather than Gmail.
Common Challenges and How to Avoid Them
Even with a good plan, things can go wrong in a google workspace to Microsoft 365 migration. Here are a few typical issues — and how you can avoid them:
Delays in DNS propagation: Following MX record updates, it may take a maximum of 72 hours for changes to become effective. Prepare for this time frame.
Permissions issues in file migration: Externally shared files may have sharing permissions lost. Audit and repair permissions after migration.
Lost calendar invites or contacts: Verify recurring meeting invites and acceptances following calendar migration.
Confusion around file formats: Certain Google Docs may require conversion to Word or PDF formats for compatibility.
Why Work with a Migration Partner Like ConceptNXT
Managing how to migrate from Google Workspace to Office 365 is no easy feat. That's where experienced partners such as ConceptNXT step in.
Save Time and Risk: Professional teams guarantee a smooth and secure migration process.
Custom Migration Plans: Personalized strategies according to your business's size, organization, and objectives.
Minimal Business Disruption: Enjoy near-zero downtime while making the switch.
Post-Migration Support: Get training and assistance even after the migration is complete.
Ready to start your migration journey? With the right preparation — and possibly a trusted partner by your side — migrating from Google Workspace to Microsoft 365 can be a game-changer for your business.
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