How to Migrate From Google Workspace to Office 365? Complete Guide

Are you stuck in migrating from Google Workspace to Microsoft 365? Let’s get into this technical guide to know about the best solution for you. Google Workspace migration might become a complex and perilous procedure. Therefore, this will offer you all the possible ways to make your G Suite to Office 365 migration smoother and simpler at the same time.

When a company isn’t happy with its Google G Suite subscription, the next concern for its administrators is figuring out how to migrate from Google Workspace to Microsoft 365. However, the problem is that the traditional methods fail to deliver timely and accurate results.

Consequently, organizations have to extend the downtime and face potential revenue losses. This doesn’t have to be the approach to take when transferring data between different cloud environments, especially when migrating from Google Workspace to Microsoft 365

Therefore, in this article, we will discuss the manual methods and why they are problematic, as well as how a professional solution can prevent all these issues. So, let’s begin by understanding both the technical giants first and then determining if there’s a need for migration.

A Closer Look at Google Workspace and Microsoft Office 365

Google Workspace is a web-based suite of productivity tools that features well-known programs like Gmail, Google Drive, Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and additional applications.

It provides instant collaboration features that are especially attractive to small companies and new ventures.

Its straightforwardness and user-friendliness have contributed to its popularity among groups in search of fundamental productivity solutions.

Office 365, was recently rebranded as Microsoft 365. It is a comprehensive suite of productivity tools designed for businesses of all sizes.

It includes applications such as Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and OneDrive, among others. What sets Office 365 apart and users to perform G Suite migration to O365 is its deep integration with other Microsoft services, such as Azure Active Directory and SharePoint, as well as its advanced security features and AI-driven productivity enhancements.

Why Switch from Google Workspace to Microsoft 365?

Let us discuss several factors to know how to migrate from Google Workspace to Office 365. Here are some of the key reasons:

• Advanced Collaboration Tools

Microsoft Teams, a part of Office 365, provides sophisticated tools for working together, like video meetings, group messaging, and connections with other Microsoft tools. It delivers a consistent platform that improves how teams talk and work together. This makes it a top pick for companies that have employees working from home or a mix of locations.

• Mergers and acquisitions

This will take place when one company acquires another, or when two companies interested in merging do so. Following this process, IT administrators need to work together to integrate the entire staff from the acquiring company into the new platform, which is Microsoft 365.

• Internal requirement change

Businesses are constantly seeking ways to enhance their workers’ efficiency. Therefore, if they believe that Microsoft’s cloud service offers greater benefits, they could consider switching their current service provider.

• Strong Security and Compliance

Office 365 provides business-level security capabilities, including data protection measures like data loss prevention (DLP), multi-factor authentication (MFA), and sophisticated threat defense (ATP). These capabilities assist companies in adhering to regulatory standards and safeguarding confidential information.

Now let’s move towards the different methods through which you can migrate email from Google Workspace to Office 365

How to Migrate from Google Workspace to Office 365 Using Powershell Commands?

Step 1. Create a connection to PowerShell’s Exchange Online configuration

Note: It’s essential to have the Google Workspace super admin login details with you. Without these, you won’t be able to carry out a connectivity verification between the two points.

Step 2. After the PowerShell is operational, enter the following code:

Test-MigrationServerAvailability -Gmail -ServiceAccountKeyFileData $([System.IO.File]::ReadAllBytes("C:\\filepath\\adminkeyfile.json")) -EmailAddress gsuiteadmin@domain.com

Step 3. Perform a self-verification to see if the connection is successful or not. Once successful, use the command with your modifications

New-MigrationEndpoint -Gmail -ServiceAccountKeyFileData $([System.IO.File]::ReadAllBytes("C:\\filepath\\adminkeyfile.json")) -EmailAddress gsuiteadmin@domain.com -Name gmailEndpoint

Step 4. Get ready to transfer a new set to Microsoft 365. Re-establish a connection with the PowerShell Exchange Online platform. Then, proceed with the discussion on the process of moving from Google Workspace to the Office 365 environment.

Step 5. Prepare a CSV with all users in a row-wise format. The header row can only contain

E-mail Address: This is required and must be completed using the main email address for the M365 email account.

Another optional header is Username use it only when the Gmail primary email address does not match EmailAddress.

Step 6. After you save the CSV execute the command:

New-MigrationBatch -SourceEndpoint gmailEndpoint -Name newGmailBatch -CSVData $([System.IO.File]::ReadAllBytes("C:\\sourcepath\\gmaildata.csv")) -TargetDeliveryDomain "o365.domain.com"

Step 7. Admins can start the current migration batch using the command:

Start-MigrationBatch -Identity newGmailBatch

Step 8. To see the status of the batch type:

Get-MigrationBatch -Identity newGmailBatch

Step 9. If the output that you receive after the previous command is Synced, Then end the migration by using:

Complete-MigrationBatch

Perform Google Workspace to Office 365 Migration Via Exchange Admin Center

Step 1. In the Exchange Admin center, go to Migration and then select Add migration batch.

Step 2. On the Add migration batch page, adjust the following options:

• Give the migration batch a unique name: Enter a unique name.
• Choose the email migration route: Ensure that the option for Migration to Exchange Online is chosen
  Once you’re done, press Next.

Step 3. On the Migration Type page, choose Google Workspace (Gmail) migration, and then press Next.

Step 4. On the Google Workspace migration page, click to enlarge the Manually Configure your Google Workspace for migration section. As outlined in the content, please follow these steps for configuration:

1. Create a Google Service Account
2. Enable API Usage in your project
3. Grant access to the service account for your Google tenant
4. When you’re finished, click Next.

Step 5. Choose a migration endpoint page from the wizard select one of the following options:

Choose the migration destination: Choose the current migration destination from the menu.
Initiate a new migration destination: Choose this choice if it’s your first time using this service.

Note- To successfully transfer Gmail email accounts, Microsoft 365 or Office 365 must establish a connection and exchange information with Gmail. This is achieved by utilizing a migration endpoint. A migration endpoint is a technical term that refers to the configuration required to establish the link necessary for moving the email accounts.

If you selected Create a new migration endpoint, do the following steps:

• On the General Information section, adjust the following options:

Migration Destination Name: Type in a value.

Maximum concurrent migrations: Set it to the default of 20 or adjust it as needed.

Maximum concurrent incremental syncs: Set it to the default of 10 or adjust it as needed.

Once you’re done, press Next.

• On the Gmail migration configuration page, configure the following settings:

Email: Type in the email address you use to log into Google Workspace.
JSON key: Press Import JSON. A window will pop up. Locate and choose the JSON file you downloaded, and press Open.

After the endpoint is properly set up, it will be shown in the Select Migration endpoint drop-down menu.

Choose the endpoint from the drop-down menu and press Next.

Step 6. Select the Import CSV option on the Add user email boxes page and go to the directory where your CSV file is stored.

First, create a CSV file listing all the users you wish to migrate, if you haven’t done so already. You’ll need the file’s name in the following steps. The permitted headers are:

E-mail address (mandatory): Holds the main email address for a current Microsoft 365 or Office 365 account.
Username (not mandatory): Holds the Gmail main email address, if it varies from EmailAddress.

When you’re finished, click Next.

EmailAddress
will@fabrikaminc.net
user123@fabrikaminc.net

Step 7. On the Configuration page, choose the Delivery Domain option from the list, check the remaining information, and proceed to the next step.

Step 8. On the Schedule page for batch migration, ensure all the information is correct, then press Save and confirm by clicking Done.

Best Practices for Migrating from Google Workspace to Microsoft 365

Here’s a guide on how to smoothly transition from Google Workspace to Office 365:

• Add any new users directly to the target system to reduce email volume temporarily.
• If you opt for the manual approach, turn off the Default MRM and Archive policies to prevent unnecessary alerts.
• Choose the shortest TTL (Time to Live) to bring back regular mailbox operations swiftly.
• Only employ the PowerShell technique if you’re familiar with the required commands.
• Plan the migration during less busy times to reduce any interruptions.
• Ensure that you prepare your local setup and that no other demanding tasks are in progress.
• Create a user list AI generates for a simulated move instead of a live test to avoid losing data.

The simplest way to guarantee an easy transition is to skip manual techniques. We offer a solution that can assist you in achieving this.

Best Recommended Method to Migrate from Google Workspace to Office 365

Concerns regarding the switch from Google Workspace to Microsoft 365 can be alleviated with the introduction of the SysTools Google Workspace Migration services. We meticulously designed these services to facilitate the easy migration of cloud data from G Suite to Microsoft 365.

Its user-friendly interface enables administrators to configure it within a minimal timeframe, thereby initiating user data migration with minimal effort. Furthermore, this advanced method will automate the process and ensure that users encounter minimal to no disruptions during the transition.

Our team of experts will handle the entire migration process for you, from planning and execution to post-migration support. This allows you to focus on your core business while we take care of the technical details, ensuring minimal disruption and maximum efficiency

The Final Thoughts

Change is never easy, but the rewards of adopting Office 365 far outweigh the challenges of migration. With the right plan, you can navigate this transition smoothly and position your organization for greater success.

Think of it as not just moving to a new platform but as an upgrade to your entire work environment. However, embrace the change, and you’ll find that Office 365 offers a world of possibilities that make the journey worthwhile.