Complete Guide: Migrate from Microsoft 365 to Google Workspace
Step-by-step migration guide to seamlessly transfer all your data from Microsoft 365 to Google Workspace. Includes email, Drive files, calendars, contacts, and user accounts with zero data loss.
Perfect for: Perfect for: Organizations switching platforms, companies consolidating systems, or businesses seeking better collaboration tools while preserving all existing data and workflows.
Pre-Migration Requirements & Planning
Essential preparation steps to ensure a smooth and successful migration from Microsoft 365 to Google Workspace.
Admin Access
Global admin rights in both Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
User Inventory
Complete list of users, licenses, and their data volumes
Data Assessment
Audit of emails, files, calendars, and contacts to be migrated
Migration Window
Planned downtime or low-activity period for the migration
Critical Migration Considerations
- • Plan for 24-48 hours of reduced productivity during active migration
- • Some Microsoft-specific features may not have direct Google equivalents
- • Large mailboxes (50GB+) may require extended migration time
- • SharePoint sites need manual recreation in Google Drive/Sites
- • Third-party app integrations will need to be reconfigured
Step-by-Step Guide to Adding Secondary Domain
Follow these detailed steps to successfully add and configure your secondary domain in Google Workspace.
Set Up Google Workspace Environment
Configure your Google Workspace organization and user accounts
Detailed Steps:
- Create Google Workspace organization with matching domain
- Set up user accounts matching your Microsoft 365 users
- Configure organizational units and groups as needed
- Verify domain ownership and set up DNS records
Prepare Microsoft 365 for Migration
Configure M365 settings to enable data export and migration
Detailed Steps:
- Enable IMAP access for all user mailboxes
- Create app passwords for users with MFA enabled
- Export user lists and permission structures
- Document SharePoint site structures and permissions
Migrate Email Data
Transfer all email, calendars, and contacts using Google's migration tools
Detailed Steps:
- Access Google Admin Console > Data Migration
- Select 'Microsoft Exchange' as source platform
- Enter Microsoft 365 connection details
- Map users between platforms and start email migration
- Monitor migration progress and resolve any conflicts
Migrate Drive/OneDrive Data
Transfer files from OneDrive and SharePoint to Google Drive
Detailed Steps:
- Use Google Drive Migration tool in Admin Console
- Connect to Microsoft 365 using OAuth authentication
- Select users and data sources (OneDrive, SharePoint)
- Configure folder mapping and file conversion settings
- Initiate bulk file transfer and monitor progress
Migrate Calendar and Contacts
Transfer calendar events and contact information
Detailed Steps:
- Export calendars from Outlook to ICS format
- Import calendar files to Google Calendar
- Export contacts from Outlook to CSV format
- Import contacts to Google Contacts via Admin Console
- Verify recurring events and shared calendars
Update DNS and Mail Routing
Switch email routing from Microsoft 365 to Google Workspace
Detailed Steps:
- Update MX records to point to Google's mail servers
- Configure SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records
- Test email flow and deliverability
- Gradually migrate mail routing to avoid disruption
- Monitor for any email delivery issues
User Training and Transition
Help users adapt to Google Workspace tools and workflows
Detailed Steps:
- Provide Google Workspace training materials
- Set up user accounts and initial passwords
- Configure desktop and mobile applications
- Migrate browser bookmarks and application settings
- Establish new workflows and collaboration practices
Google Workspace Migration Settings (Critical Configuration)
Key configuration settings for successful data migration from Microsoft 365 to Google Workspace.
- • Large file migrations may take several days to complete
- • Monitor migration logs daily for errors or conflicts
- • Keep Microsoft 365 active until migration is fully verified
- • Test all critical workflows before decommissioning M365
Common Issues & Solutions
Troubleshoot common problems when adding secondary domains to Google Workspace.
Email Migration Stalls or Fails
Solution:
Check IMAP settings, app passwords, and user authentication. Restart migration for affected users.
Prevention:
Verify all prerequisites and test with a small user group first
Large Files Won't Transfer
Solution:
Files over 5TB or with special characters may fail. Split large files or rename problematic files.
Prevention:
Audit file sizes and names before migration, clean up unnecessary large files
User Authentication Problems
Solution:
Reset app passwords, disable MFA temporarily, or use OAuth delegation for migration
Prevention:
Document all user authentication methods and MFA settings before starting
Calendar Events Missing or Duplicated
Solution:
Re-export and import calendars, check for timezone conflicts and recurring event issues
Prevention:
Test calendar migration with a few users first, verify timezone settings
Sharing Permissions Lost
Solution:
Manually recreate critical sharing permissions, use Google Drive's sharing reports
Prevention:
Document all sharing structures before migration, plan permission recreation
Need Help Adding Your Secondary Domain?
While this guide covers the technical steps, domain setup can be tricky with DNS propagation, verification issues, and configuration complexities. Our Google Workspace experts can handle the entire process for you.
Quick Setup
Complete secondary domain setup in 24-48 hours
Zero Risk
No downtime or email disruption during setup
Free Support
Ongoing support included at no extra cost
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about adding secondary domains to Google Workspace.
How long does a typical migration from Microsoft 365 to Google Workspace take?
Migration time varies by organization size and data volume. Email migration typically takes 1-3 days, while file migration can take 1-2 weeks for large organizations. Plan for 2-4 weeks total including preparation and user training.
Will my Microsoft Office files work in Google Workspace?
Yes, Google Workspace can open and edit Office files directly. You can choose to convert files to Google formats for better collaboration or keep them in original Office formats. Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides have excellent compatibility with Office formats.
Can I migrate SharePoint sites to Google Workspace?
SharePoint sites don't have a direct equivalent in Google Workspace. Content can be migrated to Google Drive, and site functionality can be recreated using Google Sites, Drive, and other Google tools. This typically requires manual restructuring.
What happens to Microsoft Teams data during migration?
Teams chat data and files can be exported and archived, but there's no direct migration path to Google Chat. Files stored in Teams can be migrated to Google Drive. Team collaboration will need to be rebuilt in Google Chat and Meet.
Do I need to keep Microsoft 365 running during migration?
Yes, keep Microsoft 365 active throughout the migration process. This ensures users can continue working and allows for delta sync to capture any changes made during migration. Only cancel M365 after verifying all data has migrated successfully.
Can users access both platforms during migration?
Yes, users can access both platforms during migration. However, be careful about data synchronization - changes made in one platform won't automatically sync to the other after the initial migration window.
What about third-party app integrations and APIs?
Third-party integrations will need to be reconfigured for Google Workspace. Most major applications support both platforms, but custom integrations using Microsoft Graph API will need to be rebuilt using Google Workspace APIs.
How do I handle email forwarding during the transition?
Set up email forwarding rules in Microsoft 365 to forward new emails to Google Workspace during the transition period. Update MX records gradually or use a cutover approach based on your organization's needs and risk tolerance.