Google Workspace Migration for Microsoft Outlook
A Google Workspace migration is the process of transferring user content (such as emails, contacts, and other types of content) to Google Workspace from another platform.
In this article, we cover the process of migrating from Outlook to Google Workspace.
- Google Workspace migration for Outlook: Three methods
- How to migrate from Outlook to Google Workspace with VaultMe for Admins
- What is the Google Workspace migration for Outlook tool?
- How to migrate from Outlook to Google Workspace manually
- Frequently asked questions about Outlook to Google Workspace migrations
- Related articles
- Related videos
Google Workspace migration for Outlook: Three methods
Migrating Outlook to Google Workspace involves setting up user accounts, transferring user content, as well as managing the domain and DNS records.
In this article, we focus on transferring user content because there are several approaches to this task. For detailed step-by-step instructions on how you can prepare for the migration and what you should account for, see this article: How to Perform a Google Workspace Migration.
There are three ways to handle the migration of emails and contacts to Google Workspace:
- Using a third-party email migration tool like VaultMe for Admins.
- Using Google's native GWMMO tool.
- Transferring emails manually via IMAP using an email app like Outlook.
Each of these methods has its pros and cons, and we'll cover them all in this article.
How to migrate from Outlook to Google Workspace with VaultMe for Admins
VaultMe for Admins is a third-party cloud migration tool designed to transfer user content between online accounts. It's an alternative to Google's native GWMMO tool.
VaultMe for Admins has advanced migration options for administrators and fully automates the migration of emails, files, contacts, and calendars. With VaultMe for Admins, you can migrate between accounts hosted by the same or different service providers.
Pros of VaultMe for Admins:
- Supports hundreds of email service providers, including Outlook / Office 365 / Microsoft 365
- Supports migrations of not only emails, but also files, contact, and calendars
- Migrates users in easy-to-set-up batches
- Provides precise results, even for extra-large accounts
- Shows real-time migration progress
- Offers free sync-ups within 30 days of the migration date
- Generates detailed migration reports for each user
- Includes dedicated premium support
Cons:
- Paid service
Learn how you can benefit from using VaultMe for your migration project: VaultMe: Secure Automated Email Migration Tool.
To migrate email and other data from Outlook to Google Workspace with VaultMe for Admins:
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Navigate to the app.
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Select "Migrate or archive multiple user accounts (advanced)."
If you only have one or two accounts to migrate, you can use VaultMe for Individuals and migrate your accounts one by one. In this case, select "Migrate a single user account to another account."
How to sign up for VaultMe for Admins -
Create a VaultMe for Admins account.
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Select your source and destination service providers. For the source account, you can select either Outlook or Microsoft 365. If your Outlook accounts are hosted by Exchange, you can pick Exchange.
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Connect your source and destination accounts. We recommend using admin authorization where possible, but you can also use users' credentials or generate sign-in links for users.
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Create a migration plan. Map user accounts from the source to the user accounts in the destination.
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Select what types of content you want to copy. If you are migrating from Exchange, you will be limited to copying only emails.
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Decide how you want your content to be organized after the migration. You can choose the merge the folders or keep the copied content separated (useful for archival migrations).
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Let the app calculate the final fee and proceed to checkout. (Our prices are outlined on this page: https://www.vaultme.com/pricing. Refer to the VaultMe for Admins pricing.)
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Start your Google Workspace migration. You can now close your browser or even power off your computer.
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Check back to see the progress of your migration. You'll receive an email notification when it's complete.
After your migration is complete, you will have 30 days to sync up changes between the accounts if needed.
What is the Google Workspace migration for Outlook tool?
Google Workspace Migration for Outlook®, or GWMMO, refers to Google Workspace's native tool for migrations of Outlook content to Google Workspace.
Pros:
- Free service
- Supports migrations from cloud accounts and .pst archives
Cons:
- Works only for smaller migrations (1-20 accounts)
- File migrations are not supported
- Large accounts may experience issues with content accuracy
- A lot of manual setup is required
- Support for free transfers is limited, so any failures will require extensive troubleshooting
To check whether this tool will work for your project, see Google's help article: Is the data migration service right for my organization?
VaultMe does not provide support for configuring Google Workspace accounts or for migrations using Google's native migration services. Contact Google Workspace support with any questions about Google's native tools or your Google Workspace account configuration.
To migrate emails, contacts, and calendars from Outlook to Google Workspace, use Google's help articles:
Remember to review system requirements before installing Google Workspace Migration for Outlook®. Inappropriate configuration may result in partial transfers and data loss.
How to migrate from Outlook to Google Workspace manually
Free desktop email clients such as Outlook, Thunderbird, and Mailbird can be used to migrate emails from one account to another.
These tools are generally not recommended for enterprise email migrations due to possible data integrity and compliance issues, but they may work for small company or individual moves.
The general idea is to connect the source and destination email accounts to the app, then manually move emails between them. With some apps, you can drag and drop folders; with others, you need to export and import the emails manually.
Pros:
- Free
Cons:
- A desktop email app is not an email migration tool in its traditional sense. For this reason, all manual transfers can provide inaccurate results that may be difficult or even impossible to fix.
- Your computer will have to stay powered on during the whole process. Any interruptions in broadband connection or power supply can cause the migration to fail or be incomplete.
- The email client will use a lot of the processing power of your computer, slowing it down.
- The process may take hours, days, or even weeks, depending on the size of the accounts and the number of custom folders.
Frequently asked questions about Outlook to Google Workspace migrations
How long do Outlook to Google Workspace migrations take?
Most Outlook to Google Workspace migrations take from a few hours to a few days per account. Small mailboxes can migrate quickly, while larger mailboxes may take several days, depending on the account size. Note that the key limiting factor is the daily API operation thresholds imposed by Outlook and Google Workspace.
How much does an Outlook to Google Workspace migration cost?
The cost of an Outlook to Google Workspace migration depends on the method and the amount of data involved. Manual migrations may be free but require significant time and effort. Automated migration tools typically cost per user or per mailbox and range from tens to a few hundred dollars, depending on mailbox size and whether all types of content are included.
Are emails copied or moved from Outlook?
The industry standard is to copy emails, not move them. During an Outlook to Google Workspace migration, the original emails remain in Outlook so the results can be verified. Some migration tools may offer different options, but copying is the default and recommended approach.
Related articles
Planning a migration to Google Workspace? See VaultMe's guide: How to Migrate to Google Workspace.
Never performed a cloud migration before? Learn what to expect: Best Cloud Email Migration Tools and Practices.
Can't decide on an email migration tool? VaultMe's article provides guidance: Best Email Migration Tools and Services.