Migrate Google Docs to Microsoft Office 365 or OneDrive

Are you worried that your Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Slides will be lost when you switch from Google to Microsoft? Due to the differences in Google and Microsoft ecosystems, migrating documents created in native Google formats may seem challenging. However, with careful planning and preparation, this task can be accomplished easily.

In this article, we explain the three methods of transferring Google Drive files, including Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Slides, to Microsoft 365. We'll also show the pros and cons of all methods in one feature comparison table so that you can make an informed decision.

We start with the automatic option because it's the most efficient way to copy large numbers of documents. However, if you only have a couple of files that need to be transferred, you can skip to the manual methods.

Table of contents

• Method 1. Transfer Google Drive files to Office 365 automatically using VaultMe
• Method 2. Migrate Google Drive files to Microsoft 365 manually
• Method 3. Export Google Drive files directly to Office 365 OneDrive
• How VaultMe compares to manual methods
• Frequently asked questions about moving Google Docs
• Conclusion

Method 1. Transfer Google Drive files to Office 365 automatically using VaultMe

VaultMe is an automated tool that facilitates the migration of documents between Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive accounts. VaultMe is extremely precise and easy to use, which makes it a perfect tool for transferring the entire Google Drive to OneDrive (Office 365 / Microsoft 365 packages).

VaultMe can migrate Drive documents in most formats, including Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Slides.

Compared to manual methods, VaultMe has major advantages:

• It transfers both owned and shared Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Slides as well as files in other formats (PDF documents, images, videos, etc.)
• It retains the formatting of documents and automatically converts Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides to Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files
• It saves the folder structure of Drive documents
• It works in the cloud and doesn't need a stable internet connection or a powerful computer
• It is quick to set up and works fast
• It works with both personal and business-grade accounts
• It generates a detailed report allowing you to verify the results of your migration

Method 2. Migrate Google Drive files to Microsoft 365 manually

To migrate Google Docs to Office 365 manually:

1. Download the files from Google Drive to your computer. You can do that either by selecting them, right-clicking and selecting "Download" or by using Google Takeout.

   Google Takeout will export all files in all formats from all folders that you include in the export. If you need to extract only Google Docs, you'll have to sort through the documents and download Google Docs one by one.

Please note that if you select several files, they will be put into a zipped archive. You will need to unzip the archive after you download it.

If you prefer to use Google Takeout, please be aware that it will not download files and folders that are shared with you. To save shared documents, select and download them manually from the "Shared with me" part of your Google Drive.

Upload the files to your OneDrive by clicking the "Add new" button in the top left corner of OneDrive.

The limitations of this method include the following:

• Owned and shared files have to be handled separately.
• The download and upload process may take several days or weeks.
• You will need to have ample storage space on your hard drive for copies of your Google Drive files as well as software to unzip the archive(s).
• Your computer will have to stay powered on while the content is being downloaded and uploaded. Interruptions to the internet connection and power supply can cause the process to fail or complete with errors.
• To recreate the structure of your Google Drive in OneDrive, you will need to unzip the downloaded archives on your computer and re-organize the documents before uploading them to Microsoft 365.

Method 3. Export Google Drive files directly to Office 365 OneDrive

Drawbacks of this method include the following:

• Google Takeout export process may fail, especially if your account is large. You may need to request your export multiple times.
• Google Takeout will export your Drive documents as a zip archive and will not retain folder structure. To use your documents in OneDrive, you will first need to download the archive, unzip it, and re-organize the files.

  

• Google Takeout will not transfer shared files and folders. You'll need to download and upload these documents manually.
• The migration process may take up to several days depending on the size of your export. Larger accounts will be split into several archives.
• Some of the exported files may turn out to be corrupted. Formatting may also be compromised.

How VaultMe compares to manual methods

Frequently asked questions about moving Google Docs

1. How do I move a Google Doc to SharePoint?

   To move a Google Doc to SharePoint:

   • Download your Google Doc from Google Drive. This will automatically convert it to Microsoft Word format.
   • Upload the file to OneDrive.
   • Move the file from OneDrive to SharePoint.
2. How can I convert Google Docs to Microsoft Word?

   A Google Doc will be automatically converted to Microsoft Word when you download it from Google Drive to your computer.

3. How do I move files from Google Workspace to Office 365?

   This can be done automatically using a third-party tool like VaultMe or manually. To migrate the files automatically:

   • Navigate to the VaultMe app.
   • Select Google as your source service provider.
   • Select Microsoft 365 as your destination service provider.
   • Connect both accounts to the app.
   • Select what types of content you want to copy.
   • Start your automatic migration.

   Here's some more information about transferring Google Workspace content to Office 365.

4. How do I migrate data from Google to Microsoft?

   You can migrate your Gmail emails, Drive files, contacts, and calendars automatically using third-party migration software or manually. Please see this article about transferring your Google content to another account.

Conclusion

Migrating your Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Slides to Microsoft Office 365 or OneDrive is a feasible task with the right approach. This article has outlined three methods of transferring Google Drive content to Microsoft 365, each with its advantages and limitations.

VaultMe is an efficient third-party tool offering automated file migration between Google Drive and OneDrive. It preserves folder structure and formatting of Google Docs when they are copied to Office 365. VaultMe is a paid tool, but, according to users' reviews, it is worth investing in.

Manual migration methods provide viable alternatives, although with certain drawbacks such as time-consuming download and upload processes and potential issues with file integrity and organization.