Migrating from Google Workspace to Microsoft 365 is one of the most common requests we handle at Monday Morning IT. Whether you're making the switch for better Office integration, compliance requirements, or cost reasons, the process is straightforward when planned correctly — but it can go sideways quickly without proper preparation.
Why Businesses Switch from Google to Microsoft 365
The most common reasons we hear from clients in San Antonio are: deeper integration with Microsoft Office apps like Word and Excel, stronger compliance tools for regulated industries, better Active Directory and Azure AD integration, and in many cases, a preference among employees who grew up using Outlook and Teams.
What Gets Migrated?
A full migration covers more than just email. Here's what we move:
- All email messages, folders, and labels
- Contacts and contact groups
- Calendar events, recurring meetings, and shared calendars
- Google Drive files (converted to OneDrive where applicable)
- User accounts and distribution lists
Step 1: Audit Your Current Google Workspace Environment
Before moving anything, you need to know what you're working with. How many user accounts are active? How much data does each mailbox contain? Are there shared drives that multiple people depend on? This audit shapes the timeline and scope of the migration.
Step 2: Set Up Your Microsoft 365 Tenant
You'll need to provision your Microsoft 365 accounts, verify your domain with Microsoft, and configure your email routing. We recommend setting this up well in advance so you can test before the cutover date.
Step 3: Run a Pilot Migration
We always recommend starting with a small group of users — typically 5 to 10 — before migrating everyone. This surfaces any unexpected issues with folder structures, permissions, or calendar conflicts without impacting the whole organization.
Step 4: Migrate in Batches
Rather than flipping everyone at once, we migrate users in batches during off-hours or weekends. Email continues to flow during the migration using a dual-delivery setup, so nobody misses a message.
Step 5: Update DNS and Complete the Cutover
The final step is updating your MX records to point to Microsoft 365. This is the moment where all new incoming email routes to the new system. We schedule this carefully and monitor for 24-48 hours after to confirm everything is working correctly.
A well-planned Google to Microsoft 365 migration typically takes 2 to 4 weeks from start to finish for most small-to-medium businesses. The actual cutover window — where users notice any disruption — is usually under an hour.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not communicating the migration timeline to employees in advance
- Skipping the pilot migration phase
- Forgetting to migrate shared drives and shared calendars
- Not testing Outlook configuration on all device types (Windows, Mac, mobile)
- Closing the Google Workspace account too quickly before confirming all data transferred
Ready to Make the Switch?
If you're considering migrating from Google Workspace to Microsoft 365, our team at Monday Morning IT has handled dozens of these migrations for San Antonio businesses of all sizes. We handle the planning, execution, and post-migration support so your team can keep working without interruption. Reach out for a free assessment and we'll tell you exactly what your migration would involve.
Looking to merge or split existing Microsoft 365 organizations instead? Explore our dedicated Microsoft 365 Tenant-to-Tenant Migration Services for business acquisitions, mergers, and restructuring.