Step-by-Step Guide to Migrate Google Drive to SharePoint Seamlessly

To get an instant 100% error-free process, choose the advanced tool. Follow the simple steps to migrate Google Drive to SharePoint:

• Download the Kernel Google Drive to SharePoint Migration tool.
• Then, add the Google Drive account & SharePoint account.
• Map the users & select a copy option to migrate data.
• Start the Google Drive to SharePoint Migration process.
• Finally, migration is successfully completed now.

Note: As per our recommendation, you should compare top 5 Google Drive Migration Tool to avoid any kind of data loss.

Still, if you are looking for the manual approach with the complete information about the concern, read the article below.

Google Drive has been serving businesses for a long time in cloud storage & efficient collaboration. But with time Microsoft 365 adoption has grown, as a result, users look towards SharePoint for storing, sharing, & managing files, especially for those who are using the Microsoft 365 components like Teams, OneDrive, etc.

Since both platforms are cloud-based, migrating Google Drive to SharePoint can sound fearsome as files, permissions, and formats don't always line up perfectly. But by following the right approach, you can make the transition smooth, reduce risk & increase your team's overall productivity. Hence, we will share all the necessary information from preparation to post-migration to make your move to SharePoint seamless.

Why do Users Look to Migrate Google Drive Files to SharePoint?

Here are the reasons that motivate users to switch from Google Drive to SharePoint.

• Users get an integrated ecosystem as SharePoint works hand in hand with Microsoft Teams, OneDrive, etc.
• SharePoint provides better governance & compliance, like its retention policies, version control.
• Supports scalable collaboration. Be it enterprise-level permissions, workflows, or document libraries.
• Offers centralized IT management to easily control users, groups, & access through Azure Active Directory.

Step-by-Step Guide to Migrate Google Drive to SharePoint

Follow the provided steps to understand the process of Google Drive to SharePoint migration:

Pre-Migration Preparation

• List what you will move, like owners, folders/shared drives, total size, & file types.
• Clean up duplicate, unwanted files, or reassign orphaned items.
• Decide conversion policy for Google Docs/Sheets/Slides.
• Check file names & paths. Make sure that you keep under 400 characters & avoid special symbols like /: *? < > etc.

Choose the Desired Migration Method

You can go with any of the following methods, as per your convenience, for initiating the migration:

A. Browser download/upload method

It is recommended to use it when the folder size is under 10-20 GB [Approx]. Methods are simple, where no desktop apps are required. Follow the guidelines below to execute the process:

• Select the desired files in the Google Drive, right-click & choose the Download (ZIP) option.
• Extract the ZIP file locally & then upload folders/files into the SharePoint library either by using the Upload option or by simply dragging & dropping.

Need to know: There is no guarantee that permissions or revision history will be preserved with this solution.

B. Use Google Drive on Desktop & OneDrive

It uses local syncing as a “copy provider” & considered faster and more robust than the above method for larger sets.

• Install Google Drive for desktop & then sync needed folders locally.
• Open the SharePoint library & sync with OneDrive.
• Copy files from the Google Drive local folder into the OneDrive/SharePoint folder. Then, monitor the sync until complete.

C. With the help of Google Takeout

It is used for bulk conversion, but you still need to reapply permissions manually. Here is the layout to implement this method:

• Go to takeout.google.com, choose Drive & then export.
• Download & extract the archive. Then, upload files into SharePoint via web or OneDrive sync.

Recreate Permissions & Links

With the manual method, it is not possible to migrate Google Drive permissions & sharing links automatically. So, you need to recreate sharing or permissions in SharePoint.

Validate the Migration Process

• Compare file counts & total file size in SharePoint & Google Drive.
• Open migrated Docs, Sheets, and Slides to check formatting.
• Verify the file names for invalid characters.
• Confirms the permissions & external access as planned.

Cutover, Post-migration Cleanup & Archive

• Define the cutover date & notify users to pause new uploads in Google Drive.
• Run the final delta copy of the new/changed files to get the complete data.
• Make Google Drive read-only/archive for 30-60 days.
• Train users on how they can share & collaborate in SharePoint/Teams.
• Apply governance like naming rules & retention policies.

Common Migration Challenges with Respective Solutions

Here is the list of some of the challenges that users face during migration, with the corresponding solutions to fix them.

Challenge 1. File Conversion Issues

Description: Google Docs sometimes loses formatting after converting into Word.

Solution: Run the pilot migration & adjust templates accordingly.

Challenge 2. Permissions Mismatches

Description: Google’s flexible sharing doesn’t always translate to SharePoint accurately.

Solution: Cleaning up permissions before initiating the migration can save you from further complications.

Challenge 3. Unsupported Characters/Paths

Description: Since SharePoint has strict naming rules, it can create a hindrance to smooth results.

Solution: Use migration scans to flag & fix issues early.

Challenge 4. User Resistance

Description: Change always takes you out of your comfort zone, which is quite challenging. Same with the Google Drive users.

Solution: Communicate with them about SharePoint benefits & schedule a short session on how to utilize its resources.

Best Practices for Smooth Migration

The best practices that can reduce the chances of downtime & boost your productivity are mentioned below:

• Start small as it reduces the risk & point out the issues before scaling.
• Keep users updated about timelines, expectations & where to get help.
• Maintain the reports, like migration logs and issue trackers, for accountability.
• Think long-term for the migration as you get better structure & governance.

Conclusion

The primary concern behind the Google Drive to SharePoint migration is to set up teams for better collaboration within Microsoft 365. With careful planning, the right tools, proper information & strong communication, you can reduce the chances of disruptions during the migration. We have covered all. So, implement all the discussed things when thinking of migration.