Switch to Microsoft 365
A guided migration checklist with phases, owners, and effort estimates. Tick items as you go to track your progress.
Log in to tick items, add notes, and save your progress.
Log in or sign up →What migrates vs what does not
✓ Migrates (with caveats)
- • Gmail mail, labels → folders
- • Calendar events
- • Contacts
- • Google Drive → OneDrive/SharePoint
✗ Generally does not migrate
- • Chat / Spaces history
- • Complex email filters
- • Event colours
- • Room bookings
Phase 1 — Prepare
Inventory all users and their Google Workspace licences
Why: Ensures every user is migrated with no one left behind.
Pick the right Microsoft 365 plan for each user group
Why: Avoids over- or under-licensing before migration starts.
Verify your domain ownership (DNS access)
Why: Required to set up mail delivery and tenant identity.
Assign migration owners and inform staff of the change
Why: Reduces surprises and ensures people are available for cutover.
Phase 2 — Tenant setup
Create or confirm Microsoft 365 tenant via partner
Why: Establishes the new home for all users and services.
Assign licences to all users
Why: Unlocks the services each user needs.
Set up admin MFA and break-glass account
Why: Protects admin access and prevents lockout.
Phase 3 — Migrate
Migrate Gmail mail, calendar, and contacts
Why: Brings historical email and schedules into Exchange.
Migrate Google Drive files to OneDrive
Why: Moves personal files to each user's OneDrive.
Migrate shared drives to SharePoint Team sites
Why: Preserves team file structures in SharePoint.
Phase 4 — Cutover
Update MX records to point to Microsoft 365
Why: Routes new inbound email to Exchange.
Halt dual delivery and confirm mail flow
Why: Prevents split mailboxes after cutover.
Verify inbound and outbound mail is working
Why: Confirms the business is live on the new platform.
Phase 5 — Adopt
Install desktop Office apps and sign in
Why: Gives users full desktop productivity tools.
Set up Outlook profiles and Teams
Why: Ensures users can access email and collaboration.
Run user training session
Why: Speeds adoption and reduces support tickets.
Phase 6 — Close
Keep Google Workspace active for retention window (30–90 days)
Why: Provides a safety net for missed data.
Decommission Google Workspace after retention
Why: Stops recurring costs once migration is confirmed complete.
Licences are supplied by Venture Domain Hosting, a Microsoft Partner. Prices are nett. Final pricing, promotions, and seat mix are confirmed on the official quote.