Migrate SharePoint and OneDrive to Google Shared Drives with Proper Methods

Migrate SharePoint and OneDrive to Google Shared Drives with Proper Methods

Organizations today are rapidly moving from Microsoft 365 to Google Workspace to simplify collaboration, reduce licensing costs, and adopt a more flexible cloud ecosystem.


During this transition, one of the most critical tasks is migrating SharePoint and OneDrive data to Google Shared Drives so teams can continue working without losing files or permissions.


However, transferring data between these platforms is not always straightforward because SharePoint, OneDrive, Google Drive, and Google Shared Drives use different structures and permission models.


Hence, in this guide, we will explain the reasons to migrate, the difference between SharePoint, OneDrive, and Google Drive, and the methods to migrate the data.


Let’s start with the basics.


Why Migrate SharePoint and OneDrive to Google Shared Drives?


Many organizations decide to move from Microsoft 365 to Google Workspace for better collaboration and simpler cloud management. Here are some common reasons.


  1. Google Workspace allows multiple users to edit documents simultaneously without conflicts. Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides enable real-time teamwork without the need to download files.
  2. Google Shared Drives make it easier for teams to manage shared files. Files belong to the team instead of individuals, preventing data loss when employees leave the organization.
  3. Many businesses find Google Workspace licensing more affordable compared to maintaining Microsoft 365 subscriptions and infrastructure.
  4. Google Workspace is designed as a fully cloud-based platform, making it easier to access files from anywhere without complex configurations.

Understanding SharePoint, OneDrive, and Google Shared Drives


Before starting migration, it is important to understand how these platforms differ.


SharePoint Online


SharePoint is primarily used for team collaboration and document management. Files are stored in sites, document libraries, and folders.


Typical SharePoint data includes:


  1. Team documents
  2. Project files
  3. Department folders
  4. Company resources

OneDrive for Business


OneDrive is designed for individual users. Each employee has their own personal cloud storage.


Users commonly store:


  1. Personal work files
  2. Draft documents
  3. Temporary project files
  4. Shared documents with colleagues

Google Shared Drives


Google Shared Drives are part of Google Workspace and are designed for team-based file storage.


Key features include:


  1. Files belong to the team, not individuals
  2. Easy permission management
  3. Centralized document storage
  4. Seamless collaboration

Challenges When Migrating SharePoint and OneDrive


Migrating Microsoft 365 data to Google Workspace involves several challenges.


  1. SharePoint uses sites and libraries, while Google Shared Drives use folders within shared drives.
  2. Microsoft and Google have different permission models, which makes it difficult to replicate access rights during migration.
  3. Organizations often store terabytes of data, making manual migration extremely time-consuming.
  4. Some Microsoft file formats require conversion when moving to Google Workspace.

Because of these challenges, organizations typically rely on migration tools or automated solutions.


Manual Migration from SharePoint and OneDrive to Google Shared Drives


The most basic method is downloading files from Microsoft 365 and uploading them to Google Drive.


  1. Open SharePoint Online
  2. Download files or document libraries
  3. Save them locally
  4. Open Google Drive
  5. Upload files to Shared Drives

Limitations


  1. Extremely time-consuming
  2. No permission migration
  3. Risk of data loss
  4. Not suitable for large organizations

Manual migration is only feasible for very small datasets.


Using Professional Migration Software (Recommended)


If your organization mainly needs to move user OneDrive data, you can use a more reliable solution, which is using a dedicated Office 365 to Google Workspace migration tool by SysTools that automates the transfer process. This solution significantly reduces the workload for administrators.


Key Features of the Tool


  1. The software transfers OneDrive files directly to Google My Drive accounts without downloading data manually.
  2. Administrators can migrate multiple OneDrive accounts simultaneously, saving time during enterprise migrations.
  3. The tool preserves the original folder hierarchy, ensuring files remain organized after migration.
  4. All data is transferred through secure authentication protocols to ensure safe migration.
  5. Even non-technical users can perform the migration without complex configuration.

Steps of the Professional Tool


Follow these simple steps to move OneDrive data using the migration tool.


  1. Download and install the Office 365 to G Suite Migration Tool on your Windows system.
  2. Choose Microsoft 365 as the source and G Suite as the destination.
  3. Select Documents from the Workloas selection. Then, apply the date filter if you want to move specific data.
  4. Provide the details of both Office 365 and G Suite accounts. And click the Validate button.
  5. Add the user account with user ID mapping using Fetch Users and Import Users.
  6. Set the user priority and click the Start Migration button.

Read: Move Google Hangout Chats to Microsoft 365 in Easy Ways


Best Practices Before Migration


Before starting the migration process, follow these best practices to ensure a smooth transition.


  1. Review SharePoint and OneDrive data to identify unnecessary or duplicate files.
  2. Define how files will be organized in Google Shared Drives before migration.
  3. Run a small test migration to verify compatibility and permissions.
  4. Notify employees about the migration timeline and potential downtime.

Conclusion


Migrating SharePoint and OneDrive to Google Shared Drives is an important step for organizations moving from Microsoft 365 to Google Workspace. However, the process can be complex due to differences in data structures, permissions, and file systems.


While SharePoint data may require manual restructuring, OneDrive migration can be automated using a professional migration solution.