Google has put out a migration tool in beta that allows admins to transfer files from Microsoft OneDrive to Google Drive, supporting up to 100 users simultaneously. The tool is designed for organizations that want a simple way to move files and permissions between platforms.
Administrators can now move all files and folders, along with permissions, from OneDrive to Google’s platform. Instead of having to deal with third-party tools or additional infrastructure, Google Workspace customers have access to a feature built right into the Admin console. The tool also tracks progress and lets admins see how many users and files have already been migrated.
Easy Migration for Admins
The new migration tool simplifies the process by starting with a connection to the OneDrive account. After that, admins can select the users whose data will be migrated by identifying their email addresses. They then upload an identity map, linking the OneDrive users to their corresponding Google Drive accounts.
Admins can monitor the migration in real time, tracking the number of files that have been moved, any potential issues, and even exporting detailed reports for later review. If new files are added after the first migration, admins can run delta updates to transfer those as well.
Available to Google Workspace Customers
The new tool is available to customers across a wide range of Google Workspace plans. Business and Enterprise plans, as well as educational and nonprofit users, will have access to the beta, with general availability expected in November. It’s designed so that only super admins can manage the migration process, ensuring security and control over the data being transferred.
While the tool is still in beta, Google has made it available to a broad audience. Users can expect this service to be a part of several Workspace subscriptions, including Business Starter, Business Plus, and Enterprise tiers, among others.
Steps to Begin Migration
For those looking to start the migration process, Google has outlined a few straightforward steps. First, admins must connect to the OneDrive account through the Google Admin console. From there, they specify which users should be migrated by listing their email addresses in a CSV file. Finally, they upload the identity map and kick off the migration.
Admins can keep an eye on progress as the migration takes place, ensuring that all data is moved over as expected. External users are not left out of the equation—Google’s tool maintains permissions for files shared with people outside the organization, keeping everything intact during the transfer.
Key Features and What Isn’t Supported
Though the migration tool helps streamline file transfers, there are some limitations. For instance, it won’t migrate personal vault files or OneDrive features like folder colors. However, the tool keeps the files in their original format during the migration. Documents such as PDFs remain PDFs, while OneNote notebooks are converted into folders in Google Drive.
Permissions for shared files and folders will be preserved, but the tool consolidates multiple sharing links to the most restrictive setting. If a file in OneDrive has multiple links with varying permissions, the most limited access is applied after migration.
The new tool could make transitioning to Google Workspace more efficient for many organizations, reducing the time and resources needed to complete large-scale migrations from OneDrive.
Related: How to OneDrive Sync Any Local Folder with Mklink
Last Updated on November 7, 2024 2:34 pm CET
