Migrate PST to Google Workspace & Bring Data to G Suite

Users like experts or large business organizations often need to migrate PST to Google Workspace for seamless management of email communication on a secure platform. While easily available, as free methods exist in the market for quick solutions, they are inefficient when it comes to dealing with large or oversized email files. For a smooth migration process, read the blog till the end to know about one of the most proven methods, along with its amazing attributes.

Admins worldwide want to migrate PST to Google Workspace. Bringing these Personal Storage Tables of all users to the G Suite cloud is essential if an organization wants easy access to historical email communications. PST files themselves not only store the email but also contain other important and workplace-relevant details like calendar events and contacts files. However, getting all these files from an offline system to the cloud is not easy but with the methods described in this post, you will be able to do all of that in a few easy steps.

Plenty of professional organizations and individual experts tend to upload PST to Google Workspace with the intention of leveraging better accessibility of all platforms powered by Google. The users’ ultimate goal stands to easily transfer their crucial data information in a complete structure within the environment offered by the Google Workspace. Below are some of the proven methods with their merits and demerits that could assist users in migrating both small and overlarge PST files without any hassle.

Use GWSMO + Outlook Client to Sync PST files in G Suite Accounts

Pre-requisites:

• Ensure Outlook is closed.
• If installing GWSMO yourself, temporarily disable antivirus/firewall software and confirm your system meets Outlook/Windows requirements.
• Then, visit https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gssmo/
• Sign in to your Google Account and accept the Terms.

Step 1. Install GWSMO

• Self-Installation:

Download the recommended EXE from the GWSMO download page, run the installer, and follow the on-screen instructions.

• If Admin-Downloaded to Migrate PST to Google Workspace:
  • Windows 7 and Later Editions: Go to Start > Microsoft System Center > Software Center > Applications > Google Workspace Sync > Install.
  • Earlier Windows: Open Control Panel > Run Advertised Programs > Google Workspace Sync > Run.
• Admin-Installed:
  Open the Start menu, and click “Set up a Google Workspace Sync user.”

Step 2. (Only Required for User Self Installs) Sign In & Create Profile

• Then, enter your Google email, password, and click Allow to grant access.
• As we are about to import PST to G Suite, create a Google Workspace profile for data import.

Step 3. Import Your Data.

• Choose to import now.
• Then, select the PST file as the data source.
• Specify which data (emails, contacts, etc.) to import.
• (Optional) Enable sending of crash reports/usage stats.
• Then, go to Advanced Settings and disable AutoArchive to retain archived messages.
• Click Create a profile.

Step 4. Start Using Outlook to Migrate PST to Google Workspace Completely

• Open Outlook and choose your Google Workspace profile.
• (Optional) Set the profile as default via Options.
• Finally, Outlook will launch and GWSM will begin syncing your data.

If you don’t want a direct migration or don’t have access to the Outlook client then you can use an alternative method described below. Moreover, if you have misplaced the imported data and want it back in the original format, see how to export G Suite email to PST to get Google Workspace Mailboxes back.

Migrate PST Directly to Google Workspace via GWMME

Step 1. Authorize GWMME via a service account

• Option 1: Use an automated script:
  • Open Cloud Shell as a super admin and type:

    python3 <(curl -s -S -L https://git.io/gwmme-create-service-account)

  • Then, download the JSON file containing the service account’s client ID.

• Option 2: Manual Creation:
  • Create a Google Cloud project (super admin required).
  • Then, enable these APIs: Admin SDK, Google Calendar API, Contacts API, Gmail API, and Groups Migration API.
  • Set up the OAuth consent screen (Internal user type).
  • Then, create a service account (note the Unique ID/Client ID).
  • Create and download a JSON key file.

Step 2. Authorize Client ID in Admin Console:

• Sign in as super admin > Security > Access and data control > API controls > Manage Domain Wide Delegation.
• Then, click “Add new” and type the service account’s client ID.
• Choose correct scope(s) > “Authorize”

Step 3. Download and Install GWMME by visiting https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gssmo/

Step 4. Preparation to Migrate PST to Google Workspace:

• Disable password protection, and allow read/write permissions.
• Then, create a top-level folder (e.g., C:\PST).
• Inside, create a folder for each user (named after the primary email address).
• Then, place PST files in the respective user folders.

Step 5. Create CSV Files:

• Control CSV: Source user, Target user (for PST file migrations: PST folder name, Target user)
• Mapping CSV (required if user addresses differ): Source user, Target user (if addresses are the same, omit “Target user”)
• Calendar events and resources: if addresses are different use: Source resource address, Target resource address

Step 6. Migrate Data:

• Run GWMME.
• Then, choose Exchange server type.
• Specify PST folder path.
• Then, enter the Google Workspace domain, service account credentials file path, and super administrator email.
• Select data to migrate (email, calendar, contacts).
• Then, specify the control csv file
• Finally, review settings and start migration.

Downsides Users Face While Using Manual Methods

While GWSMO and GWMME are the native tools provided by Google Workspace and are useful, they prove to be incompetent for large enterprises that deal with thousands of data points in bulk.

• Traditional methods like the above-mentioned typically take a lot of users’ time and energy while handling multiple PST files, since the process requires repetitive steps.
• Consists of a high risk of users performing errors, which could result in incomplete information, transfers, and integrity issues.
• Not suitable for beginners and non-technical users due to the complex knowledge of steps and procedures.
• Does not guarantee for seamless transfer of data, which could lead to data loss of calendars, contacts, and disorganization of information.
• Manual techniques tend to have file limitations, which restrict large files or mailboxes from transferring as a whole and splitting them into numerous parts.

Professionals’ Choice to Migrate PST to Google Workspace?

The advanced Systools Import Tool is specifically designed to provide users with a secure, streamlined, and scalable solution to simplify the complicated task of transferring sensitive data into Google Workspace without making an impact on the integrity of the file’s data information. The simplified GUI mechanism makes it easy for admins with non-technical backgrounds to perform complex import requests. 

Download Now Purchase Now

Moreover, it can import Google Takeout data to a new Google account as well. It also enables users to selectively migrate PST to Google Workspace as well as in batches, saving an ample amount of time. Additionally, a large set of filtering options allows admins to make an effortless on-premise to cloud transition.

Simple Steps to an Automated Software Solution

Here are the steps you need to follow to migrate PST to Google Workspace via this tool.

1. Download and Install a copy of the software on your machine, launch it and select Outlook (for PST) and G Suite (for Google Workspace).
   
2. Then, scroll to the workload area, mark the box next to emails, contacts, and calendars, and apply the date filter to each workload individually.
   
3. In the source screen, you have to perform path validation of the source PST. Once done press Next.
   
4. Similarly, fill in the admin details for the Google Workspace Account validate and press next.
   
5. Then, map the users with the help of any one of the three available options.
   
6. Finally, preview the user list, select the accounts in which you want to put PST, and prioritize the selection to deposit PST in those accounts first. Validate and Start.
   

Explore the Features of the Import Tool

• Migrate PST to Google Workspace with complete information, ensuring and sustaining the credibility of the data until it reaches the destination.
• The import tool has the ability to easily migrate PST to Google Workspace in batch and from multiple user accounts as well.
• With the help of this solution, users can track the progress of the migration process through the built-in dashboard, which shows which data has been migrated and which is next.
• The tool offers three types of re-run import options where users can Retry for failed items, Re-run full import, and the third is Delta import, migrating upcoming email files.
• After the whole import process, the software generates a brief and deep report of all the files that have been imported with complete information.
• Perfectly compatible with all the versions of the Windows operating system, ensuring easy accessibility and flexibility for users.

Conclusion

For users planning or having difficulty to migrate PST to Google Workspace, using manual techniques to do so is not always the ideal solution when handling files, contacts, and calendars in large amounts. This is why it is recommended to use the Automated software solution for an instant and error-free migration process. Whether users need to transfer PST files selectively or upload PST to Google Workspace in batches, this robust utility is the answer for a seamless import process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Alongside emails, what other data will I be importing when I migrate PST files to a G Suite environment?
Ans. Admins can potentially have PST files comprising tasks, notes, and journal entries. However, it should be noted that direct support for these data types may not be there in Google Workspace. Other than that, the tool prescribed in the above sections can deposit contacts, calendars, and documents associated with a particular PST file in G Suite.

Q2. How secure is a PST to G Suite Migration?
Ans. Security is a paramount concern for admins responsible for bringing PST files into G Suite. GWMME with service accounts enhances security. Moreover, the tool uses a secure admin-made application ID and .p12 verification system that only allows authorized personnel to conduct the import.

Q3. What are the cost implications of each method?
Ans. GWMME may require technical expertise (internal or external cost). Another hidden cost factor is extended downtime. The longer a business has to wait to get back to its usual functioning the more money it loses. Often this loss in potential income is way more than any investment made in Software licensing fees of professional solutions.