Migrate PST to Google Workspace & Bring Data to G Suite

Approved By Anuraag Singh

Published On February 18th, 2025

Reading Time 5 Minutes Reading

Category Google

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 communication.

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.

First, let us see how a combination of classic clients with the official Google Sync app allows us to deposit the PST files in the cloud

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.
Visit https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gssmo/
Sign in to your Google Account and accept the Terms.

Step 1. Install GWSMO

GWSMO + Outlook

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+: 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

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.
Select the PST file as the data source.
Specify which data (emails, contacts, etc.) to import.
(Optional) Enable sending of crash reports/usage stats.
In Advanced Settings, 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.
Outlook will launch and GWSMO will begin syncing your data.

If you want a direct migration or don’t have access to the Outlook client then you can use an alternative method described below. 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 service account
GWMME

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)
- Download the JSON file containing the service account’s client ID.

Option 2: Manual Creation:
- Create a Google Cloud project (super admin required).
- 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).
- 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.
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.
Create a top-level folder (e.g., C:\PST).
Inside, create a folder for each user (named after the primary email address).
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 address are different use : Source resource address, Target resource address

Step 6. Migrate Data:

Run GWMME.
Choose Exchange server type.
Specify PST folder path.
Enter Google Workspace domain, service account credentials file path, and super administrator email.
Select data to migrate (email, calendar, contacts).
Specify control csv file
Review settings and start migration.

What Professionals Choose for Migrating PST to Google Workspace?

SysTools Import tool for Google Workspace is the best-in-class alternative for putting all user PST files in G Suite.

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The simplified GUI mechanism makes it easy for admins of non-technical backgrounds to perform complex import requests. Moreover it can import Google Takeout data to a new Google account as well.

A larger set of filtering options allows admins to make an effortless on-premise to cloud transition.

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

Step 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).
Step 2. In the workload area mark the box next to emails, contacts, and calendars and apply the date filter to each workload individually.
Step 3. In the source screen, you have to perform path validation of the source PST. Once done press Next.
Step 4. Similarly, fill in admin details for the Google Workspace Account validate and press next.
Step 5. Map the users with the help of any one of the three available options.
Step 6. 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.

Conclusion

After reading through this tutorial you should no longer face any difficulty in migrating PST to Google Workspace environment. We have put together a list of methods from user-level Outlook clients to the organization-wide GWMME. Moreover, to simplify things admins can always go with the automated solution provided here.