Email Migration

How to Import Gmail into Outlook and Set Up a Custom Domain

Huma Ashraf Ch Oct 14, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to migrate their email data from Gmail to Microsoft Outlook and configure a professional, custom domain for their email address.

Product: Microsoft Outlook
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Moving email infrastructure from Gmail to Microsoft 365 while setting up a personalized custom domain address.
Observed behavior: The user needs to know the correct procedure for transferring emails from Gmail to Outlook and the current limitations regarding custom domains in Microsoft 365.

Before you start

Ensure you have the Microsoft Outlook desktop application installed on your computer, as Gmail data migration cannot be performed through Outlook on the web.

Solution 1Recommended

Import Gmail Data using Outlook Desktop

Use the Outlook desktop application to configure both accounts and transfer your Gmail emails, contacts, and calendars to Outlook.

You cannot import Gmail data directly through Outlook on the web. The migration process must be handled locally using the Outlook desktop app by configuring both accounts and transferring the data manually or via the built-in wizard.

Add your Gmail account to Outlook

Open the Outlook desktop application, navigate to File > Add Account, and follow the prompts to sign in and connect your Gmail account.

Add your Microsoft account

Ensure your destination Microsoft Outlook or Microsoft 365 account is also added to the same Outlook profile via File > Add Account.

Transfer the data

You can manually drag and drop folders and emails from your Gmail inbox to your Outlook inbox. Alternatively, navigate to File > Open & Export > Import/Export to use the wizard to export Gmail data as a .pst file, then import it into your Microsoft account.

Data Sync Complete: Once the import process is finished, allow Outlook some time to sync the newly imported Gmail folders with your Microsoft Exchange server.

Solution 2

Review Custom Domain Eligibility in Microsoft 365

Understand the Microsoft 365 requirements and recent policy changes regarding personalized domain addresses.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

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1. Download the installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button for your operating system.
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3. Open your documents: Launch WPS Office to instantly open, edit, and save your existing Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files with perfect formatting.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I import Gmail data using Outlook on the web?

No, importing Gmail data cannot be done through the web version of Outlook. You must use the Microsoft Outlook desktop application to add both accounts and manage the transfer of your data.

Why can't I add a new custom domain to my Outlook.com account?

Microsoft has updated its policies and restricted new custom domain setups for Microsoft 365 Personal and Family plans. A personalized Outlook.com address is now only available for eligible GoDaddy domains that were configured prior to November 30, 2023.

What is the best way to move emails from Gmail to Outlook?

The most effective method is to configure both your Gmail and Outlook accounts in the Outlook desktop app. From there, you can either manually drag and drop folders between the inboxes or use the File > Open & Export > Import/Export tool to safely move your data.

Migration & Recovery