Google Workspace Migration

How to Migrate Gmail Mailboxes Larger Than 50 GB to Microsoft 365

Maira Mehtab Sep 21, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to migrate Google Workspace mailboxes that exceed the standard 50 GB Microsoft 365 limit (e.g., 60 GB and 130 GB) without relying on deprecated POP migration methods.

Product: Microsoft 365
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Migrating heavy email users with mailboxes exceeding 50 GB from Google Workspace to Microsoft 365 accounts.
Observed behavior: Microsoft 365 primary mailboxes often have a 50 GB limit, and Google Workspace no longer supports POP migration, preventing a straightforward single-pass transfer for oversized accounts.

Before you start

Ensure you have the appropriate Microsoft 365 licenses that support Exchange Online Archiving and verify your current Exchange Online storage limits before initiating the migration.

Solution 1Recommended

Use Exchange Online Archiving for Phased Migration

Best for users exceeding 50 GB, as it utilizes archive storage for older emails while keeping the primary mailbox within Microsoft 365 limits.

By assigning an appropriate Microsoft 365 plan, you can enable an archive mailbox that provides additional capacity. You can then migrate data in phases using date filtering.

Enable Archive Mailboxes

Log into the Microsoft Purview compliance portal or Exchange Admin Center, navigate to the user's mailbox settings, and enable the archive mailbox feature for the affected users.

Set Up Phased Migration Batches

In your migration tool or Exchange admin center, specify date and time ranges to create a migration batch that targets older messages first.

Route Older Data to Archive

Direct the older messages to populate into the archive mailbox. Once completed, migrate the remaining recent emails to the primary 50 GB mailbox.

Avoid Splitting Mailboxes: Do not split one user's mailbox across multiple shared mailboxes unless the resulting permissions, search functionality, and retention behavior are acceptable for your compliance policies.

Solution 2

Export Older Messages to PST Files

Useful if you prefer to store legacy emails locally or manually import them into Microsoft 365 later.

Solution 3

Utilize Supported IMAP or Third-Party Tools

Overcomes the lack of POP support in Google Workspace for seamless and compliant data transfer.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I specify date ranges for phased migrations to Microsoft 365?

Yes, most supported third-party migration tools and the Exchange admin center allow you to specify date and time ranges in your migration batch settings to move older messages first.

Why can't I use POP to migrate from Google Workspace?

Google has deprecated basic authentication and POP for many enterprise migration scenarios to improve security. You must use IMAP, Google Takeout, or dedicated third-party migration tools that support modern authentication (OAuth).

What is the maximum mailbox size in Microsoft 365?

Depending on your specific Microsoft 365 subscription plan (like Business Standard vs. Enterprise E3/E5), the primary mailbox is typically limited to 50 GB or 100 GB. You can use Exchange Online Archiving to get additional, sometimes unlimited, storage capacity.

Migration & Recovery