Top 5 Google Drive to SharePoint Migration Challenges

Posted by Katherine
8
Aug 29, 2025
115 Views
Image

Migrating from Google Drive to SharePoint has now become a common move for those who want stronger integration with Microsoft 365, improved governance, and more scalable collaboration.

On the ground level, it looks like a straightforward process, but it is far different from the simple copy & paste. Since both platforms work on different philosophies, users need proper planning & right tool to execute the Google Drive to SharePoint migration accurately.

Here, we will address the top 5 challenges that users can face while implementing the migration process. Besides, the article provides insights into how the tool can be helpful to tackle them efficiently.

Challenge 1. File Path Limitations

Google Drive has general file path & naming rules as compared to SharePoint. Like, SharePoint allows a maximum path length of 400 characters with no special characters allowed, which lags in Google Drive. So, a large file structure from Google Drive while migrating can face disruptions or broken folder hierarchies.

How Can the Kernel Tool be Helpful?

The Kernel Google Drive to SharePoint Migration tool scans the file structure automatically before migration & identifies the files that are exceeding the SharePoint's limits. Then, apply the smart renaming or restructuring rule to fix this challenge & ensure no data loss during the migration.

Challenge 2. Correct permissions mapping

Google Drive comes with a simple permissions model [viewer, commenter, editor], whereas SharePoint provide sectional roles [owner, member, visitor, custom groups]. It needs attention during the migration process. As a result, permissions either get too restrictive or too broad, which can impact your data security.

How can the Kernel tool be helpful?

With the help of the kernel tool, you will get intelligent permission mapping during migration. It transfers Google Drive access levels into their closest equivalent to SharePoint. On the other hand, it allows administrators to customize their mappings for specific teams or libraries.

Challenge 3. Precise Metadata conversion

Google Drive relies on folder hierarchies & search, while SharePoint uses metadata & content types for classification. If you migrate “as it is”, the chances of the disorganized libraries increasing at the destination are higher, where files are harder to retrieve.

How can the Kernel tool be helpful?

The tool's advanced features & filters not only copy the files but also allow you to apply the metadata during the migration process. It includes document types, department or project tags, & custom content type that will help you get more structured results in SharePoint.

Challenge 4. Downtime & Business disruption

Team personnel can't afford to lose access to their crucial files during the migration. But it can occur if the migration is in Terabytes at once. It can be time-consuming & impacts the user's overall productivity.

How can the Kernel tool be helpful?

With the tools' incremental feature, users can migrate desired data accordingly, which will reduce downtime & business disruption situations. Besides, you can schedule the large transfers during the off-peak hours & perform a delta migration that ensures business continuity with minimal disturbances.

Challenge 5. Difference in native format conversion

Google native files are Docs, Sheets, and Slides that don't exist as traditional files. So, users need to convert into Microsoft formats like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for a successful Google Drive to SharePoint migration. The problem is that without proper guidance, this conversion can break complex formatting, formulas, or embedded elements.

How can the Kernel tool be helpful?

The tool automates native format conversion during migration. It converts Google Docs, Sheets, & slides into their Microsoft equivalents accurately. The tools assure you that your document layout remains intact, spreadsheet formulas transfer with no errors, & presentation retains formatting with visuals. As a result, it saves hours in manual reviews & edits.

That's It with the Advanced Tool? No, there's more to know!

There are many migration tools in this category, but Kernel Google Drive to SharePoint stands out with:

  • Migrate Google Shared Drive to SharePoint Online without any limit.
  • Offers filters for selective migration.
  • Ease of use that doesn't require any technical expertise to run the tool.
  • Handle both small departmental migrations & enterprise-wide transitions.
  • Provides detailed logs & post-migration report to validate the data integrity.
  • Migrate multiple users' data from Google Drive with any Google Workspace plan.

Read More: Post - Migration Checklist for Google Drive

Conclusion

The most frequent challenges that users can face when looking to migrate Google Drive to SharePoint have been discussed in this complete write-up. Handling them manually can lead to lost data, user frustration, & project delays.

But to avoid these restraints, we have highlighted the best professional tool along with the benefits that make your migration instant & error-free.

1 people like it
avatar
Comments
avatar
Please sign in to add comment.