Which Way Moves Your Calendar From Google to Outlook?
Decide first whether the Outlook copy must update. A snapshot suits a full move. A subscription suits users who still edit in Google.
| Method | Result | Use case |
|---|---|---|
| Export and import ICS | One time copy | Leaving Google |
| Subscribe by link | Outlook copy updates from Google | Using both calendars |
| Gmail Backup Tool | PST with Gmail data | A full Gmail move |
How do You Import a Google Calendar ICS File Into Outlook?
Method #1: Export and Import (Free)
Who it suits. Users who move away from Google. Extra application. None.
- Open the calendar on a computer and select the Settings gear, then Settings.
- Select Import & export, then Export. A ZIP file downloads.
- Extract the ZIP file to get one ICS file per calendar.
- In classic Outlook, select File, then Open & Export, then Import/Export.
- Select Import an iCalendar (.ics) or vCalendar file, select the ICS file and select Import.
Classic Outlook adds an Open as New choice, which puts the events in a separate calendar. In new Outlook and Outlook on the web, select Add calendar, then Upload from file, choose the ICS file and the target calendar and select Import.
Microsoft states that an imported snapshot does not update. Import a newer copy or subscribe to get changes.
How do You Sync Outlook With Google?
Method #2: Calendar Subscription (Free)
Who it suits. Users who edit events in Google. Extra application. None.
- In your calendar list, point to the calendar name under My calendars, select the three dots and select Settings and sharing.
- Scroll to Integrate calendar and copy the Secret address in iCal format.
- In new Outlook, select Add calendar, then Subscribe from web, paste the link and select Import.
- In classic Outlook, select File, then Account Settings, then Account Settings, then Internet Calendars, then New. Paste the link.
Microsoft states that changes you make in Outlook are not sent to Google Calendar. Edit events in a browser. The Microsoft page gives no refresh interval, so new events take time to appear.
Anyone with the secret address can read the calendar, so do not post it.
How do You Move Gmail Mail, Contacts and Calendar Together?
Method #3: Gmail Backup Tool (Paid After Demo)
Who it suits. Users who move a full Gmail account. Extra application. Gmail Backup Tool.
The Gmail Backup Tool exports Gmail messages, contacts and calendar events to PST, MBOX, EML, MSG and PDF. Outlook opens a PST file, so the data lands in one place.
- Install the software and sign in to the Gmail account.
- Select the Mail, Contacts and Calendar categories.
- Select PST as the export format.
- Select the destination folder and start the export.
- Open the PST file in Outlook.
The Windows demo exports up to 100 emails and 25 other items. Read how to add a PST file to Outlook for the open step.
What Else should You Know Before the Move?
- Export every calendar you own, because the ZIP holds one file per calendar.
- Create a blank Outlook calendar first if you want the events in a separate view.
- Want an ICS backup instead? Read how to backup Google Calendar to ICS.
- New to Takeout? See what Google Takeout is.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do You Migrate Google Calendar to Outlook?
Export the calendar from the settings as a ZIP file, extract the ICS file and import it through the Outlook Import/Export wizard.
How do You Sync Google Calendar With Outlook?
Copy the secret address in iCal format from Google and subscribe to it in Outlook with Add calendar, then Subscribe from web.
Do Outlook Changes Reach Google Calendar?
No. Microsoft states that changes you make in Outlook are not sent to Google.
Does an Imported Calendar Update Itself?
No. Microsoft states that an imported snapshot does not update. Subscribe to the calendar to get changes.
Can You Import Into a Separate Outlook Calendar?
Yes. Create a blank calendar first and import into it. Classic Outlook has an Open as New choice.
Where is the Secret Address?
Open Settings and sharing for the calendar and scroll to Integrate calendar.
How do You Move Gmail Mail and Contacts With the Calendar?
Use Gmail Backup Tool to export Gmail data to PST and open the PST file in Outlook.
Author's Verdict
Import an ICS file when you stop using Google Calendar. Subscribe when you still edit events in Google.
Use a Gmail export tool when mail and contacts move with the calendar.
Key Takeaways
- An imported snapshot does not update.
- A subscription brings Google changes into Outlook only.
- Gmail Backup Tool saves mail, contacts and calendars to PST.
Related Guides
- Backup Google Calendar to ICS
- What is Google Takeout
- Add a PST file to Outlook
- Export Office 365 calendar
Moving an Outlook calendar instead? See how to migrate an Outlook calendar to Office 365.