Data transfer upon user account deletion

Google Workspace Developers Q&A
1

The ability to transfer data from one user to another upon account deletion has been a key feature in Workspace. Why was it removed?

2

The ability to transfer data hasn’t been removed from Workspace, but the workflow has been significantly changed. If you need to delete a user and make sure their data moves to someone else, you have two main routes:

  • The Pre-emptive Method (Recommended): Before touching the delete button, head straight to Apps > Google Workspace > Drive and Docs > Transfer ownership to cleanly move their files to a manager. Once that’s done, you can safely delete the empty user account.

  • The New Offboarding Flow: In the updated console, you often have to Suspend the user first. When you then click “Delete”, you will see an “Offboard user” workflow. Following these prompts will eventually lead you to the “Delete account” or “Archive account” options where data retention is sorted out.

3

Thank you for the reply but the new workflow is a horrible user experience. Previously the transfer option moved files, data, calendar events, etc. Now I am forced to complete 3 distinct steps where it was a single step before. I could select what to be transferred in a single screen, now I am forced to bounce around the admin console to complete the work.

The new offboarding procedure gives you no option to transfer data other than a link to instructions that do not match accurately the actual steps needed to be completed. Bad user experience.

5

I would appreciate restoring the old delete/offboarding process. This new one seems to just complicate things.