Every step below is from an official source
Switch from Outlook.com to Gmail
What to do at Outlook.com before you leave, what Gmail needs when you join, and everything else the switch touches. Your full plan is built in your browser and stays there.
Official sources reviewed . How we review sources
At Outlook.com, before you leave
Turn on forwarding in Outlook settingsBefore
Go to Settings > Mail > Forwarding, turn on Enable forwarding, enter the new address and select Save. Select Keep a copy of forwarded messages to keep the originals in your mailbox.
Turn automatic forwarding on or off in OutlookMicrosoft. ReviewedExport your contacts to a CSV fileBefore
Open the People page, then select Manage contacts > Export contacts. Choose all contacts or one folder. The file saves to your Downloads folder.
Export contacts from Outlook.com or Outlook on the webMicrosoft Support. ReviewedKnow that closing deletes your email and contactsAfter
When you close your Microsoft account, your email and contacts are deleted from Microsoft's servers and can't be recovered.
Close your Outlook.com accountMicrosoft. Reviewed
At Gmail, when you join
Import mail and contacts in Gmail settingsDuring
On a computer, open Gmail settings, go to the Accounts and import tab and click Import mail and contacts. Follow the steps on screen, then start the import.
Add another email account on your computer - Gmail HelpGoogle. ReviewedCheck what the import brings overBefore
Gmail imports messages but not folders or labels. Your other email account needs POP access.
Add another email account on your computer - Gmail HelpGoogle. ReviewedExpect 30 days of forwarding after importAfter
After you import, Gmail forwards messages sent to your other account for 30 days.
Add another email account on your computer - Gmail HelpGoogle. ReviewedPlan for the end of POP mail fetchingBefore
Gmail is ending POP fetching from other accounts. Existing users can use it until January 2027. Importing mail and contacts on the web still works, but it is a one-time import that does not keep syncing.
Then: everything else the switch affects
The steps above are what Outlook.com and Gmail say. Your full checklist adds the accounts, codes, payments and devices that depend on your email provider, in a safe order. It's built from your answers, in your browser.