Unable to transfer Google Drive files due to legal hold

Problem

When trying to transfer Google Drive files from a Google Workspace account to another, using the transfer files tool on the Admin console, you get an error message stating that you can not transfer the files due to a legal hold.

Environment

  • Admin console web UI
  • Transfer files tool

Solution

Step 1 Add a free service. If you have a free service such as cloud Identity free or Android Management, continue to:
Step 2 Access Google Cloud Identity
  1. In your Google Admin console.
  2. Go under Billing > Get more services > Cloud Identity.
  3. Click on start free trial under Cloud Identity free and follow the on-screen instructions to place the order.
    • Note: this is a free subscription, no payment required.
Step 3 Create a new organizational unit
  1. Go to Menu > Directory > Organizational units.
  2. Hover over the organization you want to modify and click Create new organizational unit.

Step 4 Turn off Google Workspace auto licensing

  1. From the left side panel of the Admin console.
  2. Go under Billing > License settings.
  3. On the left side choose the organizational unit you want to affect and click to turn off Google Workspace auto licensing for that organizational unit.

Step 5 Remove Google Workspace license from the user.

  1. Move the user to that organizational unit.
  2. Go under users in the list of users look for the user you want to delete.
  3. Check the box next to the user's name then on top click on more options and select the remove license option.
Step 6 Transfer the files
  1. In your Google Admin console.
  2. Go to Menu > Apps > Google Workspace > Drive and Docs.
  3. Click Transfer ownership.
  4. For From user, enter the current owner's email address and select the user from the results.
  5. For To user enter the new owner's email address and select the user from the results.
  6. Click Transfer Files.

Cause

There is a Google Vault hold that is not allowing to transfer file ownership.