How to Transition from GoDaddy to a Full Access Microsoft 365 Tenant

As businesses grow, their Microsoft 365 environment often needs to grow with them. For organizations that began with GoDaddy’s Microsoft 365 offering, transitioning to a full access Microsoft 365 tenant can unlock advanced features, greater administrative control, and long-term flexibility. 

This process, known as defederation, is often misunderstood. It is not a data migration. Mailboxes, files, and user accounts remain in place. What changes is how the environment is managed and the capabilities that become available once it is fully transitioned. 

The shift is simpler than many expect and can open the door to a more scalable, secure, and future-ready Microsoft 365 experience. 

What is Defederation? 

When Microsoft 365 is purchased through GoDaddy, the tenant is set up in a federated configuration. This means identity and authentication are managed through GoDaddy’s systems rather than directly through Microsoft. Administrative access is also routed through GoDaddy’s interface, which simplifies setup but limits flexibility. 

Defederation is the process of removing that layer of control. It allows the Microsoft 365 tenant to operate independently with full access to Microsoft’s native admin tools and services. Importantly, this is not a migration. No data is moved. The structure of the tenant remains intact. What changes is how the tenant is managed and configured. 

After defederating, control shifts entirely to your team, enabling full use of Microsoft’s administrative capabilities and advanced service integrations. 

Shifting from GoDaddy is About Configuration, Not Moving Data

One of the most common misconceptions about moving away from GoDaddy is that it requires a full data migration. In reality, defederation is a configuration change, not a rebuild. 

There’s no need to move mailboxes, files, or user accounts. The data stays exactly where it is. The process focuses on shifting identity and administrative control from GoDaddy’s systems to Microsoft’s native environment. 

With proper planning, the transition can be completed in just a few hours. The most visible change for users is a one-time password reset. Beyond that, the shift is largely seamless and low impact.  

What the Process Looks Like 

While every organization is a little different, the defederation process typically follows a straightforward sequence. With the right preparation, it can be completed quickly and with minimal disruption. 

1. Pre-Transition Planning

   Review the current tenant setup, licensing, and user needs. This is also the time to decide whether to rename the Microsoft tenant domain, especially if it includes a default GoDaddy-generated name like netorg123456.onmicrosoft.com. 

2. License Preparation

   Purchase the appropriate Microsoft 365 licenses through a Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) or directly from Microsoft. These will replace the GoDaddy-provided licenses once the transition is complete. 

3. Executing Defederation

   Using Microsoft-supported tools and scripts, the GoDaddy federation is removed. This step typically takes just a few minutes to complete. 

4. Password Reset and User Login

   Users will be prompted to reset their passwords and sign in again. This is the most visible part of the transition, but it’s usually a quick and manageable step. 

5. Post-Transition Configuration

   With full access to the Microsoft 365 admin center, you can now configure advanced features, apply security policies, and integrate with other Microsoft services that were previously unavailable. 
   

How the Sourcepass MCOE Can Help you with Defederation 

Defederation offers a straightforward path for organizations ready to move beyond the limitations of a GoDaddy-managed Microsoft 365 environment. It’s not a migration, and it doesn’t require rebuilding your tenant. With minimal disruption, you gain full control, access to advanced features, and a foundation that can scale with your business. 

If you're considering the move, the team at Sourcepass MCOE is here to help you explore your options and guide you through the process with clarity and confidence. Contact our team of specialists today!