SharePoint on premises to Online migration is a strategic move to boost collaboration and accessibility. The process has complex methods but using the key right tools can fix your migration problems in no time with zero data loss and minimum downtime.
To start with, we will talk about the Microsoft SharePoint Migration Tool (SPMT) that can serve as a primary resource for users. This tool simplifies the migration of content from SharePoint on-premises to SharePoint Online. You need to prepare the SharePoint environment, create a migration plan and process the final migration.
For more complex migrations, consider using a professional utility like Kemel Migration for SharePoint. This tool has high-end features for large-scale migrations and comes with item-level restoration and detailed reporting features.
Both tools are the ideal solutions, but the choice depends on specific needs such as the volume of data, customization levels, and budget constraints. Let us get started with stepwise instructions on SharePoint on premises to Online migration.
Using Microsoft SharePoint migration tool
The Microsoft SharePoint Migration tool is an easy to use and open-source migration solution which helps users in the SharePoint on premises to Online migration. You can easily migrate all the SharePoint server sites and all related data. Moreover, you can use its collaboration, and security features within the tool.
It supports these SharePoint versions namely SharePoint Server 2010, 2013, 2016, and 2019. Even this tool supports the migration of workflows from SharePoint Server 2010 out-of-the-box workflows and SharePoint Designer 2010 & 2013 workflows.
For a seamless and hassle-free process to migrate SharePoint on premise to SharePoint Online, we will help you with the detailed steps below.
- Download the Microsoft SharePoint Migration tool via this link https://spmt.sharepointonline.com/install/default.htm. After a successful download of the tool, follow the on-screen instructions and install it.
- Type up your Office 365 user credentials and login.
- Launch the tool and select the option Add new migration.
- Under the Select a method page, tap on Single source URL.
- Choose the option Site migration and type up the SharePoint site URL you wish to migrate. Tap on Next.
Note: In case you are not signed-in to the SharePoint server, you need to provide the username and password for the SharePoint on-premises site.
- Choose “This site and all subsites” and then select SharePoint within select a destination. Enter the SharePoint site where you want to migrate.
- Choose from the given two options:
1. Keep the classic site structure.
2. Switch to the modern site structure.
- In case you choose Modern site structure, set up the hub site association and then go through the modern site structure settings.
- Review your migration and tap on Next to review your migration settings.
- Tap on Start and begin SharePoint on premises to Online migration.
This SharePoint migration tool is easy to use and users with less tech-expertise can carry out the migration easily but at times, this utility might fail. Thus, this utility might not be 100% effective in your SharePoint on premises to Online migration.
What another alternative do we have? Other than this Microsoft tool, you can look to use third-party professional tools that offer 100% guarantee in migration with no data loss.
With so many utilities available in the market, it becomes a difficult choice to select the ideal one. After in-depth analysis, we recommend you use Kernel Migration for SharePoint.
This tool migrates all the content along with metadata and has extensive support for SharePoint 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, SharePoint Online, etc. Blk migration available and you can even migrate custom permissions in your source SharePoint account.
All in all, this tool comes with advanced features, easy-to-navigate interface and wide-compatibility that makes it a perfect utility for users looking to migrate SharePoint on premise to SharePoint Online.
Final thoughts
To carry out the SharePoint on premises to Online migration, the manual methods might not be the right solution. Our best picks would be to use the Microsoft SharePoint migration tool and a professional utility like Kernel Migration for SharePoint.
Moreover, it depends upon your personal choice which one to opt for. For ones booking to opt for a free resolution, SPMT would be the one but on the other hand, if you need quicker, safer, and secure migration, go for the professional automated utility. For a better outlook on this utility, you can use the trial version for free.
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