Migrate Data From On-premises File Share to SharePoint

Read time 6 minutes

A file share refers to a collection of shared files that are housed on a network drive. When a user opts for SharePoint Server as the storage destination for their data, it becomes imperative to explore the intricacies of migrating data from existing file shares. Let’s delve deeper into this migration process.

Users can manually move files from a file share to the SharePoint document library by dragging and dropping them. However, this isn’t ideal for transferring a substantial amount of data due to its inefficiency. Please advise on alternative approaches for transferring large quantities of data from a file share to SharePoint.

SharePoint Migration Tool – Microsoft Utility

Microsoft offers a built-in utility at no cost for transferring data from local file shares to SharePoint Online. You can obtain it easily either from the provided link or directly from Microsoft’s official website. To utilize this utility, you’ll need specific details: the precise file share location, Microsoft 365 administrator credentials, and the target SharePoint URLs. The tool allows the administrator to apply filters through tool settings before initiating the migration. Additionally, it supports bulk migration using .csv or .json files. The duration of the migration process varies based on internet speed, often taking a considerable amount of time for completion. Notably, there’s a file size limit of 15 GB.

Note: Following the migration of file sharing to SharePoint Online through the Microsoft tool, customization of file permission settings is feasible based on the on-premises data’s location and the synchronization of Active Directory accounts with Azure Active Directory.

Users at the enterprise level have a streamlined process to transfer specific data and permissions from their on-site file repositories to either SharePoint Server or SharePoint Online, facilitated by a highly effective tool. This migration involves a straightforward and uncomplicated procedure, offering adaptability and personalized configurations, all while allowing for seamless data transfer without any limitations based on data size.

Let us know how this tool performs this migration.

Install the SharePoint Migration tool on your system. Carry out the following steps to migrate data from File Server to SharePoint (both On-premises and Online) using this advanced utility.

1. Launch the installed tool.
2. On the Welcome Screen of the tool, go to the tool bar and click on File System section. Now, from the drop-down list, select File System to SharePoint option.
   
3. A new window namely File System to SharePoint will get opened. Here, click drop-arrow besides Add option and select from the given options as per your need. You can add individual files, folders, remote files, remote folders, etc. from your file system or server.
   
4. Once you have added the files, you can view it on the screen. You can add more files or remove the existing ones using the given options. You can assign user permissions to this data using Groups/User Permissions at the bottom-right. Click Next to continue.
   
5. Now, provide details like Site URL, List/Folder URL, etc. for the destination (on-premises SharePoint or SharePoint Online account) and click Next.
   
6. The source and destination attributes are automatically mapped which you can modify if needed, click Next.
7. In the next window, make use of copy options and filters (Date, File, and User) to filter your data. Then click Next.
   
8. If you want to migrate the permissions or remap users, select the options and click Next again.
   
9. Here, you have options to start the migration instantly or schedule the migration at specific day and time. Make your choice and click Next.
   
10. Confirm all the details of the migration from the provided summary. Click Next.
    
11. The migration from File Share to SharePoint will get started. Wait till the process gets over. The final page will show the migration status. Click Finish finally.
    

The migration process from a file share to SharePoint utilizing this tool is remarkably seamless and efficient. The tool smoothly handles migrations between file shares and SharePoint Online or SharePoint on-premises, in both directions. Moreover, it proficiently manages migrations from public folders and synchronized cloud drives to SharePoint, Google Drive, OneDrive, and other platforms. One notable feature is its ability to migrate SharePoint permissions easily, ensuring a smooth transition. The tool is flexible, supporting all versions of SharePoint Server, Exchange Server, and Windows Operating System, resulting in a hassle-free migration experience.

Conclusion

Relocating file shares to SharePoint has become crucial for numerous enterprises, given the widespread adoption of cloud-based data storage. This blog provides insights into both manual migration options and a seamless automatic migration method for transferring file shares to SharePoint, utilizing a highly secure and dependable professional tool.