Simple Method to Migrate SharePoint 2010 to SharePoint Online

Read time: 4 minutes

In successive iterations of the SharePoint Server, Microsoft has consistently addressed diverse business needs by incorporating cutting-edge features and surpassing the constraints of prior versions. This evolution holds true for the cloud-based SharePoint Online as well. Let’s delve into the capabilities and advancements of SharePoint Online.

Do we need to migrate from SharePoint 2010 to SharePoint Online?

SharePoint Server 2010 introduced a range of enhancements, including the integration of ribbons, optimized web browser support, and increased storage capacity for sites, lists, and content. The integration of Power BI empowered users with robust analytics capabilities, complemented by the availability of online versions of essential MS Suite applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote. However, it’s important to note that the extended support for SharePoint Server 2010 concluded on April 13, 2021, rendering an end to updates, security patches, bug fixes, and official customer support. Consequently, organizations are urged to consider alternatives such as SharePoint Online, alongside the option to transition to newer and more advanced versions of SharePoint for a seamless and supported experience.

SharePoint Online has all the latest features SharePoint, so you don’t need to update or upgrade to newer on-premises versions.

A SharePoint user has several challenges ahead when Microsoft ends the product’s lifecycle and withdraws the support. Here are some of the prominent ones-

• Security threats
  Following the conclusion of the extended support period, there will be a cessation of security updates. Subsequently, the onus of safeguarding all sites and libraries within SharePoint falls upon the administrator. This situation leaves the entire environment vulnerable to external threats. Ransomware attackers specifically target servers with inadequate security measures and heightened susceptibility to infiltration. Furthermore, the Operating Systems supporting SharePoint Server 2010 have become obsolete, exacerbating the security concerns.
• Increased Financial Commitments
  Safeguarding server integrity necessitates investments in anti-malware applications, network firewalls, intrusion alert systems, and other security measures to defend both SharePoint and Windows data. This incurs an added financial burden for the company.
• Compliance Challenges
  An outdated SharePoint Server 2010 falls short during audit checks, potentially resulting in compliance issues. These failures could significantly impact your business’s reputation. Consequently, addressing these threats is a compelling reason for businesses to transition to newer versions of SharePoint or embrace SharePoint Online. SharePoint Online is conveniently available through Microsoft 365 subscription plans, such as Business Standard and Business Premium.

Microsoft has developed a special migration software called SharePoint Migration Tool to migrate sites, lists & libraries from on-premises accounts to online accounts.

The SharePoint Migration tool supports migration from multiple versions of SharePoint, including SharePoint 2010. So, it is an ideal tool to adopt SharePoint Online quickly. Apart from SharePoint 2010, you can also migrate SharePoint 2013 to SharePoint Online and SharePoint 2016 too.

1. You must download and install the tool from the following URL –

   https://spmt.sharepointonline.com/install/default.htm

2. On the software’s Home page, click the option ‘Start a New Migration.’
3. There will be three source options – SharePoint Server, File Share, and JSON or CSV file for bulk migration. Choose SharePoint Server.
4. After selecting SharePoint Server as the source, you can do three types of migration– site migration, list or document library migration, and workflow migration. Choose site migration.
5. Input the URL of the source site.
6. In a pop-up window, you should input the username and password of the admin account of the source site. Click Sign in.
7. Next, choose if you want to migrate the current site or all the subsites present.
8. Choose SharePoint where you want to copy the content.
9. Input the destination site URL where you want to move the data from SharePoint 2010 site.
10. Give a new name to the migration batch; a brief review shows the site’s name from source and destination. It will show the type of migration too.
11. Apply the settings to migrate permissions and versions history too. Click the Migrate option.
12. The migration batch will start. Its progress will be shown too.
13. You can click on the Migration details option and check out the migrated items.

By following a similar procedure, you can seamlessly migrate various sites, as well as lists and libraries, to SharePoint Online. However, it’s important to note that Microsoft discontinues product support for older software versions when upgrading to newer ones, which often offer enhanced features to meet the evolving needs of the dynamic business landscape. In the case of SharePoint, Microsoft ceased support for SharePoint 2010 quite some time ago and urges users to either transition to the latest SharePoint versions or opt for migration to SharePoint Online. This ensures users can benefit from up-to-date features and a more secure environment.

This brief chart shows the benefits of SharePoint Online over obsolete SharePoint 2010.

To migrate your SharePoint data more quickly, you can use a professional SharePoint Migration software like Kernel Migration for SharePoint and save lots of time and energy from attempting a manual migration.

Conclusion

The SharePoint Migration Tool facilitates the migration of your complete SharePoint 2010 data to SharePoint Online. However, the migration process is inherently time-consuming, necessitating the execution of multiple migration batches, each requiring its own considerable duration to complete. For a more expeditious migration of extensive sites, consider leveraging the Kernel Migration for SharePoint. This tool surpasses the SharePoint Migration Tool by providing superior filter options, allowing for a more refined transfer of selected data to specific sites or lists. For example, it can import excel to SharePoint list by migrating data minutely. It allows for creating multiple batches that run simultaneously, and each migration will run independently. You can schedule migration at a suitable time as per your convenience.