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Considering the end-of-life for SharePoint Server 2010, upgrading to an advanced version like SharePoint 2019 is a good decision you can take. SharePoint 2019 supports easy document management, team collaboration, and content management. Learn how to use Kernel Migration for SharePoint to efficiently migrate SharePoint content from SharePoint 2010 to 2019.
Microsoft ended the mainstream support for SharePoint Server 2010 in 2020 and the extended support was also stopped in 2021. This indicates that there’re no more compliance updates, security patches, followed by the risk for the sites and workflow.
During this scenario, migrating to SharePoint 2019 should not be seen just as an upgrade but it needs to be considered as a move to a secure and modern platform (on-premises) which is backed by improved performance. With features like PowerApps, OneDrive sync, and enhanced search, the upgraded version will help you keep your business growing. However, the direct SharePoint 2010 to 2019 migration is not available and therefore requires a mindful approach. Let’s dig in to learn the step-by-step process to move the sites and content securely to the new environment.
Consequence of end of support
As Microsoft no longer supports SharePoint 2010, you’ll not receive any of the following:
- Technical support to fix issues within your SharePoint 2010 server.
- Regular updates and bug fixes to keep the software stable.
- Security patches to stop breaches and prevent SharePoint Server from being vulnerable.
- Time zone updates.
The end-of-support for SharePoint 2010 means a threat to the security and productivity of your business. No one wants to work with the outdated platform that doesn’t even provide support during mishaps. Even regular tasks, such as adding a user to SharePoint site can start to show errors, and no fix will be provided for it. Furthermore, organizations using outdated software put their policies and data integrity at risk.
Therefore, it is better to adopt the change and proceed with the latest version of SharePoint.
Why migrate from SharePoint Server 2010 to SharePoint Server 2019?
If you are using SharePoint 2010, your next step should be to analyze whether you should start with upgrade or migrate from Sharepoint 2010. However, SharePoint Server 2019 can be a suitable destination to upgrade from SharePoint 2010 and here’re some of the benefits why is it suitable:
- Provides a clear and friendly user-interface than its earlier versions.
- 2. Supports enhanced data protection with data loss prevention, audit logs, etc.
Considering the advanced and improved features of SharePoint 2019, it’s time to move to the enhanced version for better security and enhanced collaboration. However, it is important to note that there is no direct method to migrate from SharePoint Server 2010 to SharePoint Server 2019.
To accomplish your SharePoint 2019 migration plan, you will have to upgrade to SharePoint Server 2013, then to 2016, and then finally upgrade to 2019. The table shows the available options for you:
|
End of Support software |
SharePoint Server 2013 |
SharePoint Server 2016 |
|
SharePoint Server 2010 |
SharePoint Server 2013 (on-premises) |
SharePoint Online |
|
SharePoint Server 2013 hybrid with SharePoint Online |
SharePoint Server 2016 (on-premises) |
|
|
SharePoint Cloud Hybrid Search |
Migrating using SharePoint migration solution
For upgrading the SharePoint farm from SharePoint 2010 to 2019, you need to follow the intermediate upgrade from SharePoint 2010 to 2013 or 2016 and then to SharePoint 2019. Alternatively, you can use a professional software that supports migration between all major SharePoint Server versions.
Among those, Kernel Migration for SharePoint is a reliable choice. With this advanced SharePoint migration tool, you get access to features that simplify the data transfer. What you can expect with this tool includes:
- Transfer sites, subsites, lists, libraries, documents, metadata, etc.
- Migrate data selectively and schedule migration process as required.
- Migrate SharePoint site permissions with the site content.
- Easily migrate SharePoint site collections to SharePoint 2019.
- Perform SharePoint on-premises to SharePoint Online migration.
- Can also handle SharePoint migration to different tenants.
How to migrate SharePoint 2010 to SharePoint 2019?
The tool adds two SharePoint servers as the source and destination, and you can do the migration as easily as the copy-paste process. So, let’s go through the process to migrate SharePoint 2010 to SharePoint 2019.
Add SharePoint Server 2010 as the Source
Start the process by adding the SharePoint site in the source and destination pane of| the tool. Here are the steps to do so:
- Open the tool. In the Source pane right-click SharePoint (On-Premises/Online) and select Add New SharePoint Site option.

- 2. Provide a project name and select Modern authentication (OAuth Authentication) to proceed further, as it is more secure. It will help to establish a strong connection of the tenant with the tool.
Note: In Site(s) Connection section by default Add Single Site is selected. To add multiple sites, click the Find /Add Multiple Sites button.
- A message will ask whether you want to add the SharePoint site as the destination also. Click No.
- The added SharePoint Server site will be shown in the source pane. Follow the similar process and add destination site in the Destination pane.

Migrate SharePoint 2010 to 2019
Once you add SharePoint Servers both in Source and Destination, use Copy To option for SharePoint 2010 to SharePoint 2019 migration. Here are the steps to migrate the site content:
- Right-click on the Source Site Collection and select Copy To.

- This will open the Enter Source wizard, showing the Source Name, Source URL, and Source Type. To change the source, you can click Edit Source Selection. Once you have specified the source, click Next.

- There are three options for migrating to the site – Migrate as a new Active Site, Migrate as an existing site, or Migrate as a new subsite of existing target selected site. Choose any one and click Next.

- Use the Site URL dropdown to choose the destination site and then click the Browse button to select the subsites. Once the destination subsite is selected, click Next to move ahead.

- In the next window, you can select several properties and attributes to migrate. Select the options you need and click Next.

- Select the List/Library copy options and click Next.

- After you have selected the properties, apply appropriate filters and click Next.

- If you want to migrate the site permissions along with data, then choose the option to Migrate Permissions and click Next.

- You can schedule the migration for a later time or can begin immediately. Select Execute Immediate and click Next to start the migration now.

- A summary of the migration will be presented to you. Review it and click Next to start the migration.

- Once the process is complete, you will receive a completion summary. Click Finish to exit the process.

Using the above steps, you can easily migrate SharePoint site collections to SharePoint 2019. Other complex jobs possible with the tool are:
- Migrate from SharePoint 2010 to 2013 and 2016.
- Perform SharePoint on-premises to SharePoint Online migration.
- Migrate SharePoint 2013 to 2019.
- The tool can also handle SharePoint migration to different tenants.
How to organize a hassle-free SharePoint 2019 migration?
To achieve a successful SharePoint 2010 to 2019 migration that involves minimal downtime and errors, follow the pointers given below:
- Remove versions from the version history that you’ll no longer need.
- Rearrange lists and libraries containing excessive number of columns.
- Eliminate items from the site that have custom and complex permission levels.
- Remove duplicate data items from the server.
- Remove orphaned SharePoint users, unused custom content types, and empty SharePoint groups.
Conclusion
With this write-up, organizations planning to move from SharePoint 2010, need an appropriate way to upgrade from the existing SharePoint farm. However, there is no direct native solution by Microsoft to migrate SharePoint 2010 to 2019. It would not be a practical decision to first migrate to the intermediate SharePoint versions (2013 and 2016) and then SharePoint 2019. Therefore, it is a wise decision to get Kernel Migration for SharePoint, a professional tool designed to help with content migration migration to the latest SharePoint version. The tool can even migrate SharePoint 2010 to SharePoint Online. Use this solution to migrate data with the permissions and original hierarchy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ans: For a successful SharePoint 2010 to 2019 migration, you need to first transfer data from SharePoint Server 2010 to 2013. After that, plan to migrate SharePoint 2013 to SharePoint 2016 and at last move from SharePoint 2016 to SharePoint 2019.
Ans: For an uninterrupted data migration and escape from data loss, make sure to first save a comprehensive and easily restorable SharePoint server backup before migration. You can use this backup to restore the Sharepoint 2019 environment if any disaster happens.
Ans. : Before beginning to migrate SharePoint 2010 to 2019, here are a few important tasks you need to perform:
1. Run a full source (SharePoint 2010) backup
2. Make sure you’ve adjusted all the permissions and configurations in 2019
3. Analyze and consider splitting any large database into smaller ones.
4. Review the architecture of SharePoint server 2010 to plan SharePoint 2019 farm.
