Does SharePoint Migration Tool Move or Copy Your Data? Elaborated

Migrating to SharePoint can seem like a complex task, especially if you’re unclear on how the process affects your data. One question users often have is, “Does SharePoint Migration Tool move or copy data?” Knowing the answer to this helps set accurate expectations, plan better, and avoid potential disruptions during the migration.

SharePoint migrations involve transferring content from one platform to another, such as from on-premises SharePoint servers or file shares to SharePoint Online or Microsoft 365. The goal is to modernize storage solutions, enhance collaboration, and improve data access. However, understanding whether the data gets moved or just copied is crucial for maintaining source integrity and ensuring smooth post-migration operations.

In this article, we'll explore the ins and outs of how the SharePoint Migration Tool (SPMT) works, best practices for its use, and answer common questions that arise during the migration process.

An Overview of the SharePoint Migration Tool (SPMT)

The SharePoint Migration Tool (SPMT) is a specialized utility provided by Microsoft to facilitate the transfer of data from on-premises storage systems to cloud-based solutions such as SharePoint Online and Microsoft 365. This tool is designed to support organizations in moving content seamlessly from older platforms, like SharePoint Server 2010, 2013, and 2016, and local file shares, enhancing overall data management and access.

SPMT stands out for its user-friendly interface, allowing IT teams and businesses to handle complex migrations without extensive technical expertise. It is optimized for reliability and ensures data consistency by copying documents, lists, and library contents from source locations to the target environment. Unlike a typical move operation, which deletes data from the source once transferred, SPMT works by copying data to preserve the original content for validation or backup purposes.

Using SPMT, users can execute incremental migrations, meaning subsequent runs will only copy new or modified content, which aids in reducing downtime and streamlining large-scale migrations. Whether you're planning a migration from older SharePoint versions or large-scale file systems, SPMT provides a robust solution to ensure that your transition to SharePoint Online or Microsoft 365 is smooth and secure.

Does SharePoint Migration Tool Move or Copy Data??

The SharePoint Migration Tool (SPMT) copies data, ensuring that your original content stays intact during the migration. This means that the files, documents, and lists transferred from your on-premises systems or file shares remain available in their original locations even after the migration is complete.

This copying process is crucial for various reasons. First, it allows organizations to perform detailed validation and testing without risking data loss. The source content can be referenced, reviewed, or used as a backup if there are any discrepancies during the migration process. Unlike a traditional “move” operation that removes files from their original location, SPMT’s copying mechanism gives users peace of mind by maintaining source data throughout the migration.

While this approach might raise questions about post-migration management (e.g., potential duplication or the need to clean up the original source), it provides significant advantages in terms of risk management and data retention. It ensures that any unexpected issues or errors encountered in the SharePoint Online migration can be rectified without losing the original content.

For those looking to integrate incremental migration, SPMT’s ability to copy only new or updated files on subsequent runs further enhances its value. This means that any changes made after an initial migration are captured efficiently without needing to start from scratch.

Why Copying Is the Standard Practice for a Smooth Migration?

Let’s discuss the standard practice of SPMT to know if does SharePoint migration tool move or copy your data to the Microsoft 365. The choice to have the SharePoint Migration Tool (SPMT) copy rather than move data is grounded in best practices for maintaining data integrity and ensuring a smooth transition. Copying data offers substantial benefits that directly address common concerns during migration, such as data loss and validation.

Firstly, copying safeguards the original data, allowing teams to review the migrated content in SharePoint Online without disrupting current operations. This is vital for organizations that cannot afford data downtime or errors in critical files. If any issues occur during migration, having the original source content untouched allows for quick troubleshooting and remediation.

The incremental migration capability also reinforces why copying is preferred. This feature enables SPMT to scan for changes made after the initial migration, ensuring that only new or modified files are copied in subsequent runs. By handling incremental updates this way, the migration process remains efficient and does not overwrite or delete content that might still be needed in the source environment.

Another reason for copying is data retention compliance. Many businesses are required to keep original data due to legal or industry regulations, so deleting the original content after migration could pose risks. The ability to maintain the source files intact while copying them to SharePoint Online helps organizations meet such obligations.

The process of copying, however, does mean that post-migration steps like data cleanup may be necessary, especially to prevent duplication or confusion. This can be addressed by using internal policies for archiving or manual deletions to manage the source environment effectively after a successful migration.

How Incremental Migration Works with SPMT?

Let’s discuss another feature of SPMT that can answer your query does SharePoint migration tool move or copy your data. One of the standout features of the SharePoint Migration Tool (SPMT) is its support for incremental migration, which significantly improves efficiency and data accuracy when transitioning to SharePoint Online or Microsoft 365. Incremental migration ensures that only new or modified content is copied after the initial migration has been completed. This means that if your team continues working on files or updating data after the migration process has begun, you don’t have to start over or worry about missing those changes.

Incremental migration is particularly useful in large-scale projects where migrating everything at once isn't practical. For example, businesses handling massive amounts of data from document libraries and file shares can migrate in stages, with the SPMT ensuring that only updates and additions are captured during each subsequent run. This approach minimizes downtime and ensures that the migrated environment stays current without disrupting productivity.

The process works by scanning the source data and comparing it to what has already been copied to SharePoint Online. SPMT identifies files that have been added or modified and transfers only those, leaving unchanged data as-is. This capability not only speeds up subsequent migrations but also helps reduce the risk of redundancy and unnecessary duplication.

However, while incremental migration helps keep data synced, it does not delete items from the destination that have been removed from the source. This behavior helps maintain a more comprehensive data set on SharePoint Online, but it may require post-migration cleanup to align with the current source content. To ensure that your data remains organized, regular reviews and best practices for SharePoint migration should be followed.

Best Practices for Using the SharePoint Migration Tool?

For a seamless and efficient migration to SharePoint Online or Microsoft 365, it’s essential to follow best practices when using the SharePoint Migration Tool (SPMT). These tips can help mitigate risks, streamline the process, and enhance the overall outcome of your migration.

1. Perform a Pre-Migration Assessment: Before starting, conduct a thorough review of your current environment. Identify the content that needs to be migrated and any data that may not be necessary to transfer. This helps in reducing the volume of data and avoiding unnecessary complications. Use file share migration tools and internal data audits to ensure your content is up-to-date.

2. Test and Validate Your Migration Plan: Start with a pilot migration involving a small set of data. This step allows you to identify potential issues with content structure, permissions, and compatibility. Testing helps ensure the incremental migration process runs smoothly and that any modifications are handled correctly.

3. Optimize Content Structure: Align your existing content with SharePoint document libraries for better organization post-migration. Group related files and standardize folder structures to make navigation intuitive and efficient. This step improves user adoption and helps with data management.

4. Back Up Original Data: While SPMT copies data, not moves it, it’s always a good idea to have an additional backup. This safeguard ensures that you have full data retention in case any unforeseen issues arise during the migration.

5. Monitor Migration Progress: Use SPMT’s reporting tools to track the progress of your migration. Reports help you pinpoint issues such as failed transfers or permissions errors, allowing for prompt fixes.

6. Post-Migration Cleanup: Once your migration is complete, review to ensure everything has transferred as planned. This may involve checking file versions, and permissions, and reorganizing data. A post-migration cleanup also includes deleting outdated files from the source environment if needed and aligning with company data retention policies.

7. Implement Permissions and Security Checks: Confirm that all migrated data retains appropriate permissions and access settings to ensure compliance and secure usage in the new environment.

Following these best practices for SharePoint migration helps create a smooth, controlled process that reduces downtime and enhances data integrity.

This is all about the SPMT for on-premise to Microsoft 365 or knowing if does SharePoint migration tool move or copy your data. But have you ever thought what if you need to perform SharePoint tenant-to-tenant migration? How you will accomplish the task. What is the tool to use for the process. Don’t fret, here is the tool.

How to Move Your SharePoint Online Data to Another Account?

SysTools SharePoint Migration Tool is the one that can move your complete data to the destination SharePoint account. Using this tool, you can easily copy your document libraries, and lists to another SharePoint account without any hindrances. It comprises several advanced features that streamline the process even for non-tech users with the below quick steps.

Step 1. Download and Launch the tool.

Step 2. Choose Office 365 for both platforms whether it is Source or Destination.

Step 3. Select the Sites option for migration under the workload section.

Step 4. Complete the credentials for both Source and Destination accounts.

Step 5. After that, load the sites into the tool. After the successful validation of them load Users to the tool.

Step 6. Lastly, click on the Start Migration button to move your SharePoint Online to another SharePoint account.?

Conclusion

Understanding does SharePoint Migration Tool move or copy your data is crucial for any organization planning to transition to SharePoint Online or Microsoft 365. SPMT copies data, which provides significant benefits, such as preserving the original files and allowing for incremental migration. This ensures that your content is available for review and validation throughout the process, minimizing risks and enhancing data integrity

FAQ Section

Q1: Does the SharePoint Migration Tool copy or move files??

A: The SharePoint Migration Tool copies files, leaving the original data intact at the source.

Q2: What happens to the original data after migration?

A: The original data remains in its source location for review or continued use.

Q3: Can the SharePoint Migration Tool delete data from the source?

A: No, the tool is designed only to copy data, not to remove it from the source.

Q4: What types of data can the SharePoint Migration Tool move or copy??

A: It can migrate various types of content, including document libraries, lists, and files from local shares.

Q5: Is incremental migration possible with SPMT??

A: Yes, SPMT supports incremental migrations, allowing it to copy only new or updated files after the initial migration.

Q6: How does the migration impact data integrity?

A: The process ensures the original data is untouched, maintaining integrity throughout the migration.

Q7: What tools are best for tenant-to-tenant migration???

A: Migration Manager and Mover are recommended for cloud-to-cloud migrations, providing flexibility and efficiency.

Q8: How long does a typical SharePoint migration take?

A: The duration depends on data size, network conditions, and planning, so estimating a timeline during preparation is essential.

Q9: Does SPMT support all versions of SharePoint Server?

A: It supports migrations from SharePoint Server 2010, 2013, and 2016 to Microsoft 365.

Q10: What should be checked post-migration?

A: Verify content placement, and permissions, and ensure no essential data is missed to confirm a successful migration.