SharePoint Document Issues

How to Copy or Move Folders Between SharePoint Sites

Algirdas Jasaitis Sep 30, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs a method to efficiently transfer folders containing documents, images, and other assets from one SharePoint site to another.

How to Copy or Move Folders Between SharePoint Sites

Product: Microsoft SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Transferring company assets and project folders from an agency's SharePoint site to an internal corporate SharePoint site.
Observed behavior: The user wants to achieve a seamless copy or move of folders and their contents across different SharePoint site boundaries.

Before you start

Ensure you have the necessary permissions (usually Edit or Full Control) on both the source and destination SharePoint sites before attempting to copy or move folders.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the Built-in 'Copy to' or 'Move to' Feature

Use SharePoint's native document library options for straightforward, one-time folder transfers between sites.

This method is ideal for transferring small to medium-sized folders directly within the SharePoint web interface. Copying ensures the original files remain intact on the source site, while moving transfers them completely to the new destination.

Navigate to the Document Library

Open the source SharePoint site and navigate to the specific document library containing the folder you want to transfer.

Select the Folder

Hover over the folder you wish to copy or move and click the checkmark icon to the left of the folder name, or simply right-click the folder.

Choose Copy or Move

From the command bar at the top or the context menu, select 'Copy to' (to duplicate) or 'Move to' (to transfer).

Select the Destination Site

In the pane that appears on the right, select the destination SharePoint site. If it does not appear, click 'More places' to find the site.

Complete the Transfer

Navigate to the desired destination library and folder, then click 'Copy here' or 'Move here' to start the process.

Use the Built-in 'Copy to' or 'Move to' Feature

Large Migrations: For very large folder structures or recurring migrations, consider using the SharePoint Migration Tool (SPMT) or a dedicated third-party automated process to avoid browser timeouts.

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Edit Your SharePoint Documents with WPS Office

While migrating files between SharePoint sites, you may need a reliable, lightweight office suite to open, edit, and collaborate on those documents. WPS Office is a highly compatible, free alternative to Microsoft Office that supports all major document formats and ensures a seamless workflow.

1. Download and Install: Get WPS Office for free from the official website and install it on your device.
2. Open Synced Documents: Launch WPS Office and easily open documents downloaded from or synced with your SharePoint sites.
3. Edit and Save: Edit your files using the familiar interface and save them in standard Microsoft Office formats with full compatibility.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx).Lightweight design for fast loading of documents directly from your synced SharePoint folders.Free to use with a familiar, tabbed user interface for an easy transition.Built-in PDF editing and conversion tools to handle diverse SharePoint assets.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I see the destination SharePoint site in the 'Copy to' menu?

The 'Copy to' menu typically lists your frequently followed or recently accessed sites. If you do not see the destination site, click 'More places' at the bottom of the list, or go to the destination site and click the 'Follow' star icon so it appears in your quick list.

Is there a file size limit when copying folders between SharePoint sites?

Yes, transferring extremely large files or massive folder structures via the web browser interface can time out or fail. For bulk migrations exceeding 100 GB, it is highly recommended to use the SharePoint Migration Tool (SPMT).

Are file versions preserved when moving a folder to another SharePoint site?

When you use the 'Move to' feature, the version history of your files is typically preserved. However, if you use the 'Copy to' feature, only the latest version of the files is copied to the new destination.

Do user permissions transfer when copying folders between sites?

No. When you copy or move a folder to a new SharePoint site, the folder and its contents will lose their original custom permissions and inherit the permissions of the destination document library by default.

Document & File Issues