How to Fix Missing File-Size Metadata After SharePoint Migration
Question details
Users migrating large numbers of files from a local server to SharePoint are finding that the file-size metadata is missing for the uploaded documents.
- Product
- SharePoint
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Migrating hundreds or thousands of files from a local file server to a SharePoint document library using the drag-and-drop method.
- Observed behavior
- The uploaded files successfully appear in the SharePoint library but are missing their required file-size metadata.
Before making bulk changes, ensure you have the appropriate site administrator permissions in SharePoint and always test migration scripts on a small batch of files first.
Re-migrate Using the SharePoint Migration Tool (SPMT)
The recommended method for large migrations, avoiding the metadata loss commonly associated with the browser drag-and-drop method.
Download and install Microsoft's SharePoint Migration Tool (SPMT) from the official Microsoft download center.
Launch the application and sign in using your Microsoft 365 admin credentials.
Choose 'File Share' as your migration source and enter the exact path to your local file server.
Input the URL of your destination SharePoint site and select the target document library.
Review the migration settings to ensure file property preservation is enabled, then click 'Migrate' to begin the process.
Bulk Update Metadata with PnP PowerShell
Ideal for advanced users who want to fix the metadata of already migrated files without re-uploading them.
Manage Your Exported SharePoint Data with WPS Office
When troubleshooting SharePoint migrations using PowerShell, you often need to manage and edit exported CSV files for metadata correction. WPS Office offers a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative for all your spreadsheet and document editing needs.
- 1. Install WPS Office: Download and install the free WPS Office suite on your device.
- 2. Open CSV File: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and open the CSV file exported via your SharePoint PowerShell script.
- 3. Edit and Save: Easily correct the missing file-size metadata columns and save the document in its original CSV format.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the drag-and-drop method cause missing metadata in SharePoint?
Dragging and dropping files via a web browser is a basic upload method that often bypasses detailed metadata extraction. System-level properties like exact file size or custom attributes are much better handled by dedicated migration tools.
Can I use Migration Manager instead of the SharePoint Migration Tool?
Yes, Microsoft's Migration Manager is an excellent alternative available directly in the SharePoint Admin Center. It is especially suited for managing complex, large-scale migration tasks across multiple servers simultaneously.
Do I need administrator rights to use PnP PowerShell for SharePoint?
Yes, you need at least Site Administrator permissions to successfully connect via PnP PowerShell and make bulk updates to document library metadata.
