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Microsoft 365 Migration

How to Migrate File Server Batch Jobs to SharePoint Online

Camila MilosovichCamila Milosovich Oct 10, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to automate the uploading of nightly batch files and database backups from an on-premises file server to SharePoint Online.

How to Migrate File Server Batch Jobs to SharePoint Online
Product
SharePoint Online
Device & OS
not provided
Scenario
Migrating automated local network backups to cloud storage seamlessly.
Observed behavior
Seeking a secure method to continuously and automatically transfer files from a local file server to a SharePoint document library without manual intervention.
Before you start

Ensure you have Microsoft Power Automate access and administrative privileges on the on-premises file server to install and configure the required data gateway.

Solution 1Recommended

Use Power Automate with an On-Premises Data Gateway

Deploying a data gateway bridges your local network with Power Automate, allowing secure and scheduled file transfers directly to SharePoint.

The on-premises data gateway acts as a secure bridge, providing quick data transfer between on-premises data and various Microsoft cloud services. By combining this with Power Automate, you can schedule nightly flows to upload your batch jobs to SharePoint without manual intervention.

1
Install the Data Gateway

Download and install the on-premises data gateway on your local file server from the Microsoft Power Automate portal, then sign in with your Microsoft 365 credentials.

2
Create a Scheduled Flow

Sign in to Power Automate, navigate to 'Create' in the left menu, and select 'Scheduled cloud flow'. Configure the frequency to match your nightly backup schedule.

3
Configure the File System Connector

Add a new step and search for the 'File System' connector. Configure it using your newly installed on-premises data gateway to securely access your local network folder.

4
Upload to SharePoint

Add the 'SharePoint - Create file' action. Select your target SharePoint site and define the destination document library where the backup files will be saved.

Use Power Automate with an On-Premises Data Gateway
Gateway Availability: Ensure the machine hosting the on-premises data gateway remains powered on and connected to the internet during the scheduled backup times, otherwise the flow will fail.
Free Microsoft Office alternative

Manage Migrated Documents with WPS Office

As you migrate your server files to the cloud, consider WPS Office as a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Office. It seamlessly handles Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files natively, ensuring your team can access and edit migrated documents effortlessly.

  1. 1. Install WPS Office: Download and install WPS Office Free from the official website to your local machine.
  2. 2. Access Migrated Files: Sync your SharePoint document library to your computer or download the migrated files directly.
  3. 3. Edit Seamlessly: Open your DOCX, XLSX, or PPTX files directly in WPS Office to edit, save, and collaborate without format compatibility issues.
Fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats (DOCX, XLSX, PPTX)Free and lightweight alternative to heavy Office installationsFamiliar user interface requires zero learning curve for seamless migrationBuilt-in PDF editing and powerful document management tools
microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an on-premises data gateway?

An on-premises data gateway is a software application that facilitates secure data transfer between your local network servers and Microsoft cloud services like Power Automate, Power Apps, and Power BI.

Can Power Automate handle very large database backups?

Power Automate has file size limits depending on your license and the specific connector used. For extremely large database backups (e.g., several gigabytes), you may need to utilize Azure Data Factory or Azure Storage Explorer instead.

How do I monitor if the nightly batch upload failed?

You can configure your Power Automate flow to send an email notification or a Microsoft Teams message automatically if the 'Create file' action fails during its scheduled run.

Is it possible to delete the local file after uploading it to SharePoint?

Yes. You can add a 'File System - Delete file' action at the end of your Power Automate flow to remove the local file once the SharePoint upload is confirmed successful.