How to Move Data from an Old SharePoint Site to a New Site
Question details
The user needs to transfer files, lists, and other data from an older SharePoint site to a newly created site, typically after setting up a new Microsoft Teams team.
- Product
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Transferring files and lists between SharePoint sites within the same Microsoft 365 tenant.
- Observed behavior
- The user requires an efficient method to migrate data while preserving structure and version history, as Microsoft Teams creates its own associated SharePoint site.
Ensure you have Site Owner or Full Control permissions on both the source and destination SharePoint sites before attempting to transfer any files or lists.
Use SharePoint's Move to or Copy to Commands for Files
This built-in method is best for manually moving documents and files between sites within the same Microsoft 365 tenant.
SharePoint provides native commands to easily relocate files across document libraries. It is important to note the difference in how these commands handle version history to prevent data loss.
Open your web browser and navigate to the document library in your old SharePoint site where the files are currently stored.
Click the checkmark circles next to the files or folders you want to transfer.
Click the 'Move to' or 'Copy to' command located in the top command bar. If your screen is small, you may need to click the three-dot ellipsis (...) to find these options.
In the pane that appears on the right, browse and select the new destination SharePoint site, then choose the specific target document library.
Click the 'Move here' or 'Copy here' button at the bottom of the pane to initiate the transfer process.
Transfer Small Lists Using List Templates
Ideal for migrating small SharePoint lists along with their existing structure and content to a new site.
Use Dedicated Migration Tools for Large Transfers
Necessary for migrating large amounts of data, entire site structures, and large lists that exceed standard SharePoint limits.
Boost Your Team's Productivity with WPS Office
While you are managing your SharePoint site migrations, consider equipping your team with WPS Office. It is a highly compatible, lightweight, and free alternative to Microsoft Office that easily handles all your daily document processing needs.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package for your operating system.
- 2. Install the Software: Run the downloaded installer and follow the simple on-screen instructions to set up the software.
- 3. Open Your Documents: Launch WPS Office and immediately start opening, editing, and saving your existing Microsoft Office files without losing any formatting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I connect a new Microsoft Teams team directly to an existing SharePoint site?
No, you cannot connect a new Microsoft Teams team to an arbitrary existing SharePoint site directly. However, you can create a new team from an existing Microsoft 365 group, or you can connect a classic SharePoint team site to a new Microsoft 365 group.
Does the 'Copy to' command in SharePoint preserve file version history?
No, the 'Copy to' command only transfers the latest version of the file. If you need to preserve the complete version history during a transfer, you must use the 'Move to' command.
How can I migrate an entire SharePoint list along with its structure?
For small lists, you can save the list as a template (including its content) and upload that template to the new site. For large lists or entire site structures, Microsoft recommends using dedicated third-party migration tools like ShareGate, as built-in commands cannot migrate entire list structures efficiently.
