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How to Copy a SharePoint List with All Data to Another Site

Steve K Sep 27, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to duplicate an entire SharePoint list, which includes its data types, columns, views, structure, and all existing list items, to a different SharePoint site.

How to Copy a SharePoint List with All Data to Another Site

Product: Microsoft SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Migrating or duplicating a fully populated SharePoint list from a source site to a target site without manually recreating the structure or re-entering data.
Observed behavior: A reliable method is needed to export both the list structure and its data entries across SharePoint sites.

Before you start

Ensure you have Site Collection Administrator permissions on both the source and target SharePoint sites, and install the latest PnP PowerShell module on your system.

Solution 1Recommended

Use PnP PowerShell to Export and Apply a List Template

This method uses PnP PowerShell commands to export your source list into an XML template and seamlessly apply it to a new target site, transferring both the structure and data.

PnP PowerShell provides an automated and highly reliable way to migrate list data across SharePoint sites. It extracts the schema into a template file and allows you to append the list data rows directly into that template before deploying it to the destination.

Register the Azure AD Application

Open PowerShell and run the command: Register-PnPAzureADApp -ApplicationName TestApp -Tenant yourtenant.onmicrosoft.com -Store CurrentUser -Interactive. This configures the necessary application permissions for PnP PowerShell.

Connect to the Source Site

Execute: Connect-PnPOnline -Url "https://tenant.sharepoint.com/sites/Source" -Interactive -ClientId your-client-id to authenticate and connect to the site containing your original list.

Export the List Structure

Run: Get-PnPSiteTemplate -Out Lists.xml -ListsToExtract "Source List" -Handlers Lists. This command generates an XML file containing the columns, views, and structural data of your list.

Add the List Data to the Template

Execute: Add-PnPDataRowsToSiteTemplate -Path Lists.xml -List "Source List". This appends the existing items and rows from your list into the generated XML template file.

Apply Template to Target Site

Connect to your destination site using: Connect-PnPOnline -Url "https://tenant.sharepoint.com/sites/Target" -Interactive -ClientId your-client-id. Finally, apply the template and data by running: Invoke-PnPSiteTemplate -Path Lists.xml.

Use PnP PowerShell to Export and Apply a List Template

Handling Lookup Columns: If your source list contains lookup columns, you must ensure that the referenced lookup lists are also included in the extraction process or already exist on the target site.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I copy a SharePoint list to another site without using PowerShell?

Yes, you can save a list as a template from the list settings (if custom scripting is enabled in your tenant) or use Power Automate to copy items. However, PnP PowerShell is the recommended method for reliably transferring both complex structures and large amounts of data at once.

What happens to lookup columns when duplicating a list?

Lookup columns require the reference lists to exist on the target site. You must ensure the linked lookup lists are also included in your template extraction process so the connections are maintained when the template is applied.

Will list permissions be copied using this PnP PowerShell method?

By default, this PnP PowerShell extraction process focuses on duplicating the list's structure, views, and data rows. Unique item-level permissions and specific user role assignments are not automatically copied to the target site.

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