SharePoint Online to SharePoint Online Migration: A Complete Migration Guide

User query: How can I migrate SharePoint Online to SharePoint Online? Our company recently acquired another business, and I need to migrate all SharePoint sites, document libraries, permissions, and files from the acquired company’s Microsoft 365 tenant to our existing SharePoint Online tenant. I’ve tried ShareGate and the SharePoint Migration Tool but need a reliable and cost-effective solution. What is the best way to perform a complete SharePoint Online to SharePoint Online migration?

These days, many businesses have to transfer their data from one SharePoint to another. This is common when a company has a merger & acquisition, or when they change to a new Microsoft 365 tenant. At first, it seems very simple, but moving all the data without any loss is difficult. This guide covers all the possible methods, which include the Microsoft 365 Migration Tool, that move the data in a simple way.

Things to Check Before You Move SharePoint Site to Another Site

Most of the people begin the migration without checking if both SharePoint Online environments are actually ready. Moreover, this can lead to broken links or permission issues later.

  • Make sure that you have admin access to both Microsoft 365 tenants.
  • Check the available storage space in the destination tenant.
  • You must remove old or duplicate files that are no longer needed.
  • List any custom apps or integrations that may not move automatically.

SharePoint Online to SharePoint Online migration via SPMT

  1. Download & install the SharePoint Migration Tool (SPMT) on your Windows computer.
  2. Launch the tool & sign in through your Microsoft 365 administrator account.
  3. Select the source SharePoint site >> provide the required site details.
  4. Choose the document libraries or folders you want to migrate.
  5. Enter the URL of the destination SharePoint Online site.
  6. Review the migration settings >> confirm the source and destination mapping.
  7. You have to click on the Migrate button to start the migration process.
  8. In the end, you have to verify that all files have been transferred successfully.

Migrate from SharePoint Online Site to Another SharePoint Online Site Checklist

Checklist Items Why it matters
Create a backup of important SharePoint data Provides a recovery option if unexpected issues occur.
Verify admin access to both Microsoft 365 tenants Required to access and migrate SharePoint data
Confirm the destination SharePoint site is ready It prevents migration failures due to incorrect URLs
Review document libraries and folders Helps migrate only the required content and avoid unnecessary data
Test with a small SharePoint site first Confirm the migration settings before migrating all data
Validate migrated content Verify files, folders, and other details after the migration is complete

Limitations of this Manual Method

  • Large migrations can take a long time because of Microsoft 365 throttling & network limitations.
  • Complex site structures and customizations often require manual adjustments after migration.
  • Users may need SharePoint and Microsoft 365 administrative permissions to perform the migration.
  • Incremental migration capabilities are limited for certain migration scenarios.
  • Minimal support for preserving some custom configurations, such as third-party integrations or customized site components.

Professional Method for SharePoint Online to SharePoint Online migration

If you want a simplified process to migrate SharePoint Online data, the Microsoft 365 Migration Tool is a practical option. It helps move SharePoint sites, document libraries, & other Microsoft 365 data with minimal effort. This software is designed for both technical and non-technical users, which makes the migration process simple and organized. Also, you can move from SharePoint to Office 365 instead of any other tenant.

  • Supports tenant-to-tenant migration
  • Moves multiple SharePoint sites together
  • Keeps folder structure the same
  • Allows selective migration with filters
  • Easy interface for beginners

Steps to Migrate SharePoint Online to SharePoint Online

  1. Install & launch the software >> select Copy SharePoint from the dashboard.

    Install & launch the software >> select Copy SharePoint from the dashboard.

  2. Sign in to the source Microsoft 365 tenant through Modern Authentication or Admin credentials.

    Sign in through Modern Authentication or Admin credentials.

  3. Choose the SharePoint sites you want to migrate >> click Continue.

    Choose the SharePoint sites you want to migrate >> click Continue.

  4. Then, connect to the destination Microsoft 365 tenant through Modern Authentication or Admin credentials.

    Connect to the destination Microsoft 365 tenant.

  5. Select the destination SharePoint sites where you want to transfer the data, >> click Continue.

    Select the destination SharePoint sites and click continue.

  6. Now, you have to match the source sites with their destination sites & tap on Next.

    match the source sites with their destination sites & tap on Next.

  7. If required, apply filters to migrate only specific SharePoint data, then click Start Migration to begin the process.

    apply filters and click start migration.

Conclusion

In short, we have covered all the aspects to accomplish the SharePoint Online to SharePoint Online Migration. The manual methods discussed are reliable for small migrations, and it has various limitations. Therefore, it is recommended to use professional software that accomplishes the migration process in a simple manner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What data can be migrated during a SharePoint Online to SharePoint Online migration?

Ans. You can migrate document libraries, files, lists, and other SharePoint data. The exact items that are transferred depend on the migration methods that you use.

Q2. What is the best tool for SharePoint Online to SharePoint Online migration?

Ans. Basically, the choice depends on your needs. If you want a free migration, then use the SPMT method, which is good for small migrations. For larger migrations, use the Aryson Microsoft 365 Migration Tool.

Q3. Can I migrate multiple SharePoint Online sites at once?

Ans. Yes, with the help of the Microsoft 365 Migration Tool, you can migrate multiple sites at once. This software saves time and makes it easier to manage large migration projects.

Q4. Will SharePoint Online migration affect my users during the process?

Ans. Yes, users can usually use the SharePoint site while the migration is going on. But if someone changes or edits files during that time, those changes may not be copied. So, it is better to migrate when fewer people are using the site or ask everyone not to edit important files until the migration is finished.

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About The Author:

Loic Traves is a seasoned technical expert who has helped thousands of clients with Microsoft Outlook and various cloud-based email platforms. He enjoys writing about email client backups and migration processes. Passionate about supporting users in need, he strives to provide the latest insights, clear explanations, and practical, user-friendly solutions.

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