There are several reasons for migrating SharePoint 2013 (On-Premises) to SharePoint Online. However, we know that SharePoint Online is a cloud-based platform and is very helpful in increasing productivity, collaboration, and security within an organization, and the user who is using SharePoint 2013 or older want to migrate their SharePoint environment. So, in this post, we will explain the steps to migrate SharePoint 2013 to SharePoint Online, knowing the procedure, limitations, and tools for doing this task.

 

Why migrate from SharePoint 2013 to SharePoint Online?

Well, there are various benefits to doing that. The following are some of those:

• By migrating SharePoint 2013 to SharePoint Online, we can access the data from any device and anywhere because it is a cloud-based platform.
• In SharePoint 2013, we have to manage the overall infrastructure, including hardware maintenance, software updates, security, and backup, but in SharePoint Online, Microsoft manages the infrastructure.
• SharePoint Online also has an advanced security feature that is very beneficial in safeguarding sensitive information.
• SharePoint Online does not require any additional hardware or infrastructure investment, reducing costs.

 

Ways to Migrate SharePoint 2013 to SharePoint Online

In this article, we will discuss two ways to migrate SharePoint 2013 to SharePoint Online: using the Microsoft Migrator tool (SPMT) and using a third-party tool.

 

Using SPMT (SharePoint Migration Tool):

To use the SPMT, follow the given steps:

1. Install the SPMT and open it on your system.
2. Select “Start a new migration.”
3. Afterward, select the SharePoint server as a source and proceed to Site Migration.
4. Then, provide the SharePoint server source connection.
5. Enter your SharePoint server email address and password to sign in.
6. Then, select whether to move the current site or its sub-sites in the following tab
7. Then, enter the SharePoint online URL in the mailbox link field.
8. After naming your migration batch, the software will begin the migration procedure.
9. Ultimately, after reviewing the migration type, click on the Migrate Now option.

 

Limitations of using SPMT:

• SPMT is unable to migrate large amounts of data because of the size limitation.
• The process is very time-consuming, which is not suitable for any professional organization.
• The SPMT does not provide any filtration and personalization options.
• If there is an error occurs like a certain file type is not supported by SharePoint Online, at that time, SPMT does not provide any features to handle these types of exceptions.
• Also, there is a risk of data loss and human error, so make sure to have a backup.
• This process requires a good technical knowledge.

 

Using the Third-Party Tool for Migrating SharePoint 2013 to SharePoint Online

The use of a third-party tool is very beneficial for quick and efficient outcomes. However, there are various tools available, and if I were to recommend the best tool for this particular task, then the Shoviv SharePoint Migrator would be my top choice. This software includes a number of outstanding features that not only simplify the process but also generate the desired results. Moreover, the user-friendly interface allows anyone to migrate from SharePoint 2013 to SharePoint Online without having any advanced technical knowledge.

 

Features of Shoviv’s Migrator tool

• The software provides a filter option that allows filtering by date range and folder criteria to exclude or include specific data during migration.
• Also, there is a scheduling feature that allows users to schedule the migration process.
• The Shoviv SharePoint Migrator is capable of migrating multiple SharePoint sites in a batch.
• This tool works with all SharePoint versions (on-premises and online) and Windows operating systems.
• The software also allows users to monitor the entire process and make sure all data is properly migrated or not.
• Moreover, the Shoviv SharePoint Migrator offers a free version that allows users to proceed the 20KB of data.

 

Simple steps to migrate SharePoint 2013 to SharePoint Online

1. Install and open the Shoviv SharePoint Migrator tool and go to the Create Connection tab.
2. Then, enter the project name, verify your SharePoint login, and sign in to your account.
3. Then, on the ribbon, go to the Create Jobtab >> Create Migration job
4. Afterward, enter the Job nameand previously created connection as a source to migrate and click Next.
5. Then, use the filter and schedule as you need, and click Next.
6. Lastly, click next to start the migration process.

 

Final Words

As we have seen, using the Shoviv SharePoint Migrator is a cakewalk process for migrating SharePoint 2013 to SharePoint Online compared to SPMT, and it provides many useful features that make the process easy and efficient. Lastly, if you are willing to migrate SharePoint 2013 to SharePoint Online, I highly suggest using the Shoviv SharePoint Migrator tool and must use the free version to check the software’s integrity.