For any organization that wants to upgrade its IT setup, it is necessary to switch to SharePoint Online because it is a cloud-based platform and it comes with more advanced features that are very beneficial in increasing collaboration, productivity, and security within the organization. The users who are still stuck on the SharePoint 2013 or older version are seeking a way to migrate to SharePoint Online. In this write-up, we will explore the methods to migrate SharePoint 2013 to SharePoint Online.

Is it really beneficial to switch to SharePoint Online?

The answer is yes; the following are some of the reasons why you should migrate SharePoint 2013 to SharePoint Online.

• SharePoint Online comes with more advanced security features.
• We get our data from anywhere and from any device, thanks to cloud service.

• In SharePoint Online we don’t manually manage the overall infrastructure like software updates, backups, etc. Microsoft handles this for us.
• Also, it reduces the overall cost because it is a plan-based service, which means we only have to pay for what we are using.

The first method to migrate SharePoint 2013 to SharePoint Online

In this method, we are using the SPMT (SharePoint migration tool) provided by Microsoft. To use SPMT, just follow the steps given below:

1. First, install and open the SPMT.
2. Then, enter your Microsoft account details to sign in.
3. Then, click on the Add new migration.
4. After that, choose a single source URL if you want to migrate a single user’s data, or choose the second option to add multiple user details by a CSV or JSON file.
5. Then, choose the Migration type: Site migration, document library migration, etc.
6. Afterwards, provide the source site URL, and then configure the source and the target by providing login details.
7. Finally, start the migration task.

Is this method good enough for migration?

Well, the method could be better because it has some downsides that can affect the migration process. The following are some downsides of SPMT:

• It can only process up to 250 GB of data; size limitation is there.
• SPMT won’t work for the old version like SharePoint 2007.
• The process can take a lot of time if there is a huge amount of data.
• Unfortunately, filtration and personalization features are missing in the SPMT.
• Also, the process requires good tech know-how.

The second method to migrate SharePoint 2013 to SharePoint Online

The second methods require a third-party tool. So, for that, we have a great tool: the Shoviv SharePoint Migrator. This tool is the best choice for migrating SharePoint content because it has a lot of handy features that make the migration process smooth and straightforward and the user-friendly interface allows a newbie to proceed with the migration process.

Why this Shoviv’s migrator is the best choice?

• First off, there are no size limitations, and it can process multiple sites at once.
• Also, the software provides a filtering and scheduling option, which is great.
• It is compatible with all versions of SharePoint and Windows Operating System.
• This software also allows users to monitor the entire process to ensure whether the data is migrated or not.
• Moreover, in case you want to test the software it also offers a free version.

Steps to migrate SharePoint 2013 to SharePoint Online in no time

1. First, Install and open Shoviv’s Migration Tool.
2. After that, select SharePoint to SharePoint Migration and specify the source and the target.
3. Then, use the filter feature if you want to filter items and modify other settings; hit next.
4. Finally, use the schedule feature if needed and click on Finish.

Conclusion

Migrating from SharePoint 2013 to SharePoint Online is a challenging task, which requires proper planning, trustworthy tools, and the right execution. However, users can also migrate to SharePoint Online by using the SPMT if they have small data to migrate, but to ensure an effortless and fast migration, the use of trusted tools like the Shoviv SharePoint Migrator Tool is a must.