Choosing the Right Microsoft Migration Tool for SharePoint

SharePoint Migration Tool : Features, Benefits & Best Practices

In today’s cloud-first world, organizations are actively moving their content, data, and digital infrastructure to Microsoft 365. SharePoint Online, a core component of Microsoft 365, offers enhanced collaboration, security, and scalability. But migrating to SharePoint Online from legacy systems or on-premises environments isn’t easy. That’s why businesses turn to a Microsoft migration tool tailored for SharePoint.

Whether you're looking to perform a complete migration or simply backup SharePoint Online, choosing the right SharePoint migration tool Microsoft provides is essential for a seamless, secure, and efficient process.

This article explores everything you need to know about Microsoft’s SharePoint migration tools, alternative solutions, and best practices to help ensure a successful migration journey.

What Is a Microsoft Migration Tool?

A Microsoft migration tool refers to any software developed or supported by Microsoft to help users move data from one platform to another, such as SharePoint Server to SharePoint Online or from third-party services to Microsoft 365.

When it comes to SharePoint, the most widely recognized tool is the SharePoint Migration Tool (SPMT) by Microsoft. It is a free tool designed to help migrate content from:

• SharePoint Server 2010, 2013

• File shares and local drives

• On-premises SharePoint document libraries

While SPMT is a useful starting point, it has its limitations, especially for complex or large-scale enterprise migrations.

Key Features of the SharePoint Migration Tool by Microsoft

Here’s what you can expect from the SharePoint migration tool Microsoft provides:

✅ Supports Basic Migration Scenarios

SPMT is best suited for:

• Document library migration

• File share to SharePoint Online

• On-prem SharePoint (2010/2013) to SharePoint Online

✅ Integration with Microsoft 365

It integrates seamlessly with Microsoft 365 tenants, ensuring smoother authentication, site selection, and configuration.

✅ PowerShell Support

For advanced users, SPMT supports scripting through PowerShell, allowing batch migrations and automation.

✅ Incremental Migration

You can re-run migration jobs to only move changed or newly added files, reducing redundancy.

✅ Free to Use

SPMT is available at no extra cost, making it an attractive option for small to mid-sized organizations.

Limitations of Microsoft’s Native SharePoint Migration Tool

While SPMT does offer valuable capabilities, it's not ideal for every organization. Here are some common limitations:

• ❌ No support for SharePoint 2016/2019 as a source

• ❌ Limited support for list migration and complex metadata

• ❌ Doesn’t handle workflows, permissions, or version history comprehensively

• ❌ No pre-migration assessment or detailed reporting

• ❌ Doesn’t support third-party storage like Dropbox, Box, or Google Drive

That’s where using an advanced migration tool for SharePoint—like Kernel SharePoint Migration—comes in.

Why Choose an Advanced Migration Tool for SharePoint?

For organizations dealing with complex data structures, heavy content, or custom configurations, using a more robust tool is essential. Here’s why a professional migration tool for SharePoint is the better choice:

🔄 Supports All Migration Scenarios

Migrate:

• SharePoint to SharePoint

• SharePoint On-Prem to SharePoint Online

• Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, Teams to SharePoint

🧠 Smart Filters and Custom Mapping

• Select files by date, size, type

• Map metadata and custom fields

• Retain file structure, workflows, and list relationships

🔐 Retains Permissions and Security

• Item-level and user-level permissions

• SharePoint groups and role inheritance

• Maintains access logs and ownership

🗂️ Full List and Library Migration

Unlike SPMT, advanced tools can migrate:

• Complex lists and libraries

• Content types and views

• Lookup fields and calculated columns

📁 Backup SharePoint Online

Advanced tools also support backup SharePoint Online content before, during, or after migration. This adds a layer of data protection and rollback capability.

Best Practices for SharePoint Migration

Whether you're using Microsoft's tool or a third-party solution, here are best practices to follow:

1. Pre-Migration Assessment

• Audit your current SharePoint or file system

• Identify custom features and unused content

• Clean up unnecessary files and folders

2. Define Scope and Timeline

• Decide what to migrate and when

• Communicate with stakeholders

• Set realistic migration phases

3. Test Before Full Migration

• Perform a test run with a sample site

• Validate metadata, permissions, and links

• Fix any issues before going live

4. Perform Incremental Migrations

• Use scheduling and delta sync features

• Migrate in stages to reduce impact on users

5. Backup SharePoint Online

• Always take a backup before starting the migration

• This ensures data recovery in case of errors

Kernel Migration for SharePoint: A Powerful Alternative

If you need more control, flexibility, and enterprise-grade features, Kernel Migration for SharePoint is a standout choice. It supports:

• Complete site, list, and document migration

• Custom metadata and permission mapping

• OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox, and Teams migrations

• Pre-migration analysis and post-migration reports

• SharePoint Online backup features to secure your data

Its intuitive interface and advanced configuration options make it ideal for IT admins handling complex or multi-platform migrations.

Conclusion

While the Microsoft migration tool (SPMT) is a great entry-level solution for SharePoint Online migration, it’s not always enough for advanced scenarios. Organizations dealing with custom configurations, complex permissions, or third-party storage systems should consider a more powerful migration tool for SharePoint, such as Kernel SharePoint Migration Tool.

Whether your goal is to move from SharePoint 2013 to SharePoint Online, migrate from cloud platforms, or simply backup SharePoint Online, having the right tool in place can save you time, reduce errors, and ensure business continuity.

Ready to make your migration seamless? Choose the right tool and migrate smarter, not harder.