What is SharePoint Migration Manager and How to Use it [Step-by-Step]

• What is SharePoint Migration Manager?
• How Do I Install and Use SharePoint Migration Manager
• What is the Limitation of SharePoint Migration Manager?
• How to Move Files to SharePoint More Easily - MultCloud
• Conclusion

What is SharePoint Migration Manager?

SharePoint Migration Manager is designed by Microsoft for migrating data. It supports transferring data from on-premises file share content, Stream, and other cloud drives. What's more, using Migration Manager, you can download aggregated summary and task-level reports. If you want to use it to share files, the files should be limited to 250 GB in size.

SharePoint Migration Tool vs Migration Manager

Since we are going to compare SharePoint Migration Tool with Migration Manager, there is also a brief introduction of what does SharePoint Migration Tool do.

SharePoint Migration Tool (SPMT) is also developed by Microsoft. It can be used to migrate data to SharePoint Online, OneDrive for Business, or Microsoft Teams. For example, it can migrate SharePoint content to Microsoft 365 like lists, libraries, and sites. Besides, SharePoint Migration Tool migrates files with all their metadata intact, which ensures a high-fidelity migration experience.

To be clearer, the differences between these 2 tools will be listed in the following 3 points.

How Do I Install and Use SharePoint Migration Manager

The Migration Manager of SharePoint serves to migrate data to different migration agents. Therefore, you have to set up the agents before you begin the migration process. Besides, there are some requirements that you should notice:

Install Migration Manager Agent

Step 1: Download the agent setup file and place it on the file server hosting the shared folder. This file will be used for a migration agent and if your environment requires it, you can install multiple instances of the agent.

Step 2: Click "Next" on the Welcome page.

Step 3: Enter your SharePoint Domin or username and the password. Then click "Next".

Step 4: Enter a file share path in the box and click "Close". By now, your migration agent is set up.

Steps for Using SharePoint Migration Manager

Step 1: Enter the Migration Manager task-creating page.

Enter SharePoint Admin Center and click “Get started” under File Shares.

Step 2: Add agents and check whether they are enabled.

Click “Agents” in the taskbar and check if your agent is added or connected.

Step 3: Choose a Migration Method. 

Turn to “Migrations”, choose “Single source and destination”, and click “Next”.

Step 4: Select the files you want to migrate by Migration Manager.

Select the files that you want to migrate and enter the file share with the format “\\contoso\fileshare”. Then click “Next” to select the destination for the migrating files.

Step 5: Choose a SharePoint destination for the migration.

Choose where you want to migrate to by clicking the icon. Here we choose SharePoint Online. Also, you should select the location under SharePoint Online.

Step 6: Check the migration settings and start the task.

Check “Settings” to see if there is anything that you want to change. If not, just click “Run now” and the task is complete.

What is the Limitation of SharePoint Migration Manager?

Migration Manager does have some limitations. Here are 3 notable ones:

How to Move Files to SharePoint More Easily - MultCloud

As you can see, the steps for using SharePoint Online Migration Manager are complex and not easy to understand. So, you may find an alternative to it - MultCloud, a super easy tool for migrating files from other cloud drives to SharePoint Online.

★Why MultCloud is the Best Alternative to SharePoint Migration Manager:

MultCloud is a popular cloud storage manager which can manage 30+ cloud drives in one place.

MultCloud is easy for a novice user and does not need any professional knowledge.

MultCloud offers fast and stable transfer speed and supports offline transfer.

There are various customizable options and features on MultCloud.

You can use MultCloud Cloud Transfer to move files from Google Drive, Google Workspace, Dropbox, Dropbox Business, OneDrive, OneDrive for Business, Amazon S3, FTP, NAS, etc. to SharePoint Online. Also, you can use it to move files between different SharePoint tenants and the steps are shown below.

Step 1: Enter MultCloud and click “Get started for free”. Then you will turn to another interface to create a new MultCloud account.

Step 2: Click “Add Cloud” and tap the SharePoint Online icon. Here you will log in to one of your SharePoint Online accounts in the pop-up windows. The same way to connect another SharePoint Online account to MultCloud.

Step 3: Choose “Cloud Transfer” in the left sidebar and select the files or clouds which you want to transfer from/to. Then, click “Transfer Now” and all your operations are done.

Conclusion

Looking through the whole post, you must know the differences between SharePoint Migration Manager and SharePoint Migration Tool. Also, if you want to use Migration Manager to transfer files, you can try the steps listed in the second part. But the best alternative MultCloud is more recommended to move files since it is easier to use and supports migrating files from more than 30+ clouds to SharePoint Online.

Besides, MultCloud has not only the Cloud Transfer function but others like Cloud Sync, Cloud Backup, and Team Transfer. When you’d like to transfer files between business clouds, you can try MultCloud Team Transfer. The steps are as easy as transferring personal clouds. If you want to migrate Dropbox for Business to Box for Business, then use MultCloud.