How to Copy and Move Files In SharePoint?

13 October 2023

In the dynamic landscape of document management, SharePoint emerges as a robust platform, offering unparalleled collaboration and organization capabilities. Understanding how to efficiently copy and move files within SharePoint is crucial for optimizing workflow and ensuring seamless data accessibility.

What can be copied and moved in SharePoint?

SharePoint empowers users to copy and move a diverse range of elements, including files, folders, and links. This flexibility allows for efficient restructuring and organizing of data, fostering a more intuitive and user-friendly information architecture.

Where can you copy and move files, folders, and links in SharePoint?

The versatility of SharePoint extends to its ability to copy and move content across sites, providing users with the freedom to distribute information strategically. Whether it’s within the same site or different sites, SharePoint facilitates seamless data transfer.

Copy vs Move

Before delving into the procedural aspects, it’s essential to distinguish between copying and moving. Copying duplicates the content, allowing it to exist in multiple locations, while moving relocates the content entirely to a new destination. This choice depends on the specific needs of your document management strategy.

Follow the below-mentioned steps to copy and move files in SharePoint

1. Navigate to the Source Location: Access the SharePoint site and locate the files or folders you wish to copy or move.
2. Select the Content: Choose the files or folders by clicking on them. For multiple selections, hold down the ‘Ctrl’ key while clicking.
3. Access the Ribbon: Navigate to the ribbon at the top of the page and select the “Copy to” or “Move to” option.
4. Choose the Destination: A window will prompt you to choose the destination site. Select the appropriate destination and proceed.
5. Confirm the Action: Confirm your action, and SharePoint will initiate the copying or moving process.

How to solve common issues that may arise?

Permission Issues: Ensure that you have the necessary permissions to copy or move files. Collaborate with your SharePoint administrator if needed. File Size Limitations: Be mindful of SharePoint’s file size limitations. For larger files, consider alternative methods or break them into smaller segments. Link Integrity: When moving files with links, verify and update links to maintain integrity post-relocation.

When it comes to managing your data in SharePoint, efficient move and copy operations are crucial. In this guide, we’ll explore the key considerations and best practices for seamlessly transferring files and folders within your SharePoint environment.

1. Maximizing Data Transfer:

To ensure a smooth process, keep in mind that a maximum of 100 GB of data can be moved in a single operation. It’s essential to plan your transfers accordingly to avoid disruptions.

2. Browser Operation:

Throughout the move and copy operations, it’s imperative to keep your browser open. This ensures the continuity of the process and prevents any unexpected interruptions.

3. Copying Metadata:

To retain metadata when moving files, it’s necessary to replicate the metadata structure on the destination. This involves creating identical metadata, including column names and types. This step is critical for maintaining data integrity during the transfer.

Read More: SharePoint Managed Metadata

Final Thoughts

This blog post has delved into the intricacies of moving and copying files and folders within your SharePoint tenant. If you encounter any challenges or require assistance with your SharePoint Consulting needs, feel free to reach out to us. Star Knowledge specializes in providing expert SharePoint consulting services tailored to your specific requirements.