Organizations still running SharePoint 2013 face a critical technology decision. With mainstream support already ended and cloud collaboration rapidly evolving, the shift to SharePoint Online is no longer optional—it is strategic. A well-planned SharePoint 2013 to SharePoint Online migration ensures business continuity, improved security, and access to Microsoft 365 innovations without disrupting daily operations.
SharePoint 2013 and SharePoint Online: Key Differences Explained
Understanding the architectural and functional differences is essential before initiating any SharePoint Online migration.
SharePoint 2013 (On-Premises)
- Hosted on internal servers
- Manual updates and patching
- Higher infrastructure and maintenance costs
- Limited integration with modern Microsoft 365 services
SharePoint Online (Cloud-Based)
- Hosted and managed by Microsoft
- Automatic feature updates and security patches
- Seamless integration with Teams, OneDrive, Power Automate, and Power Apps
- Scalable, subscription-based cost model
These differences directly influence migration planning, governance models, and long-term ROI.
Pre-Migration Considerations for Your Existing SharePoint 2013 Environment
Before you migrate SharePoint 2013 to Online, a detailed assessment of your current environment is critical. Many migrations encounter delays due to overlooked legacy elements.
Key areas to evaluate include:
- Custom solutions, workflows, and web parts
- Site collections, subsites, and information architecture
- Content relevance, duplication, and compliance needs
- User permissions and authentication models
A common challenge arises when outdated customizations conflict with modern SharePoint Online capabilities. Addressing this early avoids rework and post-migration performance issues.
Choosing the Right Migration Path Before Execution
Every organization’s SharePoint footprint is different. Migration success depends on selecting the right approach based on business size, data volume, and technical complexity.
Primary migration approaches include:
- Manual migration
- Hybrid SharePoint migration 2013
- Microsoft SharePoint Migration Tool (SPMT)
- Third-party SharePoint migration tools
Each option varies in automation, risk, and scalability. Planning the journey before execution ensures predictable outcomes and minimal downtime.
How to manually migrate SharePoint 2013 to SharePoint Online
Manual migration involves recreating sites and libraries in SharePoint Online and moving content using basic methods such as:
- Download and upload
- File Explorer view
- Save as template (limited scenarios)
While this method offers control, it is only practical for small environments with minimal content and no complex metadata or workflows. Manual migration does not preserve version history or permissions, making it unsuitable for enterprise-level SharePoint migration projects.
How to implement the hybrid approach to migrate from 2013 to SharePoint Online
A hybrid SharePoint 2013 migration allows organizations to run SharePoint 2013 and SharePoint Online simultaneously. This approach is often chosen when:
- Regulatory or data residency requirements exist
- Gradual migration is preferred.
- Users need uninterrupted access to legacy systems.
Hybrid environments enable shared search, unified user experiences, and phased content movement. However, they require careful configuration, identity synchronization, and governance alignment to avoid administrative complexity.
Migrating with the Microsoft SharePoint Migration Tool (SPMT)
The SharePoint migration tool SPMT, provided by Microsoft, is a popular choice for moving content from SharePoint 2013 to SharePoint Online.
Key advantages include
- Free, Microsoft-supported tool
- Preserves metadata and permissions
- Supports bulk migrations
- Regular updates and improvements
SPMT is best suited for structured migrations with clear scope and minimal custom code dependencies. For complex environments, it may need to be combined with additional planning or professional SharePoint Migration Services.
Migrate SharePoint 2013 to Online—Without Downtime
From planning and execution to post-migration optimization, our SharePoint Migration Services ensure secure, seamless, and business-ready migrations.
Using Third-Party SharePoint Migration Tools
Third-party tools offer advanced capabilities beyond native options, including:
- Detailed pre-migration analysis
- Automated scheduling and reporting
- Support for complex customizations
- Minimal business disruption
These tools are commonly used by enterprises seeking faster timelines and reduced risk. Many organizations partner with experienced providers like Star Knowledge to align tools, strategy, and governance into a single migration roadmap.
Why Migrate from SharePoint 2013 to SharePoint Online?
Migrating to SharePoint Online delivers long-term strategic value:
- Future-ready collaboration: Access modern experiences, AI-powered search, and Microsoft Copilot readiness
- Reduced operational overhead: Eliminate server maintenance and upgrade cycles
- Enhanced security and compliance: Built-in Microsoft security framework
- Scalability and flexibility: Support remote work and business growth
A successful SharePoint 2013 to SharePoint Online migration positions organizations to innovate faster while maintaining governance and control.
FAQs
- What is the best method to migrate SharePoint 2013 to SharePoint Online?
Migrating from SharePoint 2013 to SharePoint Online is essential because support has ended. SharePoint Online provides better security, automatic updates, Microsoft 365 integration, and modern collaboration features.
- What is the best method to migrate SharePoint 2013 to SharePoint Online?
The best method depends on your environment. Common options include manual migration, hybrid SharePoint migration 2013, the SharePoint Migration Tool (SPMT), and third-party SharePoint migration tools.
- Does the SharePoint Migration Tool (SPMT) support SharePoint 2013 migration?
Yes, the SharePoint Migration Tool (SPMT) supports SharePoint 2013 to SharePoint Online migration and helps preserve metadata, permissions, and content during the move.
Final Thoughts: Managing the Shift with Confidence
Managing the shift from SharePoint 2013 to SharePoint Online is a technical transformation and a business enabler. With the right assessment, migration approach, and tooling, organizations can reduce risk, improve adoption, and unlock the full potential of SharePoint Online.
For IT leaders and SharePoint consultants, investing in a structured migration strategy is the difference between a basic data move and a future-proof collaboration platform.
Ready to migrate from SharePoint 2013 to SharePoint Online with confidence? Contact us today to get expert guidance and a secure migration roadmap.
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