Use Storage Migration Service to Migrate a Server with Confidence

Posted at 16:16h in Blog, General, Managed IT Services, Microsoft 365 by Nirav Langhanoja 0 Comments

Introduction

Enterprise IT landscapes are evolving quickly, and maintaining legacy infrastructure can hold back growth, security, and compliance. Microsoft’s Storage Migration Service (SMS) is a powerful solution that enables seamless data, file, and configuration transfers from older servers to modern infrastructure, including Windows Server and Azure.

In this guide, we explore how to download and use Storage Migration Service, highlight its key benefits, and walk through a full migration process to help your enterprise make informed, secure transitions.

What Is Storage Migration Service?

Storage Migration Service is a Microsoft-native tool that simplifies server migrations. It provides a streamlined experience for transferring files, shares, permissions, and configurations from legacy systems like:

Windows Servers
Windows Failover Clusters
Linux Samba Servers
NetApp FAS arrays

Using Windows Admin Center (WAC), SMS inventories your data, validates network configurations, performs migrations, and supports cutover operations to preserve server identities. It ensures minimal disruption and helps you modernize without downtime.

Primary features include:

Automatic inventory and data validation
File, share, and NTFS permission transfer
User/group mapping and transfer
Cutover support (preserving server names and IPs)
Azure VM integration for cloud migration

Why Enterprise Organizations Use Storage Migration Service

Simplified Server Modernization

Migrating from outdated or unsupported systems (like Windows Server 2012 or 2008) is critical for security and compliance. SMS helps IT teams upgrade infrastructure while preserving existing configurations.

Cloud-Readiness with Azure Integration

The service supports direct migration to Azure virtual machines, streamlining cloud adoption. It provisions VMs, formats disks, joins domains, and adds migration proxies automatically.

Security and Compliance Alignment

By transferring data securely and accurately, SMS reduces risks associated with manual migrations. It also ensures data integrity and supports reissuing certificates post-migration.

Operational Continuity

With its “cutover” feature, SMS ensures minimal disruption by moving server names and IPs to new systems, letting users and applications continue to operate without reconfiguration.

How to Use Storage Migration Service

Here’s a quick breakdown of the steps: Install & Configure SMS

Download & Install:
- Use Windows Admin Center (WAC) to install SMS on an orchestrator server (Windows Server 2019+).
- Enable Storage Migration Service Proxy on destination servers for faster transfers.
Firewall Rules: Ensure TCP/445 (SMB), TCP/135 (RPC), and ephemeral ports (1025-65535) are open.

2️⃣ Inventory Source Servers

Run server scans to identify files, shares, and configurations.
Skip system folders (e.g., C:\Windows) to avoid conflicts.

3️⃣ Transfer Data to Destination

Map source volumes to destination drives.
Choose whether to migrate local users/groups (helpful for permissions).
For Azure migrations, use the “Create a new Azure VM” option for automatic provisioning.

4️⃣ Cutover to New Servers

Switch IPs & Hostnames – The destination server adopts the source’s identity.
Minimize downtime – Cutovers typically take minutes (depends on DNS/AD replication).

5️⃣ Post-Migration Tasks

Decommission old servers (keep them offline for 2-4 weeks for backup).
Reissue certificates (cutover doesn’t auto-renew them).
Validate permissions & shares before finalizing.

Migrate Servers Seamlessly with Storage Migration Service

Simplify your server migration with Storage Migration Service—fast, reliable, and risk-free. Start your smooth migration journey today!

Real-World Use Cases

✅ Healthcare Compliance Migration

A U.S.-based healthcare provider used SMS to migrate sensitive data from legacy servers to Windows Server 2022 and Azure, ensuring HIPAA compliance and enhanced security.

✅ Financial Services Digital Transformation

An international bank upgraded 40+ servers using SMS, cutting legacy maintenance costs and reducing downtime through seamless identity cutovers.

✅ Manufacturing Hybrid Cloud Deployment

A manufacturing firm moved its file servers to Azure while retaining on-premise control through Azure File Sync, supporting global operations and resilience.

How to Choose a Migration Partner: Checklist

Evaluation Criteria	Star Knowledge	Other Providers
Microsoft Expertise	✅ Gold Partner	❓
Experience with Azure	✅ Certified Azure Experts	❓
End-to-End Support	✅ Planning to Post-Migration	❓
Enterprise Security Standards	✅ ISO/IEC Compliant	❓
24/7 Support	✅ Global Teams	❓

For peace of mind, partner with a trusted provider that understands both legacy infrastructure and the Microsoft ecosystem.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I download Storage Migration Service?

You don’t need a separate download. Storage Migration Service is included with Windows Server 2019 and later. Simply install it via Windows Admin Center under “Server Manager > Features > Storage Migration Service”.

Can I migrate from Linux or NetApp with Storage Migration Service?

Yes. SMS supports Samba servers and NetApp FAS arrays. You’ll need to install the NetApp PowerShell Toolkit and provide admin credentials during setup.

Call to Action

Ready to modernize your file servers or move to the cloud? Our Microsoft-certified experts at Star Knowledge deliver secure, compliant, and zero-disruption server migrations using Storage Migration Service.

👉 Contact us today for a free consultation or migration assessment.