Mount Pleasant IT support
File server to SharePoint migration for coastal offices
Shares move into SharePoint and Teams with folder permissions mapped in a planned cutover.
Modern file hosting
Migration from networked drives to Microsoft 365
Migrate file shares to SharePoint Online by moving the Z drive to cloud storage. Each folder has a home in OneDrive, a SharePoint site or a Teams channel.
- 1
Inventory and clean up
Identify redundant or out of date content. Confirm which files remain relevant before the move starts.
- 2
Map the permissions
Align Windows share permissions with Microsoft 365 users. Synchronizing Active Directory to Microsoft Entra ID maintains access levels.
- 3
Copy, then switch over
Run background incremental copies while users work. Disable the old share during a single cutover event.
Target locations for migrated data
Content goes where it is used. Files belonging to one person go in OneDrive. Team work moves to shared libraries reachable from Microsoft Teams, SharePoint or Outlook.
Select content type
Software for moving files
SharePoint Migration Tool is installed on one computer. Migration Manager sits in the SharePoint admin center and spreads tasks across agents on one or more computers.
| SharePoint Migration Tool | Migration Manager | |
|---|---|---|
| Installation location | Local installation on one computer | Agents installed on one or more computers or virtual machines |
| Starting point | Desktop tool interface | SharePoint admin center under Migration center for file shares |
| Pre-migration assessment | Only perform scanning setting with assessment reports | Automatic scan showing source paths as Ready, Warnings or Errors |
| Required credentials | SharePoint Administrator, Global Administrator or site administrator | SharePoint destination administrator and Windows account with read access |
Both read the share with a Windows account that has read access and write to the destination as a SharePoint admin. Migration Manager supports files up to 250 GB. Sources, Microsoft Learn, checked November 9, 2026: Migration Manager, SharePoint Migration Tool, SPMT settings.
Assessment before the move
Adding a source starts a scan that reports what is in the share before anything moves.
Invalid characters
Characters like * : < > ? / \ and | are flagged for replacement or skipped during the move.
Long paths
Decoded paths over 400 characters must be reorganized or shortened before the move begins.
Unreadable folders
Accounts must have read access to every share to avoid warnings in the scan report.
Folder permissions mapping
Matching users in Microsoft 365 maintain their access levels. SharePoint roles replace Windows permissions during the process.
| Windows share permission | SharePoint item access | SharePoint role |
|---|---|---|
| Full control | Full control | Full control |
| Modify | Modify | Contribute |
| Read and execute | Read and execute | Read |
| List folder contents | List folder contents | Read |
| Read | Read | Read |
| Write | Write | Contribute |
Mapping of share permissions to SharePoint roles Source, checked November 9, 2026.
Matching users
Users must exist in Microsoft 365 via Microsoft Entra ID. Without a match, files take the default permissions of the destination.
Deny rules
Deny permissions are not carried over. Content under an explicit deny may become accessible, so review those folders first.
After the copy
Advanced NTFS permissions are removed. Most restrictive levels from share and NTFS settings determine the final result.
Steps for a managed cutover
Microsoft suggests five phases for the move. Planning and communication happen early to prepare users for the change.
Sources, Microsoft Learn: file share migration guide (pilot, incremental copies, single cutover, onboarding) and how Migration Manager works. Checked November 9, 2026.
Accessing synced libraries in File Explorer
People used to open the Z drive. After the move they open the library in File Explorer through the OneDrive sync app.
- 1
Synced library
Files appear in File Explorer as online-only content. OneDrive synchronization displays SharePoint libraries alongside local folders.
- 2
Policy-driven sync
Windows 10 version 1709 or later uses Files On-Demand to sync within eight hours of sign-in.
- 3
Size advice
Sync performance is best with libraries under 5,000 files for policy-driven sync and 300,000 files for overall sync.
Microsoft documentation on SharePoint limits and Group Policy. Microsoft Learn, checked November 9, 2026.
Migration paths by office type
Data structures and permission needs vary between specialized businesses. Migration paths align with specific file counts, path depths, and document types.
Select office type
Office type
Pre-migration checklist
Planning focuses on naming rules, hardware specifications, and user access. Requirements include matching identities and pre-provisioning cloud accounts.
Names and path length
Characters like * : < > ? / \ and | are invalid. Decoded paths cannot exceed 400 characters in SharePoint and OneDrive.
Permissions and deny
Review folders with explicit deny rules. Those rules are not saved and content might become accessible after moving.
OneDrive accounts
OneDrive accounts must be pre-provisioned before starting the migration process.
Copy computer
Recommended specs include a quad-core processor and 16 GB RAM. Solid-state disks with 150 GB free provide better performance.
Access credentials
Windows accounts need read access to shares. SharePoint admin accounts are required for the destination. Third-party multifactor is not supported.
User messages
Communicate timing and steps to users early. Provide training and ensure the help desk is ready for cutover.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does a migration take?
Total time depends on data volume and is decided after the scan. Factors include file counts and network speeds.
- Can people keep working during the copy?
Old shares stay in use during incremental copies. Users only stop working on the old drive during the final cutover event.
- What happens to folder permissions?
Permissions map to SharePoint roles for matching users. Explicit deny rules are not carried over and must be reviewed.
- Should we use OneDrive, SharePoint or Teams for a folder?
Personal files go to OneDrive. Team files go to shared libraries in SharePoint or Teams based on who uses them.
- What happens to the Z drive?
Synced libraries appear in File Explorer through the OneDrive app. Users access files locally while they stay stored in SharePoint.
- What do Microsoft's tools cost?
Microsoft provides the SharePoint Migration Tool and Migration Manager for moving file shares into Microsoft 365. Call (844) 422-7000 to discuss migration planning and support.
Start the migration plan
Call (844) 422-7000 or book a walkthrough to begin.