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Learn How to Copy Document Library from One Site to Another

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Published By Mohit Kumar Jha
Anuraag Singh
Approved By Anuraag Singh
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Published On February 12th, 2025

Microsoft Office 365 suite has many applications. One of the apps used to create and manage sites is SharePoint. This application helps to share and store the information within the organization. Document lists and libraries play a significant role in the organizations to store the data efficiently. Sometimes there might be a situation when the project gets completed but some of the files of that project are required in another project. In this situation, the administrator needs to know how to copy document library from one site to another. 

Additionally, when an organization going to merge with another one, it is also required to move document libraries to another SharePoint site. However, due to the unavailability of the right solutions on the Internet, administrators failed to accomplish the task. 

In this guide, we will delve into the different solutions to migrate SharePoint document library to another site. So, let’s get started.

Distinct Ways to Move Document Library from One Site to Another in SharePoint Online

To migrate the SharePoint document library to another site there are different methods. Here is a detailed explanation of each method. You should also follow the SharePoint Online Migration checklist for successful migration. Let’s deep dive into the methods to tackle the query.

Method 1. How to Copy Document Library from One Site to Another in Modern Experience?

By using the SharePoint online modern user-friendly interface, you can copy document Library from one site to another with these steps:

Step 1. Sign in to Office 365 and move to the SharePoint document library from where you want to copy the data.

Step 2. Now, after opening the library click on the Gear icon at the top right corner.

Step 3. It’s time to choose the site contents option from the dropdown.

Step 4. Click on the 3 dots that you want to copy to another site.

Step 5. Now, a “Copy to” dialog appears, and enters the destination url in it.

Step 6. Choose the document library in the destination site and hit on “copy” button.

This method is treated as one of the most simple methods to copy documents to another site. However, it is not an ideal approach to copy the large data to another site. Let’s find out another method.

Method 2. Move Document Library from One Site to Another in SharePoint Online

Another method to migrate documents from one site to another is by using the “Open with Explorer option”. These are the steps that you need to follow.

Step 1. Go to the Site from where you want to migrate the data.

Step 2. Now, Open the Document Library hit on the “Library” tab and

Step 3. Hit on the “Open with Explorer” option.

Step 4. Now, paste the files and folders that you want to migrate under the Windows Explorer window.

Step 5. Wait till the files are uploaded.

This method can work with the large data. However, it requires so much technical expertise because the data can be lost if any of the steps are wrongly executed.

Method 3. How to Copy Document Library from One Site to Another Using PowerShell?

PowerShell commands can also help migrate the data to another site. Follow the below commands sequentially.

  1. Run the PowerShell on the source system and set up a connection with the SharePoint online site. Put the URL of the site in the <SiteURL>.

Connect-PnPOnline -Url <SiteURL> -Credentials (Get-Credential)

  1. Now, download the document library to the source system in a local folder. Use the name of the library in place of  <LibraryName>.

Export-PnPList -Identity <LibraryName> -Path  -Force

  1. It’s time to import the document library to the destination site. <BackupPath> replaced by the path of the exported library. Replace the <DestinationSiteURL> with the destination site.

Import-PnPList -Path <BackupPath> -DestinationUrl <DestinationSiteUrl> -Force

  1. After the execution of the command, wait for a while to correct the changes in the destination SharePoint site.

Method 4. Use “Save as” an Option and “Upload”

This is one of the easiest methods for small quantities of data, every user can opt for this, even if you are not familiar with the technicalities: 

Step 1. Access the source document library.

Step 2. Choose the files or folders to copy.

Step 3. Download the selected items to your computer.

Step 4. Go to the desired SharePoint site and library.

Step 5. Upload the downloaded files to the destination library.

Method 5. How to Copy Document Library from One Site to Another Using OneDrive Sync?

Microsoft 365 suite includes different apps for seamless collaboration. OneDrive is used to store the Teams and SharePoint data as well. Therefore, you can also use OneDrive to move or copy document library to another SharePoint site. 

  1. Set up syncing with OneDrive.
  2. Now, launch OneDrive and navigate to the synced files.
  3. Start copying all the required files and folders that you want to move to another SharePoint site.
  4. After that, paste the copied items to the destination site’s document library folder.
  5. It’s time to wait for sync to accomplish the process.

A Quick Alternative to Manual Method to Migrate SharePoint Document Library to Another Site

The above methods can help you to perform this task, however, all of these have several limitations. If you want a streamlined and efficient transition of document library,  use SysTools SharePoint Migration Tool. It is only the most reliable software specially built to simplify complex migration methods. Let’s discuss the steps.

 Download Now  Purchase Now

Software Working Steps 

Step 1. Run the software on your computer and select Office 365 as the source and destination platforms from the main screen.

copy document library from one site to another site

Step 2. Enable Sites and apply the built-in date filter for selective

select sites to move document library from one site to another in sharepoint online

Step 3. From the source tab enter Admin Email and Application ID and validate the required permission. Click on Next.

enter source account details to migrate sharepoint document library to another site

Step 4. In the destination tab enter Admin Email and Application ID and validate the required permission. Click on Next.

provide the destination account details for successful copying document library to another site

Step 5. In the Sites tab import all sites that you want to migrate using any of these three methods.

load sites into the tool

Step 6. Mapp the source Site URL with the destination site validate the permissions, and click on the Start Migration to copy document library to another SharePoint site.

copy document library to another sharepoint site

Author’s Suggestion!

You finally know how to copy document library from one site to another. Different methods are discussed to help you migrate the data to another site. It depends upon your technical expertise and requirement to choose manual solutions or expert’s recommendation automated tool.

Commonly Asked Queries –

Q1. Can I copy a document library directly within the same site?

Yes, you can create a new document library within the same site and manually copy the files.

Q2. What tools can I use to copy a document library to another site?

You can use various tools, including:

  • SharePoint Online Modern Experience and Classic Experience
  • PowerShell scripts
  • Manual download and upload

Q3. Are permissions copied along with the documents?

Depending on the tool used, permissions may not be copied automatically. You may need to reconfigure permissions manually after copying.

Q4. Will metadata be preserved during the copying process?

Manual methods may require you to recreate metadata. Despite that, many migration tools support metadata preservation. 

Q5. How long does the copying process take?

The time it takes depends on the size of the document library, the number of files, and the method used for copying. Large libraries may take longer.

Q6. Can I copy a document library if I don’t have admin access?

You typically need appropriate permissions on both the source and destination sites to copy a document library. If you lack permission, contact your site administrator.

Q7. Can I schedule the copying process?

Some advanced migration tools offer scheduling features, while manual methods do not. If you need scheduling, consider using a third-party tool.

Q8. What are the best practices for copying a document library?

  • Plan the copy process ahead of time.
  • Test with a small subset of documents first.
  • Ensure permissions are set correctly post-copy.
  • Check for compliance and data governance policies.