Copying a SharePoint document library from one tenant to another is a common requirement during SharePoint Tenant to Tenant migration, mergers, acquisitions, or organizational restructuring. I’ve handled multiple cross-tenant SharePoint migrations, and I can confidently say that copying a document library isn’t just about files—it’s about permissions, metadata, versions, and business continuity.

In this guide, I’ll explain how to copy a document library from one tenant to another, cover all practical methods, highlight real-world challenges, and share best practices I personally follow to ensure a smooth migration.

 

 

Why You Might Need to Copy a Document Library Between Tenants

From my experience, these are the most common scenarios:

  • Company merger or acquisition

  • Moving from an old Microsoft 365 tenant to a new one

  • Business unit split or rebranding

  • Compliance or regional data separation

  • SharePoint restructuring or cleanup

No matter the reason, the goal is always the same:

 

 

What Gets Copied (and What Often Doesn’t)

Before starting, I always clarify expectations.

Typically copied:

  • Files and folders

  • Document library structure

  • Metadata (columns, content types)

  • Version history (method-dependent)

  • Created/modified dates (tool-based)

Often missed:

  • Permissions (user mapping required)

  • Workflows & Power Automate flows

  • Alerts

  • Sharing links

  • Retention labels (unless configured)

This is why choosing the right method is critical.

 

 

Method 1: Copy Document Library Using OneDrive Sync (Manual Method)

I use this method only for small libraries with minimal metadata.

Steps I Follow:

  1. Log in to Tenant A (Source)

  2. Open the SharePoint document library

  3. Click Sync to sync the library with OneDrive

  4. Wait for all files to download locally

  5. Log in to Tenant B (Target)

  6. Sync the destination document library

  7. Copy files from the local source folder to the target folder

Cons:

  • No version history

  • Metadata loss

  • File path limitations

  • Risky for large data

 

 

Method 2: Copy Document Library Using Download & Upload

This is another basic approach I avoid for large projects.

Steps:

  1. Select all files in the source document library

  2. Click Download

  3. Extract the ZIP file locally

  4. Upload files to the destination tenant’s document library

Limitations I’ve Seen:

  • Folder structure issues

  • Metadata loss

  • Upload size restrictions

  • Time-consuming

My recommendation:
Use this only if you have less than a few GB of data and no metadata dependency.

 

 

Method 3: Copy Document Library Using PowerShell (Advanced)

For admins comfortable with scripting, PowerShell can work—but it’s not beginner-friendly.

Common Tools:

  • PnP PowerShell

  • SharePoint Online Management Shell

High-Level Flow:

  1. Connect to source tenant

  2. Export files using PnP cmdlets

  3. Connect to target tenant

  4. Recreate library structure

  5. Upload files programmatically

Challenges I’ve Faced:

  • Complex authentication

  • User mapping issues

  • Metadata handling complexity

  • Error handling for large libraries

My honest take:
PowerShell works, but maintenance and risk are high unless you’re very experienced.

 

 

Method 4: Copy Document Library Using SPMT

Microsoft’s SharePoint Migration Tool supports file share and tenant migrations, but it has limitations.

When I Use It:

  • Simple document libraries

  • No complex metadata or permissions

  • One-time migrations

Limitations:

  • Limited cross-tenant flexibility

  • No advanced reporting

  • Not ideal for incremental syncs

 

 

Method 5: Copy Document Library Using a Professional Migration Tool (Recommended)

The SharePoint Migration Tool is a specialized software application designed to help administrators and IT professionals migrate SharePoint Online content from one tenant to another (cross-tenant) or between SharePoint sites. It goes beyond manual methods like download/upload or basic sync by automating the process while preserving metadata, structure, permissions (via mapping), and more. 

This tool is handy when you need to:

  • Move document libraries

  • Migrate lists, document sets, and folders

  • Transfer user permissions

  • Handle large, complex sites in bulk

  • Perform delta or incremental migrations (i.e., only new/changed content)

 

 

Pre-Migration Checklist I Always Follow

Before copying a document library, I make sure to:

  • Audit source document library size

  • Clean up redundant files

  • Review metadata and content types

  • Identify permission mismatches

  • Inform users about migration window

  • Back up critical data

This checklist has saved me from countless post-migration issues.

 

 

Post-Migration Validation (Don’t Skip This)

After migration, I always verify:

  • File count match

  • Folder hierarchy

  • Metadata accuracy

  • Permission correctness

  • Version history

  • User access

Skipping validation is one of the biggest mistakes I see teams make.

 

 

Common Challenges I’ve Seen (and How I Fix Them)

  • User not found errors: Use UPN mapping

  • Metadata mismatch: Pre-create columns in target

  • Permission conflicts: Normalize permissions before migration

  • Throttling issues: Use incremental migration

 

 

Best Practices I Recommend

  • Always test with a pilot library

  • Avoid peak business hours

  • Keep source read-only during final sync

  • Maintain a rollback plan

  • Document everything

 

 

FAQs: Copy Document Library from One Tenant to Another

Q1. Can I copy a document library between tenants for free?
Yes, but free methods come with limitations like metadata and version loss.

Q2. Will permissions be copied automatically?
Only with advanced migration tools or careful user mapping.

Q3. Is version history preserved?
Not with manual methods. Tools are required.

Q4. How long does a tenant-to-tenant copy take?
It depends on data size, network speed, and method used.

Q5. What is the safest method?
From my experience, professional migration tools are the safest and most reliable.

 

 

Final Thoughts

When it comes to copying a document library from one tenant to another, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. I’ve used every method discussed above, and my advice is simple:

  • For small, non-critical data → manual methods

  • For business-critical data → professional migration tools

If accuracy, compliance, and user trust matter, don’t cut corners.