How to Move SharePoint List to Another Site
SharePoint lists are essential for organizing and managing information. However, situations may arise where you need to move a list from one SharePoint site to another. Whether for restructuring or consolidation, SharePoint provides methods to perform this task effectively.
Steps to Move a SharePoint List to Another Site
1. Export the List to Excel
- Open the SharePoint site where the list exists.
- Navigate to the list you want to move.
- Click on the Export to Excel option in the list ribbon.
- Save the downloaded
.iqy
file to your local system.
- Save the downloaded
2. Create a New List on the Target Site
- Go to the SharePoint site where you want to move the list.
- Click Settings → Site Contents → + New List.
- Choose a Custom List and name it the same as the original.
3. Import Data Using Excel
- Open the exported file in Excel.
- Use File → Open to load the
.iqy
file. - Clean up the data (remove unnecessary columns or rows).
- Save it as an Excel file (
.xlsx
). - Go to the new list in SharePoint, click Edit in Grid View, and copy-paste the data from Excel.
4. Use Power Automate for Automated Migration
For frequent or automated list migrations, Power Automate (formerly Microsoft Flow) can be used:
- Create a new flow.
- Set a trigger, such as a button or schedule.
- Add actions to Get Items from the original list and Create Items in the target list.
- Map fields between the source and destination lists.
- Save and run the flow to migrate data.
5. Verify Permissions and Customizations
- Ensure user permissions on the target list match the original.
- Manually recreate any workflows, views, or list settings that didn’t transfer.
Best Practices for Moving SharePoint Lists
Backup the Original List: Before starting, back up the original list to avoid accidental data loss.
Maintain Consistent Data Structure: Ensure field names and types in the new list match the original to prevent errors.
Test Migration: Perform a test migration with sample data to verify the process before moving the entire list.
Document Changes: Keep a record of any changes made during the migration process for future reference.
By following these steps and best practices, you can successfully move a SharePoint list to another site, maintaining data integrity and ensuring a smooth transition for your team.
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Frequently asked questions:
-
Can I move a SharePoint list with attachments?
Yes, but attachments require additional tools like ShareGate or manual downloading and re-uploading since attachments aren’t exported with Excel.
-
Are workflows and permissions transferred automatically?
No, workflows and permissions must be recreated or updated manually in the target list.
-
Can I use SharePoint Designer to move lists?
SharePoint Designer is another option, but it’s less user-friendly and primarily suited for older SharePoint versions.
-
Is PowerShell a viable option for moving lists?
Yes, PowerShell with SharePoint PnP cmdlets can be used for advanced users, especially for large lists or automation.
-
Can I move a list between SharePoint Online and On-Premises?
Migration between SharePoint Online and On-Premises requires third-party tools like ShareGate or AvePoint.