2. Prepare

Set up everything you need, to get the most out of ShareGate Desktop for your migration.

Index

• Install ShareGate Desktop
• Install the Server Extension
• Insane Mode
• Get the required permissions
• Consent to the ShareGate Desktop Azure application in Microsoft 365.
• Set your destination

Install ShareGate Desktop

ShareGate Desktop is a client-side application that you can install on any Windows machine.

If you are migrating to or from an on premises version of SharePoint, make sure the application is installed on a machine that has access to your network.

Though it will work with a VPN in most environments, we do not recommend running a migration through one. As an alternative, it is much more efficient to set a virtual machine on your network to run the application from a distance.

For more information on installation and recommended hardware specifications, click here.

Should you install the app on an Azure VM (virtual machine)?

If you are migrating from an on premises source or another provider like Google or box, using an Azure VM for your migration will be the same as using a workstation with similar specs.

In the above scenarios, the only potential benefit of using an Azure VM is that it can help you get past local network restrictions. For instance a proxy that blocks third party applications on your network.

Using an Azure VM can improve the performance of a Microsoft 365 to Microsoft 365 migration because it keeps your migration in Microsoft's environment. Keep in mind that the application still runs client-side between your source and destination.

Install the Server Extension

The server extension can only be installed on an on-premises SharePoint server.

The server extension helps lift some limitations and enables Insane Mode when you install it on a destination on-premises server.

The server extension is not required in an on-premises SharePoint server at the source to use Insane Mode, but you will get better performance if you install it in your on-premises source.

If you are working with an on-premises SharePoint server, source or destination, we strongly recommend installing the extension.

It is a small package that install basic services, it is secure, and it does not require that you reset your server.

For information on installing the server extension click here.

Insane Mode

Insane mode increases performance, reduces limitations, and reduces throttling in a Microsoft 365 destination.

For more information on Insane Mode for your destination Microsoft 365 environment click here.

For more information on Insane Mode for your destination on-premises environment click here.

Get the required permissions

You can migrate content with full control permissions.

To migrate structure, you will need to be site collection administrator, and you will strongly benefit from a higher admin level.

SharePoint administrator, Farm administrator, or Global administrator permissions will allow you to list and migrate multiple site collections, Microsoft 365 Groups, Teams, and more.

These requirements apply for both the source and destination in SharePoint and Microsoft 365.

For more information on administrative permissions click here.

Consent to the ShareGate Desktop Azure application in Microsoft 365.

The ShareGate Desktop Azure app helps reduce throttling in Microsoft 365 and improves how ShareGate Desktop can interact with Microsoft 365.

For more information on the ShareGate Desktop Azure app click here.

For more information on Microsoft 365 throttling click here.

Set your destination

ShareGate Desktop does not migrate a complete farm or tenant. This means that your destination environment must be deployed before you can start your migration.

Active Directory

ShareGate desktop does not migrate users and security groups to and from new active directories. Make sure you sync your Active directory at the destination so your users and groups are available during the migration.

For more information on user and group associations, click here.

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