# SharePoint file share import tool

Supports SharePoint Online and SharePoint Server 2019, 2016, 2013, and Subscription Edition.

## Import files to SharePoint faster with full control

Uploading files to a SharePoint library using [native methods](https://www.manageengine.com/sharepoint-management-reporting/kb/how-to-upload-files-documents-and-folders-to-sharepoint.html?utm_source=me&utm_medium=wsite&utm_campaign=feature&utm_term=sharepoint-file-share-import-tool) can be slow, unreliable, and difficult to scale. Manual approaches such as drag-and-drop in Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome, the Upload button in SharePoint Online, or [syncing via OneDrive work](https://www.manageengine.com/sharepoint-management-reporting/kb/how-to-sync-sharepoint-to-file-explorer-and-onedrive.html?utm_source=me&utm_medium=wsite&utm_campaign=feature&utm_term=sharepoint-file-share-import-tool) for small transfers but often fail with bulk data or complex folder structures.

Large file sizes, deep path limits, approval workflows, version conflicts, and unstable connections can interrupt uploads and require repeated attempts.

[SharePoint Manager Plus](https://www.manageengine.com/sharepoint-management-reporting/?utm_source=me&utm_medium=wsite&utm_campaign=feature&utm_term=sharepoint-file-share-import-tool) provides an enterprise-grade file share import tool that lets you upload files, folders, or entire file shares to SharePoint quickly and reliably while preserving structure, metadata, and permissions. Move data from local machines, network drives, or mapped shares into any SharePoint site with full control and automation.

## How to upload to SharePoint

SharePoint Manager Plus lets you upload files, folders, or entire file shares to any SharePoint site in just a few steps:

1. In SharePoint Manager Plus, navigate to **Migration** > **File Share Import**, then click **+ Add New Task**.
2. Select source files or folders from your local system, mapped drive, or network share.
3. Choose the destination site and library using the site URL picker.
4. Configure settings such as copy action, filters, folder structure, and timestamps.
5. If required, set metadata values for library columns.
6. Click **Apply** to run the task immediately or schedule it for later.
7. Monitor your task's progress and review the results from the dashboard.

## Key features that make file uploads effortless

### Multi-folder and bulk imports

Upload multiple folders simultaneously, including large datasets, while preserving hierarchy. This feature is ideal for migrating departmental file shares or archival repositories.

![Importing multiple files in bulk to SharePoint using SharePoint Manager Plus.](https://www.manageengine.com/sharepoint-management-reporting/images/bulk-import-to-sharepoint.png)

### Flexible upload actions

Control how conflicts are handled:

- **Replace existing files:** Overwrites files in the destination SharePoint Online library when the same name already exists.
- **Skip duplicates:** Ignores files that already exist in the destination and uploads only new ones.
- **Keep both versions:** Uploads the file with a new name so both the original and incoming copies are preserved.
- **Incremental sync (copy modified files only):** Transfers only newly added or changed files after the initial import, keeping the destination in sync efficiently.

![Selecting copy action for uploading files to SharePoint in SharePoint Manager Plus.](https://www.manageengine.com/sharepoint-management-reporting/images/select-copy-action.png)

### Metadata and structure preservation

Maintain timestamps, folder hierarchy, and custom column values during import, ensuring compliance with library requirements.

![Configuring metadata for file uploads in SharePoint Manager Plus.](https://www.manageengine.com/sharepoint-management-reporting/images/configure-metadata.png)

### Scheduled and automated uploads

Automate file uploads to run at off-peak hours to save time and effort. Incremental tasks keep SharePoint content synchronized with the source.

![Scheduling a file upload task to SharePoint using SharePoint Manager Plus.](https://www.manageengine.com/sharepoint-management-reporting/images/scheduling-file-upload-to-sharepoint.png)

### Comprehensive filtering

Import only required files using extension filters, date ranges, or hidden-file options. This ensures that only relevant data is transferred, reducing unnecessary storage usage and processing time.

![Filtering file extensions and dates while uploading files to SharePoint using SharePoint Manager Plus.](https://www.manageengine.com/sharepoint-management-reporting/images/filtering-file-extension-and-date.png)

### Centralized monitoring and reports

Track all tasks from a single dashboard. [View detailed results](https://www.manageengine.com/sharepoint-management-reporting/sharepoint-reporting-tool.html?utm_source=me&utm_medium=wsite&utm_campaign=feature&utm_term=sharepoint-file-share-import-tool), retry failed items, and configure scheduled jobs.

![Monitoring a file upload task to SharePoint in SharePoint Manager Plus.](https://www.manageengine.com/sharepoint-management-reporting/images/monitoring-file-upload-to-sharepoint.png)

## Common file upload use cases

**Decommissioning legacy file servers**

Organizations moving to a cloud-first strategy often need to migrate large amounts of data from aging on-premises hardware to a SharePoint Online library. This centralizes data and reduces maintenance costs.

**Recurring departmental backups**

Departments that [generate frequent reports](https://www.manageengine.com/sharepoint-management-reporting/sharepoint-reporting-tool.html?utm_source=me&utm_medium=wsite&utm_campaign=feature&utm_term=sharepoint-file-share-import-tool), such as monthly financial Excel files, use automated imports to ensure their local work is synced to a secure, version-controlled SharePoint environment.

**Mergers and acquisitions consolidation**

When two companies combine, data from various network sources and domains must be consolidated into a single SharePoint tenant to allow all employees to collaborate in one space.

**Remote work enablement**

Moving data from local office drives to SharePoint ensures that remote employees can access critical files via the web without needing a complex VPN setup.

## How SharePoint Manager Plus compares with native tools

| Feature | SharePoint Manager Plus | Native upload and SPMT |
|---|---|---|
| **Simultaneous tasks** | Run or schedule multiple imports across different sites at once. | Limited to one-by-one or single-instance runs. |
| **Metadata tagging** | Assign metadata (e.g., Choice, URL, Boolean) during import. | Often lost or requires manual entry after upload. |
| **Permission handling** | [Delegate tasks to technicians](https://www.manageengine.com/sharepoint-management-reporting/sharepoint-helpdesk-delegation-tool.html?utm_source=me&utm_medium=wsite&utm_campaign=feature&utm_term=sharepoint-file-share-import-tool) without elevating native privileges. | Requires high-level Admin privileges or Site Admin rights. |
| **Incremental sync** | Automatically syncs changes made at specific intervals. | Requires manual re-upload or complex scripting. |
| **Bypass limits** | Handles 250GB, path limits, and large files gracefully. | Frequent timeouts in File Explorer or browser. |

## Benefits of importing files with SharePoint Manager Plus

- **Upload to any SharePoint environment**  
  Move content to both SharePoint Online and on-premises versions (2019, 2016, 2013, and Subscription Edition).

- **Reduce admin dependency**  
  [Delegate tasks securely to non-admin and HR staff](https://www.manageengine.com/sharepoint-management-reporting/sharepoint-helpdesk-delegation-tool.html?utm_source=me&utm_medium=wsite&utm_campaign=feature&utm_term=sharepoint-file-share-import-tool) without granting excessive permissions across sites.

- **Handle large and complex datasets**  
  Avoid browser timeouts, manual uploads, and path limitations associated with native methods.

- **Keep productivity uninterrupted**  
  Continue [managing](https://www.manageengine.com/sharepoint-management-reporting/sharepoint-management-tool.html?utm_source=me&utm_medium=wsite&utm_campaign=feature&utm_term=sharepoint-file-share-import-tool), reporting on, and [auditing your SharePoint environment](https://www.manageengine.com/sharepoint-management-reporting/sharepoint-auditing-and-monitoring-tool.html?utm_source=me&utm_medium=wsite&utm_campaign=feature&utm_term=sharepoint-file-share-import-tool) while imports run in the background.

- **Built for enterprise-scale operations**  
  From single libraries to [organization-wide migrations](https://www.manageengine.com/sharepoint-management-reporting/sharepoint-migration-tool.html?utm_source=me&utm_medium=wsite&utm_campaign=feature&utm_term=sharepoint-file-share-import-tool), SharePoint Manager Plus scales to demanding workloads.

## FAQs

### 1. How do I upload a file to SharePoint?

Files can be uploaded to SharePoint through the browser interface and PowerShell. For bulk uploads, automation, or structured migrations, dedicated tools like SharePoint Manager Plus provide a faster and more reliable solution. [View a detailed guide comparing each method](https://www.manageengine.com/sharepoint-management-reporting/kb/how-to-upload-files-documents-and-folders-to-sharepoint.html?utm_source=me&utm_medium=wsite&utm_campaign=feature&utm_term=sharepoint-file-share-import-tool).

### 2. How do I upload large or multiple files to SharePoint?

Native browser uploads may fail with very large files, unstable connections, or thousands of items. Enterprise import tools like [SharePoint Manager Plus](https://www.manageengine.com/sharepoint-management-reporting/?utm_source=me&utm_medium=wsite&utm_campaign=feature&utm_term=sharepoint-file-share-import-tool) support bulk transfers, incremental updates, retry mechanisms, and detailed error reporting to ensure successful uploads.

### 3. Can I automate file uploads to SharePoint?

Yes. Scheduling features in SharePoint Manager Plus allow automated transfers from local or network sources to SharePoint libraries without manual intervention.