SharePoint plays an immense role in organizations, due to which it is widely opted. But sometimes there might be the chances of accidental deletion of SharePoint 365. So, to add an extra security layer to your valuable data, a robust backup strategy is required. By storing data locally, users can protect their data from unintentional or intentional data loss. In this write-up, we will discuss several methods to backup SharePoint Online to local storage. So, let’s get started.
Different Ways to Save SharePoint 365 to Local Storage
SharePoint Online is a widely used application among organizations. It stores a lot of data in the SharePoint sites. Due to this, backup of this huge data becomes a difficult task for users. So, let’s start discussing the best possible solutions to optimize the process of backup of SharePoint Online.
1. Manually Downloading All SharePoint Files
If you do not have huge data just create a site with small-sized files and folders. Then, you can use this method easily. But this is only for the smaller number of files if you try this one on multiple files. You will face downtime and need to wait for a longer period. Below are the steps to backup SharePoint Online to local storage flawlessly.
- Step 1. Log in to the SharePoint Online Admin Center.
- Step 2. Now, open the Document Library from where you need to download the files & folders.
- Step 3. Select the files to be downloaded and hit right-click.
- Step 4. Select the Download option and then save the destination location.
2. Use OneDrive Sync Client to Backup SharePoint Online to Local Storage
The OneDrive is also an integrated app of the Microsoft 365 plan. SharePoint files and folders are stored in the OneDrive at the backend. So, users can use the OneDrive sync client to backup SharePoint 365 locally.
- Step 1. Launch the SharePoint document library.
- Step 2. Click on the Sync button from the navigation bar.
- Step 3. Then from the opened pop-up, select the Open Microsoft OneDrive option.
- Step 4. Complete the further essential steps to accomplish the task
3. Use Windows PowerShell to Save SharePoint 365 to Local Storage
SharePoint also provides accessibility through the Windows PowerShell. By using it users can backup SharePoint 365. However, this method is only applicable to the administrators of SharePoint. The admins should have the role of db_owner and security admin to use the Windows PowerShell.
Backup-SPSite -Identity -Path [-Force] [-NoSiteLock] [-UseSqlSnapshot] [-Verbose]
If you have created backup of SharePoint 365 earlier, then by using the Force parameter you can override that one. But remember in case of wrong execution of the command it leads to data loss or corruption.
Disadvantages of Saving SharePoint Data Locally
In the above discussion, we have listed the different ways to backup SharePoint Online to local storage. But is it the right choice to secure SharePoint data? Obviously not. While saving SharePoint data locally can offer certain benefits, it also comes with some potential drawbacks:
- Local storage is a limited space to store the backup of SharePoint 365. After a while, it requires extra cost or you need to delete some crucial data to create more space.
- If physical storage is damaged or corrupted, users might lose their data.
- Storing SharePoint Online data locally limits access. Users cannot access it remotely.
- Local backup cannot integrate with the other SharePoint tools to automate the tasks.
How to Backup SharePoint Online to a Cloud Platform?
There are a lot of disadvantages of storing SharePoint Online to local storage. So, users can use the Efficient SharePoint Migrator to backup their SharePoint Online to another SharePoint Online account. This tool is well-versed in performing SharePoint tenant to tenant migration. Its impeccable features simplify the process.
It includes the smart Date range filter to filter out necessary SharePoint sites for backup. Users can also use its interactive dashboard to track the backup process from the beginning till the end. All the SharePoint Online permissions also migrated t to another account. Below are the quick steps of the tool that help you to backup SharePoint Online to the cloud platform.
- Download and Run the tool.
- Choose Source & Destination as Office 365.
- Tick the checkbox of Sites in the workload section.
- Provide the details of the both Source & Destination accounts.
- Add Sites and Users into the tool.
- Finally, start the backup process.
Conclusion
In this detailed write-up, we have explained the different methods to backup SharePoint Online to local storage. You can go with any one that suits you best. Also, do not forget that there might be the chances of data loss in the local storage as well. So, create a backup of SharePoint 365 to the cloud for better security measures.