Migrating from SharePoint 2019 to SharePoint Online is a major strategic shift for any UK organisation. With the 14 July 2026 deadline for the end of extended support fast approaching, businesses must act now to avoid security vulnerabilities, compliance failures, and the risk of being left behind by modern AI and collaboration tools.

This article outlines the essential roadmap for a successful migration from SharePoint 2019 to SharePoint Online.

SharePoint Server 2019 End of Life Deadline

Microsoft will officially retire support for SharePoint Server 2019 on 14 July 2026. After this date, there will be no more security patches, bug fixes, or technical support.

  • Security Risk: Unsupported servers become primary targets for cyber-attacks.
  • Compliance Failure: Running on “End-of-Life” software can cause immediate failures in Cyber Essentials Plus audits and breach GDPR security requirements.
  • Workflow Retirement: Note that the SharePoint Add-In model retires even earlier, on 2 April 2026, meaning some customisations may break before the server support even ends.

A 5-Step SharePoint Migration Roadmap for SharePoint 2019

Step 1: Audit your existing Setup

You cannot move what you don’t understand. You likely have a lot of files, folders, sites, libraries and documents that you simply don’t need. This can equate anywhere from 30-50% of your total files, identifying these as not to be migrated can save you a significant amount of time during the migration.

Working alongside key departments and site owners you should be able to identify your core site collections and document libraries. Alongside this starting to identify and understand the permissions and security requirements will go a long way when it’s time to migrate.

Step 2: Architecture Modernisation

SharePoint Online is not a direct mirror of SharePoint 2019. You must move from a “Deep” hierarchical structure to a “Flat” Hub Site architecture.

  • Modern Sites: Shift from classic subsites to modern Team Sites and Communication Sites.
  • Hub Sites: Use Hubs to provide shared navigation and search across separate site collections.

Step 3: Assessing Customisations & Workflows

SharePoint 2019 often relies on server-side code and legacy workflows that are unsupported in the cloud.

  • Workflows: SharePoint 2013-style workflows must be rebuilt using Microsoft Power Automate.
  • Forms: InfoPath forms should be replaced with Microsoft Power Apps.
  • Custom Code: Replace server-side solutions with the SharePoint Framework (SPFx) or Azure Functions.

Step 4: A Phased Migration

It is recommended and best practice to design a phased migration that not only allows you to test your migration methodology but also deliver the migration in batches as you generally want to minimise disruption.

  1. Pilot: Move a single, low-risk department first.
  2. Validation: Check that permissions and metadata have migrated correctly.
  3. Waves: Migrate remaining data in batches during off-peak hours to minimise disruption.

Step 5: Post-Migration Governance & Training

The migration is only complete when your users are productive in the new environment.

  • Training: Show staff how to use Microsoft Teams as the “front door” to their SharePoint files.
  • Governance: Set up Microsoft Purview to manage data retention and sensitivity labels automatically.

The move to SharePoint Online is a necessary evolution. By starting your migration now, you ensure that your organisation is not only secure by the July 2026 deadline but also “AI-ready,” with data structured to take full advantage of tools like Microsoft Copilot. To discuss how Bridgeall can help you with your migration visit our SharePoint Migration Services or contact us today.