Migrating from the classic SharePoint experience to the modern one brings enhanced performance, improved user interface, and new features. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process.
Assessing Your Site:
Use the SharePoint Modernisation Scanner: This tool helps identify areas that need attention before migration.
Download and install the SharePoint Modernisation Scanner tool.
Run the tool to scan your site collections, and review the generated report for any issues that need resolving.
Converting Lists and Libraries:
Switch to Modern Experience:
Go to the list or library settings.
Under "Advanced settings," find "List experience."
Select "Default experience" as modern.
Review List and Library Views: Ensure custom views are compatible with modern experience. Some customisations might need adjustments.
Upgrading Pages:
Create Modern Pages:
Go to your SharePoint site.
Click on the "Settings" gear icon and select "Site contents."
Click on the "Site Pages" library.
Click "New" and select "Site Page" to create a modern page.
Transfer Content: Manually copy content from classic pages to the new modern pages.
Use the Page Transformation Tool: For large-scale migrations, use the SharePoint PnP Modernisation Framework to automate the transformation of classic pages to modern.
Configuring Web Parts:
Add and Customise Web Parts:
On a modern page, click "Edit" to open the page in edit mode.
Click the "+" icon to add web parts such as "Text," "Image," "Quick Links," and "Document Library."
Customise each web part by clicking on it and configuring its settings in the property pane.
Applying Themes:
Change the Look:
Go to your SharePoint site.
Click on the "Settings" gear icon and select "Change the look."
Choose from available themes or click "Customise" to modify colours, fonts, and layout.
Enhancing Site Navigation:
Modern Navigation Features:
Use the mega menu for hub sites or site collections to create a better navigation experience.
Go to "Site Settings" and select "Navigation" to configure hub site navigation.
Ensuring Compatibility and Governance:
Review Custom Scripts: Some custom scripts and third-party web parts may not work in modern experience. Test and update these components.
Governance Policies: Update governance policies to accommodate new features and capabilities of modern SharePoint. Ensure that users are trained on how to use the new environment effectively.
Communicating with Users:
User Training: Conduct training sessions to educate users about the new features and how to navigate the modern experience.
Feedback Loop: Create a channel for users to provide feedback and report issues during the transition.
Monitoring and Optimising:
Usage Reports: Use SharePoint usage reports to monitor user activity and adoption of modern pages.
Continuous Improvement: Regularly review and optimise the site based on user feedback and analytics.