Sharepoint Migration from 2016 to 2019

Here is the generic answer to your questions. It may help you 

When migrating from SharePoint 2016 to SharePoint 2019 and encountering issues with missing features during database mount operations, it typically means that there are customizations or features in SharePoint 2016 that are not available or compatible with SharePoint 2019. Here’s how you can address and troubleshoot this issue:

1. Identify Missing Features

1. Review Error Logs: Check the SharePoint logs or PowerShell output for specific errors related to missing features. The errors usually indicate which features are causing issues.

2. Feature Compatibility: Verify if the features that are missing or causing issues in SharePoint 2019 are still supported or need to be upgraded. Some features may have been deprecated or replaced in SharePoint 2019.

2. Prepare SharePoint 2016 Environment

1. Inventory Features: Make a list of all customizations, features, solutions, and templates used in SharePoint 2016.

2. Backup SharePoint 2016: Ensure you have a full backup of your SharePoint 2016 environment before making any changes.

3. Steps to Migrate Features

Depending on the nature of the features causing issues, here are general steps you can follow:

For Missing Site Collection Features:

1. Identify and Document Features: Use PowerShell to identify all features in use on the site collections that are being migrated.

   Get-SPFeature -Site http://sitecollectionurl 

2. Deploy Missing Features in SharePoint 2019:

   • Package Re-deployment: Locate the corresponding feature solutions (WSP files) or packages used in SharePoint 2016.
   • Install in SharePoint 2019: Deploy these solutions or packages in SharePoint 2019 using PowerShell or Central Administration.

   Install-SPSolution -Identity YourSolution.wsp -GACDeployment 

3. Activate Features:

   • After deploying the solutions, activate the features in SharePoint 2019 using PowerShell or through the Site Settings.

   Enable-SPFeature -Identity YourFeatureName -Url http://yourweburl 

For Farm-level Features:

1. Identify Farm Features: Use PowerShell to identify all farm-level features and solutions.

   Get-SPFeature | Where-Object {$_.Scope -eq "Farm"} 

2. Install and Activate in SharePoint 2019:

   • Locate the corresponding farm solutions or features.
   • Install and activate these features in SharePoint 2019.

4. Validate and Test

1. Validate Feature Functionality: Ensure that all features function correctly in SharePoint 2019 after migration.

2. Test Database Attach: Attempt to mount the SharePoint 2016 content databases in SharePoint 2019 again after deploying and activating the necessary features.

Additional Considerations:

• Third-party Solutions: If you have third-party solutions or custom code, ensure they are compatible with SharePoint 2019 or have updated versions.

• SharePoint Compatibility Mode: SharePoint 2019 supports backward compatibility mode for SharePoint 2016 features, but it’s important to verify compatibility before migration.

When migrating from SharePoint 2016 to SharePoint 2019 and encountering issues with missing features during database mount operations, it typically means that there are customizations or features in SharePoint 2016 that are not available or compatible with SharePoint 2019.

So you need to first check which are the custom solutions are there in the SP2016.

To facilitate a smooth migration process, I recommend utilizing the Kernel Migration for SharePoint tool. However, prior to initiating the migration, it is essential to undertake crucial preparatory steps. For comprehensive information regarding the software and pre-migration analysis, please visit: https://www.nucleustechnologies.com/blog/step-by-step-guide-to-upgrade-sharepoint-2016-to-sharepoint-2019/

Thank you very much Tuhin and appreciated your help.

Can you please let me know exact steps to migrate missing features from the old server(2016) to the new server?

1. Prepare for Migration: Perform a thorough analysis of your existing SharePoint 2016 environment to identify all features and customizations.
2. Identify Missing Features During Migration: The error messages during database mounting will highlight features not compatible with SharePoint 2019.
3. Address Missing Features: Use the approaches mentioned above to find workarounds or alternatives for missing features.
4. Complete Migration & Testing: Once you've addressed missing features, proceed with the database migration process outlined by Microsoft.
   
   Checkout these articles:
5. Microsoft Documentation on Upgrading SharePoint Server to 2019: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sharepoint/upgrade-and-update/overview-of-the-upgrade-process-2019
6. SharePoint Community Forums: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/content-management/ct-p/Content_Management

Anyone has any idea about this?