Is SharePoint Workflow Manager needed for the migration tool

Question

I have a SharePoint 2019 Server farm (1 server) with SP 2010 workflows. I'm assuming the MS Workflow Manager 1.0 is installed. To successfully use the SP migration tool, should I install the SP Workflow Manager, and try to upgrade my 2010 flows to 2013?

Answer 1

Hi @Phillips, Keith ,

Sorry, I didn't understand your question well before.

Regarding your question, there is the answer:

1. SPMT is a solution to migrate content from on-premises SharePoint sites to Microsoft 365.

SPMT also supports the migration of workflows from: SharePoint Server 2010 out-of-the-box workflows (OOTB) SharePoint Designer 2010 & 2013 workflows

to Microsoft 365.

In other words, you can use SPMT to migrate SharePoint Workflow to Microsoft Power Automate.

1. You may not migrate SharePoint 2010 workflow to SharePoint 2013 workflow, as they are majorly different. So you may need to rewrite it. You may also check the thread on discussion on such topic: How Migrate SharePoint Designer Workflow 2010 to 2013 (microsoft.com).
2. SharePoint workflow is retiring, so instead of using SharePoint Workflow and edit them with SharePoint Designer, it is better to migrate to Microsoft Power Automate. Check the link for more information on guidance of migration: Guidance - Migrate from classic workflows to Power Automate flows in SharePoint | Microsoft Docs, For more information on SharePoint workflow retirement: SharePoint 2010 workflow retirement - Office Support (microsoft.com).
3. Sharepoint Workflow Manager has replaced Microsoft Workflow Manager. Moreover, its purpose is to break into the 2013 workflow in SharePoint Designer 2013. Has nothing to do with the use of SPMT.

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Answer 2

Hi @Phillips, Keith ,

SharePoint Workflow Manager is necessary to be installed if you want to use the SharePoint 2013 Workflow platform. The SharePoint 2013 Workflow platform is based on Windows Workflow Foundation 4 and requires SharePoint Workflow Manager.

SharePoint Workflow Manager can be installed on the same servers as SharePoint or on separate, dedicated servers. It is recommended that SharePoint Workflow Manager is installed on its own dedicated servers for performance and reliability reasons. Each server in the SharePoint Server farm must have the Workflow Manager Client installed.

There are some articles for your reference:

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/SharePoint/governance/install-and-configure-workflow-for-sharepoint-server

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/334125/workflow-manager-install-in-sharepoint-2013

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sharepoint/dev/general-development/set-up-and-configure-sharepoint-workflow-manager

https://createsitecollection.medium.com/install-workflow-manager-on-sp2019-789f45d92be1

https://sharepointdiv.wordpress.com/2020/02/26/workflow-manager-installation-and-configuration-in-sharepoint-2016-2019-step-by-step/

Note: Microsoft is providing this information as a convenience to you. The sites are not controlled by Microsoft. Microsoft cannot make any representations regarding the quality, safety, or suitability of any software or information found there. Please make sure that you completely understand the risk before retrieving any suggestions from the above link.

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