Migrating Data Between Synology NAS Devices: A Professional Guide

Synology

Synology NAS solutions form the backbone of enterprise on-premises storage, offering scalable capacities from 30 TB to 250 TB+ with features like thin provisioning, snapshots, and enterprise-grade drives. Migrating data between Synology NAS devices whether upgrading hardware, expanding storage, changing file systems (e.g., ext4 to Btrfs), or optimizing infrastructure requires careful planning to ensure business continuity, data integrity, and minimal disruption.

Organizations integrating Synology NAS with Microsoft 365 backups, Google Workspace protection, and hybrid cloud strategies must maintain seamless access to shared folders, user permissions, and backup tasks during migration. Common scenarios include moving to a higher-capacity model, consolidating storage pools, or refreshing aging hardware while preserving Active Directory integration and ransomware-protected snapshots.

This guide outlines the main migration methods, step-by-step processes, potential challenges, and best practices tailored to enterprise environments.

Choosing the Right Migration Method

Synology provides three primary approaches, each suited to different needs:

HDD Migration (Drive Migration) The fastest option for compatible models. Physically move hard drives from the source NAS to the destination in the same bay order. Ideal when upgrading to a similar or newer model with sufficient drive bays and when retaining the existing storage pool and file system.
Migration Assistant A network-based tool that migrates shared folders, system configurations, user accounts, groups, and many packages with minimal downtime. Requires the destination NAS to have equal or larger storage pool capacity. Best for seamless transitions while keeping services online.
Hyper Backup (or Shared Folder Sync) Flexible for copying data without moving drives. Recommended when changing file systems, when storage capacities differ significantly, or for selective migration. Supports network or direct connections and preserves versioning where applicable.

Additional options like Shared Folder Sync offer one-way replication for incremental transfers, while manual methods (SMB/FTP) suit smaller datasets.

Step-by-Step Migration Processes

1. Preparation (Critical for All Methods)

Backup Everything: Create comprehensive backups using Hyper Backup for shared folders and data. Export system configuration. Back up critical packages and verify immutable snapshots.
Verify Compatibility: Ensure the destination NAS runs DSM 7.0+ (same or newer version than source). Check storage pool sizes and drive compatibility.
Network Optimization: Connect both devices on the same LAN, preferably via 10GbE for large transfers. Minimize background tasks.
Plan Downtime: Schedule during maintenance windows. Test restores in advance.

2. HDD Migration

Power down the source NAS.
Install drives into the destination NAS in identical order.
Power on the new NAS; DSM should detect the migrated storage pool.
Update DSM if needed and verify shared folders, permissions, and services.
Suitable for same or different models with Synology guidelines.

3. Migration Assistant

Install Migration Assistant package on the destination NAS.
Create a storage pool on the destination (equal or larger capacity).
Launch the wizard on the destination; it discovers the source NAS.
Select items to migrate (shared folders, packages, settings).
Follow prompts; the process keeps the source operational in many cases.
Post-migration: Reconfigure services like backup tasks, verify Active Directory sync, and test access.

4. Hyper Backup Method

On the source NAS, create a Hyper Backup task targeting the destination NAS (local or remote).
Select data backup (single-version or multi-version) and choose shared folders.
Run the backup over the network or via external storage for offline transfer.
On the destination, restore from the backup task.
For file-level migration without proprietary format, use Hyper Backup single-file option or Shared Folder Sync.
Adjust schedules to run incrementally during off-peak hours.

For very large datasets, direct 10GbE connections or staggered folder-by-folder syncs reduce transfer times and risks.

Common Challenges and Troubleshooting

Capacity Mismatch: Migration Assistant requires sufficient space; use Hyper Backup for selective or staged moves.
Long Transfer Times: Large storage arrays (100+ TB) can take days. Optimize with faster networking, pause non-essential backups, and monitor via Resource Monitor.
Package and Service Reconfiguration: Not all packages migrate perfectly (e.g., certain backup tasks or clusters). Manually reconfigure Hyper Backup, Snapshot Replication, or Active Directory integration post-migration.
File System Changes: Requires Hyper Backup to move data before reformatting.
Permissions and AD Sync: Re-verify domain joins and group permissions after migration.
Downtime and Performance: Background indexing or antivirus can slow processes; schedule wisely.

Always test restores and failover scenarios to validate data integrity.

Best Practices for Enterprise Migration

Combine methods where needed (e.g., HDD for core volumes + Hyper Backup for additional data).
Leverage thin provisioning and automatic tiering on large storage solutions to optimize post-migration capacity.
Maintain four layers of redundancy, including off-site immutable copies and integration with Microsoft 365/Google Workspace backups.
Use dedicated physical servers or optimized Synology configurations for high-availability during transition.
Monitor encryption, ransomware protections, and cybersecurity settings throughout.
Conduct performance optimization and health checks on enterprise-grade drives post-migration.
Schedule regular Synology consulting for custom deployment and storage design.

Professional support accelerates complex migrations, reduces risks, and ensures alignment with business continuity goals in hybrid IT environments.

About Epis Technology

Epis Technology provides enterprise IT infrastructure, cloud backup, data protection, and Synology consulting services. The company specializes in Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace backup solutions, large storage and scalable data management systems, fully managed PC backups, Synology support, deployment, and consulting, as well as business continuity, cybersecurity resilience, and IT performance optimization.