Getting started with SharePoint Server

APPLIES TO: yes-img-132013 yes-img-162016 yes-img-192019 yes-img-seSubscription Edition no-img-sopSharePoint in Microsoft 365

What is SharePoint?

SharePoint is a powerful collaboration platform that lets you share and manage content, knowledge, and applications to empower teamwork.

SharePoint Server can be used on-premises or with a Microsoft 365 enterprise subscription to take advantage of all the latest features. Share common resources and applications on sites. Use search to discover information and expertise across your organization. And stay in the know with personalized news in SharePoint home and the SharePoint mobile apps.

To learn more, go to Learn about SharePoint.

Where do I start?

If you are new to SharePoint Server, make a plan as to what you want to do and where you are going. If you have never deployed SharePoint, consider how large an installation you need. Do you have a large enterprise environment with hundreds or more licenses? Or do you have smaller deployment in mind? Your hardware requirements and budget may also be a factor in your deployment.

Depending on your version, system requirements and prerequisites could vary.

Are you deploying... Read
SharePoint Server Subscription Edition
System requirements for SharePoint Server Subscription Edition

Hardware and topology requirements for SharePoint Server Subscription Edition

Software requirements for Database Servers for SharePoint Server Subscription Edition

Software requirements for SharePoint Servers for SharePoint Server Subscription Edition
SharePoint Server 2019
2019 Hardware and software requirements

2019 Prerequisites
SharePoint Server 2016
2016 Hardware and software requirements

2016 Prerequisites
SharePoint Server 2013
2013 Hardware and software requirements

2013 Prerequisites

How large is your company?

Are you... Read
A large enterprise and want to install SharePoint Server Subscription Edition?
Installing SharePoint Server Subscription Edition on Windows Server Core
A smaller division or smaller company that will deploy a small SharePoint Server Subscription Edition farm?
Installing SharePoint Server Subscription Edition on one server
A large enterprise and want to install SharePoint Server 2019 or 2016?
Install SharePoint Server 2019 or 2016 on the farm servers
A smaller division or smaller company that will deploy a small SharePoint 2019 or 2016 farm?
Install SharePoint Server 2019 or SharePoint Server 2016 on one server

I have SharePoint Server installed

Do you already have SharePoint Server installed and want to upgrade to a new version? Or apply the new feature packs or updates?

What do you need to do? Read
I have SharePoint Server 2019 or 2016 installed and want to upgrade to SharePoint Server Subscription Edition Upgrade to SharePoint Server Subscription Edition
I have SharePoint Server 2016 installed and want to upgrade to SharePoint Server 2019 Upgrade to SharePoint Server 2019
I have SharePoint Server 2013 installed and want to upgrade to SharePoint Server 2019 Upgrade to SharePoint Server 2019
I have SharePoint Server 2013 installed and want to upgrade to SharePoint 2016 Upgrade to SharePoint Server 2016
I have SharePoint Server 2010 installed and want to upgrade to SharePoint 2013 Upgrade from SharePoint 2010 to SharePoint 2013
How do I apply updates to SharePoint Server 2016? Deploy software updates for SharePoint Server 2016
How do I apply updates to SharePoint Server 2013? Deploy software updates for SharePoint 2013

I have SharePoint Server and want to move to the cloud

Perhaps you already have SharePoint Server and are considering moving to the cloud. Maybe your plans for migrating to the cloud are only for specific areas, or will be a gradual move. Learn about setting up your hybrid environment and find out the different ways to migrate your content.

Are you wanting to... Read
Decide which hybrid solution you should use for your business?
Explore SharePoint Server hybrid
Find out how you can move your data from on-premises to SharePoint in Microsoft 365?
Migrate to SharePoint