SharePoint Document Issues

Fix SharePoint Files Missing Required Metadata After Column Changes

Natalie Taylor Oct 9, 2026 868 views

Question details

Users are experiencing missing metadata warnings on SharePoint files and are unable to save new edits because a required column was deleted.

How to Fix SharePoint Files Missing Required Metadata After Column Changes

Product: Microsoft SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: A required column in a SharePoint document library was deleted, leaving existing files non-compliant with the library's metadata requirements.
Observed behavior: Files display missing metadata warnings, and any subsequent edits to these files cannot be saved until the required metadata constraint is resolved.

Before you start

Check your document library's version history and consult with a SharePoint administrator, as data stored exclusively in the deleted column may be permanently lost unless a backup exists.

Solution 1Recommended

Recreate the Deleted Column and Update Metadata

Recreate the exact column that was deleted to satisfy the system requirements, allowing you to update metadata and save file edits properly.

By recreating the deleted column with the exact same parameters, you satisfy SharePoint's background requirement checks. Keep in mind that while this fixes the ability to save files, previously entered data for that column will need to be re-entered manually.

Access Library Settings

Open your SharePoint document library, click the Gear icon in the top right corner, and select 'Library settings'.

Create a New Column

Click 'Create column' and enter the exact same name and data type as the column that was previously deleted.

Configure Required Settings

Scroll to the column settings and ensure the box for 'Require that this column contains information' is checked, then save your changes.

Update Affected Files

Open the properties panel for the affected files and manually input the required metadata so that future edits can be saved.

Recreate the Deleted Column and Update Metadata

Data Loss Warning: Recreating the column does not restore the old data. You must manually supply the metadata for the files flagged with missing metadata warnings.

Solution 2

Use Quick Edit (Grid View) for Bulk Updates

If multiple files are missing metadata, use the Quick Edit feature to update the required fields across many documents efficiently.

Solution 3

Request a Site-Level Restore

If the deleted column contained critical business data that cannot be manually recreated, escalate the issue to your IT department for a backup restore.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Manage and Edit Your Documents Seamlessly with WPS Office

Dealing with complex SharePoint library settings and restrictive metadata errors can disrupt your workflow. WPS Office provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative for creating, editing, and managing your essential documents without the heavy administrative overhead.

1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS website and download the free WPS Office suite for your PC or mobile device.
2. Open Your Office Files: Launch WPS Office and seamlessly open your existing .docx, .xlsx, or .pptx documents without format distortion.
3. Edit and Save Easily: Edit your documents with powerful built-in tools and save them locally or sync them to WPS Cloud without restrictive metadata blocks.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint file formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx).Avoid complex metadata saving restrictions with straightforward local and cloud file management.Lightweight installation with a fast, responsive, and familiar user interface.Built-in cloud support for seamless document sharing and collaboration.Free to use with rich editing features for everyday office tasks.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I recover the data that was in the deleted SharePoint column?

In most cases, deleting a column permanently removes the data stored within it from the active library. Unless your SharePoint administrator can perform a site-level restore from a recent Microsoft 365 backup, the metadata will need to be manually re-entered.

Why won't SharePoint let me save edits to my document?

If your document library contains a required column that is missing information, SharePoint will block saving new changes to the file until that required metadata field is populated. Recreating the deleted column and filling it in will resolve the block.

How do I find all files with missing metadata in my SharePoint library?

You can quickly identify these files by navigating to the library and selecting the 'Files that need attention' view, or by filtering your required column to show only empty or null values.

Document & File Issues