SharePoint Document Issues

Fix SharePoint Link Option Missing in Document Library

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users are unable to find or use the 'Link' option in the 'New' menu of a SharePoint document library, even when they possess Full Control permissions.

Product: SharePoint Online / SharePoint Server
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to create URL shortcuts or hyperlinks directly from the document library 'New' menu.
Observed behavior: The 'Link' option is completely missing from the New menu dropdown.

Before you start

Verify your SharePoint server version, as the 'Link' option is inherently unavailable in SharePoint Server 2016 and older versions.

Solution 1Recommended

Switch to the SharePoint Modern Experience

The Link feature is exclusively available in the SharePoint modern experience and is disabled in the classic view.

If you are using SharePoint Online, the most common reason for the missing Link option is that the document library is rendering in the classic experience. Switching back to the modern experience will immediately restore this functionality.

Locate the exit button

Open the SharePoint document library where the Link option is missing and scroll to the bottom left corner of the page.

Exit classic experience

Click the 'Exit classic experience' text link to reload the library in the modern view.

Verify the Link option

Click the 'New' button in the top menu bar to check if the 'Link' option is now visible in the dropdown.

Enforcing Modern Experience: To prevent the library from reverting to the classic view, you can enforce the modern experience by going to Library Settings > Advanced settings > List experience, and selecting 'New experience'.

Solution 2

Test the Link Option in a New Library

Isolate the issue by checking if the problem is specific to corrupted library settings or custom content types.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Link button missing in SharePoint Server 2016?

The 'Link' feature was introduced with the modern experience in SharePoint Online and SharePoint Server 2019. It is not supported and simply does not exist in SharePoint Server 2016 or earlier versions.

Does having Full Control permissions guarantee access to the Link option?

No. Even with Full Control or Site Administrator permissions, the 'Link' option will remain hidden if the document library is currently rendering in the classic experience.

Can I add custom links in the classic SharePoint experience?

In the classic experience, you cannot use the 'New > Link' button in a standard document library. Instead, you typically need to use a 'Links' list app or add a hyperlink column to your library.

Document & File Issues