SharePoint Document Issues

Fix SharePoint Server Showing Too Few Site Collections

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to understand why some site collections are missing from the list in SharePoint Server 2013 Central Administration.

Product: SharePoint Server 2013
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Viewing the list of site collections within the Central Administration dashboard.
Observed behavior: Central Administration shows fewer site collections than expected because the list is filtered by the selected web application and may exclude subsites or items blocked by insufficient permissions.

Before you start

Ensure you are logged in with an account that has Farm Administrator privileges and the necessary SQL Server database permissions.

Solution 1Recommended

Verify Selected Web Application and Permissions

Ensure you are viewing the correct web application in Central Administration and have the necessary rights to view all collections.

SharePoint Central Administration organizes site collections by Web Application. If the wrong web application is selected, site collections belonging to other web applications will not be visible.

Open Central Administration

Launch SharePoint 2013 Central Administration from your server.

Navigate to Site Collections

Click on 'Application Management' and select 'View all site collections'.

Change Web Application

Look at the top right corner for the 'Web Application' dropdown. Click the arrow, select 'Change Web Application', and choose the correct URL.

Verify Permissions

Confirm that your administrative account has Farm Administrator privileges and adequate SQL permissions on the corresponding content database.

Solution 2

List Site Collections Using PowerShell

Use SharePoint Management Shell to generate a complete list of site collections, bypassing UI filters.

Solution 3

Consult the SharePoint Server Community

Seek specialized assistance for complex SharePoint Server 2013 topology or permission issues.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why are subsites not showing in SharePoint Central Administration?

Central Administration primarily lists top-level site collections organized by web application. Subsites (webs) within those collections are managed at the site collection level via Site Settings, rather than directly in the Central Administration dashboard.

How do I change the web application being viewed in Central Admin?

Navigate to Application Management > View all site collections. On the right side, click the dropdown arrow next to the currently displayed Web Application, select 'Change Web Application', and pick the one you want to inspect.

What permissions are required to view all site collections?

You typically need to be a member of the Farm Administrators group in SharePoint. Additionally, your account needs appropriate read permissions on the underlying SQL Server content databases to successfully query the site configuration.

Document & File Issues