SharePoint Document Issues

How to Convert SharePoint Unassigned Yes/No Values to No

Aamir Naveed Akram Sep 25, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to change existing 'Unassigned' or blank values in a SharePoint Yes/No column to 'No' and prevent future entries from being left blank.

How to Convert SharePoint Unassigned Yes/No Values to No

Product: Microsoft SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Managing lists or document libraries in SharePoint where a Yes/No column is displaying unexpected blank/unassigned values.
Observed behavior: The Yes/No column displays 'Unassigned' instead of 'Yes' or 'No' for several items, allowing blank entries.

Before you start

Ensure you have the necessary edit or owner permissions for the SharePoint list or document library to modify column settings.

Solution 1Recommended

Update SharePoint Column Settings and Fix Existing Items

Modify the column properties to make the field mandatory with a default value of 'No', then update the existing unassigned items.

By default, SharePoint allows columns to remain blank if they are not set as required. To fix the 'Unassigned' issue permanently, you must adjust the column settings to enforce a default value and manually update the legacy entries.

Access Column Settings

Navigate to your SharePoint list or library, click the gear icon for Settings, and select 'List settings' or 'Library settings'.

Edit the Yes/No Column

Scroll down to the Columns section and click on the specific Yes/No column that is currently displaying 'Unassigned'.

Require Information

Locate the 'Require that this column contains information' option and select 'Yes'.

Set Default Value

In the 'Default value' section, ensure 'No' is selected, then click 'OK' to save your changes.

Update Existing Items

Return to your list and edit the items showing 'Unassigned'. You may need to temporarily toggle the value to 'Yes' and then back to 'No' to force SharePoint to register and save the update.

Update SharePoint Column Settings and Fix Existing Items

Bulk Editing Tip: If you have many unassigned items, use the 'Edit in grid view' feature to quickly update and apply 'No' across multiple rows at once.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my SharePoint Yes/No column show 'Unassigned'?

This happens when a Yes/No column does not require information and no default value was enforced at the time the item was created. SharePoint leaves the field blank, which natively displays as 'Unassigned'.

Will changing the default column value affect existing items?

No, changing the default value to 'No' only applies to newly created items. Existing items with blank or 'Unassigned' values must be manually updated to reflect the new setting.

Why do I have to change the unassigned value to Yes and then No?

Sometimes SharePoint's interface doesn't register a change if you just click save on a previously 'Unassigned' item without modifying it. Toggling it to 'Yes' and then 'No' forces the system to recognize and commit the update.

Can I bulk update 'Unassigned' values to 'No' in SharePoint?

Yes. You can use the 'Edit in grid view' option in your SharePoint list to quickly copy and paste 'No' across multiple unassigned rows, which is much faster than editing each item individually.

Document & File Issues