How to Create a SharePoint List from a Site Not Shown in Recent Sites
Question details
The user needs to create a new SharePoint list by copying the structure of an existing list from a site that does not currently appear in the Recent Sites menu.
- Product
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Creating a new SharePoint list based on an existing list's template and structure located on a different site.
- Observed behavior
- The source site is not automatically listed under the Recent Sites section, requiring the user to find a way to manually specify the source site.
Ensure you have the necessary 'Read' permissions for the source site containing the list you want to copy, as well as 'Edit' permissions on the destination site where the new list will be created.
Manually Select the Source Site During List Creation
You can bypass the Recent Sites list by using the standard list creation wizard to manually search for and select your target source site.
SharePoint populates the Recent Sites list based on your recent activity. However, you are not restricted to these sites when duplicating a list structure. You can browse all sites you have access to directly from the creation menu.
Open the destination SharePoint site where you want your new list to be created and reside.
Click on 'New' in the top command bar of the site homepage or site contents page, then select 'List' from the dropdown menu.
In the Create a list dialog box, click on the 'From existing list' option to initiate the duplication process.
Instead of relying on the 'Recent sites' tab, use the interface to browse other available sites or search for the specific site containing the source list.
Once you have selected the correct site, click on the specific list you want to copy, provide a name for your new list, and click 'Create'.
Manage Your Documents Effectively with WPS Office
While SharePoint handles list management and site building, WPS Office provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative for creating, editing, and collaborating on your standard office documents seamlessly.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Get the free WPS Office suite from the official website and install it on your device.
- 2. Open Office Documents: Open your existing .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx files natively without any formatting loss.
- 3. Collaborate via WPS Cloud: Upload your files to WPS Cloud to share links, co-edit in real-time, and manage team documents easily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why isn't a specific site showing up in my SharePoint Recent Sites?
The Recent Sites section only displays sites you have actively visited or interacted with recently. If you haven't visited a site in a while, or if you recently cleared your browser and account cache, it may drop off this list.
Does creating a list from an existing list copy the data too?
No, using the 'From existing list' feature only copies the structural elements, such as columns, formatting, and views. The actual data items from the original list are not copied over.
What permissions do I need to copy a list structure in SharePoint?
You need at least 'Read' access to the source list to view and copy its structure, and 'Edit' or 'Design' permissions on the destination site to create the new list.
Can I copy a list structure from a site in a different SharePoint tenant?
No, the 'From existing list' feature only allows you to select sites and copy list structures from within the same SharePoint tenant/environment. Copying across different organizations requires external migration tools or scripts.
