SharePoint Document Issues

How to Create an AND/OR Filter View in Microsoft Lists

Jason Miller Oct 16, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to create a view in Microsoft Lists that filters tasks using a combination of AND/OR logic for assigned persons and task statuses.

How to Create an AND/OR Filter View in Microsoft Lists

Product: Microsoft Lists
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Tracking project tasks where specific combinations of conditions are required, such as showing tasks assigned to a specific person that also have a status of 'New' or 'In progress'.
Observed behavior: Adding multiple AND/OR conditions in the default List view builder yields unexpected results because the interface lacks support for arbitrary parentheses, causing incorrect logical grouping.

Before you start

Ensure you have at least 'Edit' permissions for the Microsoft List so you can modify view settings and save new public or personal views.

Solution 1Recommended

Combine Base View Settings with the Filter Pane

Use a two-step approach by setting a base filter for personnel in the view settings, and then layering status conditions using the interactive filter pane.

Because the standard view builder does not allow you to insert brackets or parentheses to group conditions, relying on it for multiple 'OR' and 'AND' statements often leads to logic bleeding across fields.

To bypass this limitation, you can define the core user-based conditions in the background and apply the status-based conditions via the front-end pane.

Set up the base person filter

Click 'All Items' (or your current view name) in the top right, select 'Edit current view'. Under the Filter section, set the conditions to show items only when 'Assigned To' is equal to [Me] OR 'Responsible' is equal to [Me], then save.

Open the Filter Pane

Navigate back to the list and click the 'Filter' icon (funnel shape) in the top right corner of the command bar.

Apply Status conditions

In the Filter pane, locate your 'Task Status' column and check the boxes for 'New' and 'In progress'.

Save as a new view

Click the view name dropdown in the top right again, choose 'Save view as', give it a distinctive name (e.g., 'My Active Tasks'), and save it.

Combine Base View Settings with the Filter Pane

Testing Your Filters: Always verify the results with test items containing edge-case data (e.g., canceled tasks assigned to someone else) to ensure no unwanted items are slipping through.

Solution 2

Rewrite Conditions Using CAML Query

For users who require a more universal solution and have developer access, modifying the underlying CAML query allows for explicit logical nesting.

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If the limitations of online list views and complex CAML queries are slowing down your workflow, consider exporting your Microsoft Lists to a spreadsheet. WPS Spreadsheet offers a robust, free, and lightweight alternative to Microsoft Office, featuring intuitive Custom AutoFilters that let you configure explicit AND/OR logic without writing any code.

100% compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) formats for seamless list exportsIntuitive Custom Filter dialog that handles explicit AND/OR grouping effortlesslyFree and lightweight alternative to Microsoft OfficeFamiliar user interface ensuring zero learning curve for new users

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my Microsoft Lists filters showing unrelated or incorrect items?

Microsoft Lists evaluates filter conditions sequentially from top to bottom. Because the default builder does not allow you to use brackets to isolate conditions, mixing multiple 'AND' and 'OR' parameters often causes the 'OR' condition to override a previous 'AND', displaying unrelated items.

Can I type parentheses directly into the Microsoft Lists filter builder?

No, the standard view settings interface in Microsoft Lists and SharePoint does not support typing parentheses. You must either use the front-end Filter Pane to layer additional conditions or edit the underlying CAML query via developer tools.

How do I export my Microsoft List to apply spreadsheet filters instead?

In your Microsoft List, click the 'Export' button in the top navigation bar and select 'Export to Excel'. This downloads a file that can be opened in a compatible spreadsheet application like WPS Spreadsheet, where you can use advanced data filters with exact control.

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