How to Edit a SharePoint Root Site and Legacy ASPX Page
Question details
The user needs to edit a SharePoint root site or legacy ASPX page but cannot find the edit controls, access the Pages library, or interact with the site layout.
- Product
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to edit a company's main SharePoint root site or a legacy hub page without visible standard site settings.
- Observed behavior
- The site appears as an active site in the SharePoint Admin Center, but the user cannot access the Pages library, only sees 'My Sites', and the page lacks an edit option.
Verify that you have Global Admin or Site Administrator privileges in the SharePoint Admin Center, as standard members cannot edit core structural root pages.
Identify and Edit a Modern Root Site Page (Home.aspx)
Use this solution if your root site is modernized but the front-end edit button is temporarily unavailable or hidden.
A standard modern SharePoint root site usually exposes its content through easily accessible libraries.
By accessing the backend Site Pages library directly, you can force the edit mode on the default Home.aspx page.
Open your SharePoint root site (e.g., contoso.sharepoint.com). Click the Settings gear icon in the top right corner and select 'Site contents'.
In the Site contents list, locate and click on 'Site Pages' (or 'Pages' depending on your specific layout configuration).
Find the file named 'Home.aspx'. Click the ellipsis (three dots) next to the file name and select 'Edit', or click on the file to open it and then select the Edit button at the top right of the page.
Troubleshoot Legacy Sites and Custom Hub Pages (index.aspx)
Use this approach if the site relies on an index.aspx URL or points to a system layout directory, which indicates a legacy template.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the 'Edit' button missing on my SharePoint root site?
The Edit button may be hidden if you lack Site Administrator permissions, if the page is currently checked out by another user, or if you are viewing a system hub page (such as one residing in the /_layouts/15/ directory) that does not support frontend editing.
What is the difference between Home.aspx and index.aspx in SharePoint?
Home.aspx is the default, standard page for modern SharePoint sites and is typically stored in the Site Pages library. An index.aspx URL usually indicates the presence of an older, classic site template or a custom-coded entry page that operates under different editing rules.
Can I replace a legacy SharePoint root site with a modern one?
Yes. Administrators can use the 'Replace site' feature in the SharePoint Admin Center to swap an obsolete legacy root site with a modern Communication site. However, it is highly recommended to verify the site structure and dependencies first to avoid breaking active company links.
Where can I find my active SharePoint sites?
You can view all active and underlying sites by navigating to the SharePoint Admin Center and selecting 'Active sites' under the 'Sites' menu on the left navigation panel.
