How to Enable Modern Lists on a SharePoint Communication Site
Question details
The user needs to switch a SharePoint list from the classic experience back to the modern list experience on a communication site.
- Product
- SharePoint Online
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Working with lists on a SharePoint communication site where the modern interface is expected but the classic view is currently showing.
- Observed behavior
- The list displays the classic experience instead of the modern list experience because the list setting has been disabled or altered.
Ensure you have the necessary site owner or administrator permissions to modify list settings on your SharePoint communication site.
Modify Advanced Settings to Use the New Experience
You can force the list to use the modern experience by manually updating its advanced settings within the SharePoint interface.
SharePoint communication sites default to the modern experience, but individual lists can be configured to use the classic experience. Changing this setting back to the new experience will restore the modern look and functionality.
Navigate to your SharePoint communication site and open the specific list you want to modify. Click on the gear icon (Settings) in the top right corner and select 'List settings'.
On the List Settings page, look under the 'General Settings' column and click on 'Advanced settings'.
Scroll all the way down to the bottom of the page to locate the 'List experience' section. Select the radio button labeled 'New experience'.
Click the 'OK' button at the bottom right to save your changes and apply the modern list experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the 'New experience' option missing or greyed out in my list settings?
This usually happens if your SharePoint tenant administrator has disabled the modern experience globally or at the site collection level using PowerShell or the SharePoint Admin Center. You will need to contact your IT admin to enable it.
Can I switch back to the classic list experience if needed?
Yes. You can return to the 'Advanced settings' of your list, scroll down to the 'List experience' section, and select 'Classic experience' at any time.
Do modern lists support all the features of classic lists?
Most essential features are supported, but some legacy customizations, specific field types, or classic web parts may not render correctly in the modern list view. In these rare cases, the list may automatically revert to the classic experience.
