SharePoint Document Issues

How to Filter SharePoint Highlighted Content Web Part by Current User

Maira Mehtab Sep 20, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to configure a SharePoint Online Highlighted Content web part to dynamically display tasks or documents assigned to the currently logged-in user, as the standard [Me] filter does not work.

Product: SharePoint Online
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Configuring a web part to show personalized task assignments for the active user.
Observed behavior: Filtering works for hardcoded usernames, but applying a dynamic current-user filter fails due to design limitations in the standard UI.

Before you start

Ensure you have Edit permissions for the SharePoint page and familiarize yourself with the Keyword Query Language (KQL) if you plan to use custom queries.

Solution 1Recommended

Use a Custom KQL Query to Filter by Current User

Since the basic UI filter does not support dynamic current-user filtering, you must use a custom Keyword Query Language (KQL) string.

The Highlighted Content web part relies on SharePoint search rather than standard list views. This means the classic [Me] token will not function. Instead, you need to use search tokens provided by KQL.

Edit the SharePoint page

Navigate to the page containing your Highlighted Content web part and click 'Edit' in the top right corner.

Open web part properties

Select the Highlighted Content web part and click the pencil icon to open the property pane.

Change the filter source

Under the 'Filter and sort' section, change the query type or source to 'Custom query'.

Enter the KQL query

In the Query text box, enter a KQL query using the dynamic user token, such as AssignedTo:{User.Name} or Author:{User.Name} depending on your environment's managed properties.

Publish and verify

Apply the changes and publish the page to verify if the results filter correctly for the signed-in user.

Managed Properties: Ensure that the column you are filtering by (e.g., AssignedTo) is mapped to a searchable and queryable Managed Property in the SharePoint admin center.

Solution 2

Explore Custom SPFx Solutions or Developer Forums

If KQL does not meet your specific requirement due to web part design limitations, you may need a custom SharePoint Framework (SPFx) web part.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Need a simpler way to manage team documents? Try WPS Office

While SharePoint offers complex web parts for enterprise sites, sometimes you just need a straightforward, highly compatible office suite to create, co-edit, and manage tasks with your team. WPS Office provides a lightweight, free alternative for all your document needs.

1. Download the software: Visit the official WPS website and download the free WPS Office suite.
2. Install and launch: Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to set up the application on your device.
3. Collaborate easily: Sign in to access WPS Cloud, where you can share documents and manage team files seamlessly.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formats.Built-in cloud storage for easy document sharing and team collaboration without complex configuration.Lightweight installation with a familiar, easy-to-navigate user interface.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why doesn't the [Me] filter work in the Highlighted Content web part?

The [Me] filter is designed specifically for standard SharePoint List Views. The Highlighted Content web part relies on the SharePoint Search engine, which requires KQL tokens (like {User.Name}) instead of standard list view filters.

Can I filter by current user in other SharePoint web parts?

Yes. If you use the standard 'List' or 'Document Library' web parts, you can create a custom view within the list itself using the [Me] filter. Those specific web parts will respect the view's filtering rules.

What is KQL and how does it help with filtering?

KQL stands for Keyword Query Language. It allows you to build advanced search queries in SharePoint. By using dynamic tokens like {User.Name} in a custom KQL query, you can instruct a search-based web part to dynamically display content related to the currently signed-in user.

Document & File Issues