SharePoint Document Issues

How to Find a Renamed SharePoint Title Column in List Settings

Steven Parker Oct 13, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to locate a default SharePoint list column (like Title) that has been renamed in the modern view but appears to be missing or under a different internal name in List Settings.

How to Find a Renamed SharePoint Title Column in List Settings

Product: Microsoft SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to modify column properties in SharePoint List Settings after the column's display name was changed in the modern list view.
Observed behavior: The renamed column does not appear with its new display name in the standard List Settings menu, making it difficult to find, edit, or map correctly.

Before you start

Ensure you have the necessary Site Owner or Full Control permissions to access Advanced Settings and modify Content Types in your SharePoint list.

Solution 1Recommended

Enable Content-Type Management to Locate and Edit the Column

By enabling the management of content types, you can access the core 'Item' content type and directly modify the internal settings of default columns that have been renamed.

SharePoint columns often retain their original internal names (like 'Title' or 'Image') in the backend, even if you rename their display name in the modern list view. Accessing the Content Type settings forces the system to display the default columns, allowing you to update them.

Open Advanced Settings

Navigate to the affected SharePoint list, click the Gear icon in the top right corner, select 'List settings', and then click on 'Advanced settings'.

Allow Management of Content Types

In the Advanced Settings menu, locate the 'Allow management of Content Types' option, select 'Yes', and click 'OK' at the bottom of the page.

Access the Item Content Type

Back in the List Settings page, scroll down to the newly visible 'Content Types' section and click on the 'Item' content type link.

Rename the Column

Select the default column you wish to modify, click 'Edit Column', update the column name to match your preference, and click 'OK' to save your changes.

Enable Content-Type Management to Locate and Edit the Column

Best Practice for Default Columns: Microsoft recommends creating a new custom column and hiding the default column rather than heavily modifying default internal columns, as altering default columns can cause unexpected backend synchronization issues.

Solution 2

Check the List Settings in an Incognito Window

Sometimes browser caching prevents updated column names from appearing correctly in the backend settings.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Experience a Seamless Document Workflow with WPS Office

While SharePoint list issues often require backend troubleshooting within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, managing your actual documents shouldn't be complicated. WPS Office provides a lightweight, fast, and feature-rich environment for processing your daily documents without the steep costs.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats including .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx.Lightweight application that runs smoothly on Windows, Mac, Linux, and mobile devices.Familiar, intuitive user interface ensuring zero learning curve for new users.Completely free to use with robust built-in PDF editing and file conversion tools.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my renamed column showing a different name in List Settings?

SharePoint assigns an internal system name to a column when it is first created. If you change the display name in the modern list view, the internal name remains the same in the backend List Settings. This separation ensures backend code and workflows do not break when a display name is changed.

What should I do if the Title column is completely missing from the Item content type?

If the default Title column is missing even after enabling Content-Type Management, it may be a backend server glitch. You will need to contact your Microsoft 365 administrator to raise a support ticket so the Microsoft development team can investigate the backend logs.

Can I permanently delete the default Title column in SharePoint?

No, the default Title column is a mandatory system column tied to the core SharePoint architecture and cannot be deleted. However, you can make it optional and hide it from your list views and entry forms if you prefer not to use it.

How do I hide a default column from a SharePoint list form?

To hide a column, open the list form by clicking 'New', click the 'Edit columns' icon in the top right corner of the form header, uncheck the box next to the default column you want to hide, and click 'Save'.

Document & File Issues