How to Fix SharePoint List Advanced Settings Not Taking Effect
Question details
Advanced settings in SharePoint lists, such as disabling attachments, comments, or quick property editing, fail to apply across multiple lists and sites.
- Product
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Modifying advanced settings to restrict user interactions in SharePoint lists without using PowerShell or Power Apps.
- Observed behavior
- Settings are saved as 'No', but the restricted features (attachments, comments, quick edit) remain enabled and visible to users.
Ensure you have the necessary site owner or administrator permissions to modify list settings, and verify that the issue is not limited to a single cached browser session.
Clear Browser Cache and Use Classic Experience
Resolve display and caching issues by testing in a private window and temporarily switching to the classic SharePoint experience.
Often, the modern SharePoint experience caches list settings, causing it to display outdated configurations. Switching to the classic view or clearing your cache forces the browser to fetch the most recent list rules.
Open a new InPrivate window in Microsoft Edge (or Incognito in Google Chrome), log into your SharePoint site, and check if the disabled features like quick property editing are now correctly hidden.
If the settings apply correctly in the private window, navigate to your browser settings, clear your cookies and cached images, and then restart your browser.
To specifically address attachment settings not hiding, open your SharePoint list and click 'Return to classic SharePoint' at the bottom left corner of the screen to see if the attachment option is disabled properly.
Escalate to Your Microsoft 365 Administrator
If settings fail to apply across multiple lists and sites, it may be a tenant-level glitch requiring administrative intervention.
Manage Your Documents Seamlessly with WPS Office
While troubleshooting complex SharePoint and Microsoft 365 tenant settings, consider using WPS Office for your local and cloud document editing needs. It is a highly compatible, free alternative that simplifies your workflow.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package for your operating system.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded installer and follow the on-screen instructions to set up the application on your device.
- 3. Edit Your Documents: Open your Microsoft Office files directly in WPS Office to enjoy a smooth, locally managed editing experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are attachments still showing after disabling them in SharePoint list settings?
This is a known synchronization issue with the modern SharePoint experience. Temporarily switching to the classic SharePoint view often forces the setting to reflect correctly on the front end.
Do I need to use PowerShell to hide list attachments in SharePoint?
No, you should be able to disable attachments through the list's Advanced Settings in the standard user interface. If UI settings are completely broken across your tenant, contacting Microsoft support is better than forcing a PowerShell workaround.
Why does quick property editing remain enabled when turned off?
Browser caching issues frequently cause the modern SharePoint UI to retain previous visual settings. Attempting to access the list in an Incognito or InPrivate window can bypass the cache and display the correct settings.
