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How to Fix SharePoint Section Expands Automatically on Page Load
Question details
The user is trying to maintain a SharePoint page with collapsible sections but finds that one section expands on its own despite being set to collapse by default.
- Product
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Viewing or configuring a SharePoint page layout with collapsible sections.
- Observed behavior
- One collapsible section expands automatically when the page loads, and deleting, recreating, or repositioning the section does not resolve the glitch.
Ensure you have access to a desktop web browser with Developer Tools enabled to collect diagnostic logs, and confirm you know who your Microsoft 365 administrator is.
Collect Browser Diagnostics and Contact Microsoft Support
Since standard UI troubleshooting like recreating the section fails to resolve the bug, you must gather backend diagnostic logs and escalate the issue to Microsoft Support.
Unresolved behavioral bugs on SharePoint pages often stem from backend script loading issues or server-side glitches. In these cases, Microsoft Support requires a HAR (HTTP Archive) log to investigate the network requests firing when the page loads.
Note that only an administrator can open a support ticket in the Microsoft 365 admin center.
Open the problematic SharePoint page in your web browser. Press F12 to open the Developer Tools, navigate to the 'Network' tab, and ensure it is recording. Refresh the page so the section expands automatically, then right-click in the network panel and select 'Save all as HAR with content'.
Log in to the Microsoft 365 Admin Center using an administrator account. If you do not have admin privileges, provide the downloaded HAR file to your IT department.
Navigate to the 'Support' or 'Help & Support' section in the Admin Center. Open a new service request, describe the persistent expanding section issue, and attach your HAR logs for the technical team to review.
Switch to WPS Office for Reliable Document Management
While troubleshooting complex SharePoint page bugs can be time-consuming, managing and editing your actual documents shouldn't be. WPS Office provides a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Office, ensuring your team can collaborate on files seamlessly without unexpected glitches.
- 1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package for your operating system.
- 2. Open Your Documents: Launch WPS Office and open your existing Word, Excel, or PowerPoint files without worrying about formatting loss.
- 3. Collaborate and Save: Utilize built-in cloud synchronization to keep your documents backed up and easily accessible across all your devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I configure a SharePoint section to be collapsed by default?
To set a section as collapsed, edit the SharePoint page, select the section, and click the 'Edit section' icon. Toggle on 'Make this section collapsible', and then change the 'Default display' dropdown to 'Collapsed'. Publish the page to save changes.
Why does recreating the section not fix the automatic expansion issue?
If recreating the section fails, the issue is likely tied to a specific web part placed within that section overriding the display settings, or a corrupted page metadata element that persists in the background.
What is a HAR log and why is it needed for support?
A HAR (HTTP Archive) log is a record of all web browser interactions with a site's server. Microsoft Support uses these logs to trace exactly which scripts or API calls are causing the section to expand unexpectedly on page load.
Can I resolve this without Microsoft Support?
You can try creating an entirely new SharePoint page and manually adding the web parts back one by one to see if the issue goes away. However, if the bug affects multiple pages, a support ticket is the only permanent resolution.
