SharePoint Document Issues

How to Fix SharePoint Site Pages Opening a Wiki Page Instead of the Library

Guest Writer Sep 30, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to correct a navigation link that opens a wiki page instead of the actual SharePoint Site Pages library.

How to Fix SharePoint Site Pages Opening a Wiki Page

Product: SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Accessing the Site Pages library from the navigation menu to manage news posts, page properties, and metadata columns like Expiration Date.
Observed behavior: Clicking the Site Pages link incorrectly redirects the user to a wiki page. As a result, the user cannot access the proper library interface to configure filters or view custom page properties.

Before you start

Ensure you have Site Owner or Edit permissions in your SharePoint environment, as these are required to modify site navigation links and library settings.

Solution 1Recommended

Edit the Navigation Link to Target the Site Pages Library

Update the site's navigation menu to point directly to the Site Pages library URL rather than the default wiki redirect.

If the link in your site navigation points to the wrong location, SharePoint will load a standard wiki page instead of your modern Site Pages library where news posts and metadata are stored. You must manually correct the URL in the navigation settings.

Enter navigation edit mode

Navigate to your SharePoint site and scroll to the bottom of the left-hand navigation menu. Click on the 'Edit' button to unlock the menu links.

Edit the Site Pages link

Hover over the existing 'Site Pages' link in the menu. Click the ellipsis (three dots) icon next to it and select 'Edit' from the dropdown menu.

Update the URL path

In the URL field, replace the existing address with '/sites/your-site-name/SitePages/Forms/ByAuthor.aspx' (be sure to replace 'your-site-name' with your actual site's name).

Save the changes

Click 'OK' in the edit dialog, and then click 'Save' at the bottom of the navigation menu to apply your corrected link.

Edit the Navigation Link to Target the Site Pages Library

Verification: Click the updated link. It should now successfully open the Site Pages library interface instead of a standard wiki page.

Solution 2

Add Missing Metadata Columns to the Site Pages Library

Configure custom metadata, such as an Expiration Date column, directly within the Site Pages library once accessed.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my SharePoint site default to a wiki page?

Older SharePoint templates, such as classic Team Sites, heavily relied on wiki pages for default homepages and content. Modern communication sites use the Site Pages library, but legacy navigation links may still point to classic wiki endpoints.

How do I filter the Site Pages library by an expiration date?

Once you have successfully opened the Site Pages library and added an Expiration Date column, click the column header in the list view. Select 'Filter by' to choose a specific date or date range to only display relevant news posts or pages.

Why can't I see my custom column in the page properties?

If a custom column isn't showing in page properties, verify that you added it directly to the Site Pages library and that it is included in the site content type assigned to those pages. Also, ensure you are in the correct library and not viewing a standalone wiki page.

Document & File Issues