How to Identify and Hide Duplicate Title Columns in SharePoint Lists
Question details
Users are encountering multiple, undeletable linked Title columns in their list settings after repurposing or renaming the primary Title field, and need a way to identify the real column and hide the duplicates.
- Product
- SharePoint and Microsoft Lists
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Customizing list views or repurposing the default Title field by renaming it and migrating data.
- Observed behavior
- Several linked, read-only system columns like 'Title (Link to items with edit menu)' and 'Title (Link to items)' appear in the column settings and cannot be deleted.
Ensure you have the appropriate site or list edit permissions to modify list views and access the classic SharePoint experience settings.
Hide Duplicate Columns via Classic SharePoint View
Use the classic SharePoint list settings to identify the primary column and uncheck the duplicate linked system columns so they no longer appear.
SharePoint creates default system columns linked to the original Title field (such as 'TitleParent' or 'Title (Link to items)'). These are essential system links that cannot be permanently deleted from the backend, but they can be safely hidden from your active list view.
Open your SharePoint or Microsoft List. Look at the bottom left corner of your screen and click on 'Return to classic SharePoint'.
In the classic ribbon interface, navigate to the 'List' tab at the top and select 'Modify View'.
Scroll down to the 'Columns' section. The primary field you renamed might appear as 'TitleParent' or simply 'Title', while the undeletable duplicates will typically have suffixes like '(Link to items)'.
Uncheck the boxes under the 'Display' column next to the duplicate Title columns you wish to hide. Ensure only your required primary column remains checked.
Scroll to the top or bottom of the page and click 'OK' to save your changes. Then, click 'Exit classic experience' in the bottom left corner to return to your modern list view.
Revert the Primary Field Name to Standardize the View
Rename the primary column back to 'Title' to reduce naming confusion among the system-generated columns.
Simplify Your Data Management with WPS Office
If navigating complex SharePoint backend settings and un-deletable system columns slows down your workflow, consider using WPS Office for straightforward data tracking. As a lightweight and free alternative, it allows you to manage spreadsheet data without the complicated backend logic of SharePoint lists.
- 1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS Office website to download the free suite for your device.
- 2. Export Your List: Export your current SharePoint list to an Excel (.xlsx) or CSV file.
- 3. Open with WPS Spreadsheet: Open the exported file in WPS Spreadsheet to easily manage, edit, and organize your data without undeletable system columns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I delete the duplicate Title columns in SharePoint?
The duplicate Title columns, such as 'Title (Link to items with edit menu)', are default system columns required by SharePoint to ensure items can be clicked and edited. They are read-only by design and can only be hidden, not deleted.
How do I know which Title column is the real primary one?
In the classic list view settings, the primary Title column is often labeled internally as 'TitleParent' or just 'Title' without any parentheses or '(Link to item)' suffixes attached to it.
Does renaming the Title column create these duplicates?
No, renaming the primary Title column doesn't create new columns. Instead, it exposes the underlying default system links that retain the original 'Title' variations in the view settings, making them appear as sudden duplicates.
How do I return to the modern list view after using the classic settings?
While in the classic SharePoint view, look for an option in the bottom left corner of your screen that says 'Exit classic experience'. Clicking this will immediately return you to the modern list view.
