How to Manage SharePoint Site Owner and Member Permissions
Question details
The user needs to configure a Teams-connected SharePoint site so members can edit documents and calendars without being able to modify site settings. Additionally, the site owner is unable to see site-setting options after modifying member permissions.
- Product
- SharePoint / Microsoft Teams
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Setting up access controls for a team SharePoint site to protect site structure while enabling document collaboration, and troubleshooting broken owner permissions.
- Observed behavior
- Members currently have too much access to site settings, and the site owner's setting options have disappeared despite having full access listed in the directory.
Ensure you are logged in using an account with SharePoint Administrator or Global Administrator privileges to verify and override permission settings if your site owner access is currently restricted.
Restrict Member Permissions to Collaboration Only
Adjust the default 'Members' group to ensure users can edit documents and calendars without having the ability to change site settings or manage pages.
In a Teams-connected SharePoint site, the default 'Members' group often receives 'Edit' permissions, which allows them to manage lists and libraries. To prevent them from altering site settings or pages, you should downgrade their site-wide access to 'Contribute' or apply unique permissions.
Click the 'Settings' gear icon in the top right corner of your SharePoint site and select 'Site permissions'.
Click on 'Advanced permissions settings' at the bottom of the Site permissions pane to open the classic permissions page.
Check the box next to your site's Members group. Click 'Edit User Permissions' in the ribbon. Uncheck 'Edit' or 'Design', and instead check 'Contribute'. Click 'OK' to save.
If you need them to manage specific document libraries but not the whole site, navigate to the library, go to Library Settings > Permissions, click 'Stop Inheriting Permissions', and grant the Members group 'Edit' access exclusively for that library.
Troubleshoot Missing Site Settings for Owners
Resolve the issue where site-setting options disappear for users who are listed as site owners.
Collaborate Seamlessly with WPS Office
While managing SharePoint permissions can be complex, WPS Office provides a lightweight, free alternative for document creation and team collaboration. Enjoy full compatibility with Microsoft Office formats in a highly intuitive interface with simple, link-based sharing permissions.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installation package for your operating system.
- 2. Install the Software: Run the downloaded installer and follow the on-screen instructions to set up WPS Office.
- 3. Share with Easy Permissions: Open your document, save it to WPS Cloud, and click 'Share' to quickly generate a link with straightforward View or Edit permissions for your team.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I stop a SharePoint document library from inheriting site permissions?
Navigate to the document library, click the Settings gear icon, and select 'Library settings'. Click 'More library settings' if prompted, then select 'Permissions for this document library'. In the ribbon at the top, click 'Stop Inheriting Permissions' to start applying unique access rules.
Why can't members edit the SharePoint group calendar?
Calendar editing requires at least 'Contribute' permissions. Ensure the Members group has 'Contribute' or 'Edit' access to the calendar app itself. If the site permissions were modified, check if the calendar app inherited a restricted permission level.
What is the exact difference between 'Edit' and 'Contribute' in SharePoint?
The 'Contribute' permission allows users to view, add, update, and delete list items and documents. The 'Edit' permission includes all 'Contribute' rights plus the ability to create, delete, and manage lists and document libraries, which gives members structural control over the site's data containers.
How do I restore an accidentally deleted SharePoint site owner?
A user with Global Administrator or SharePoint Administrator rights must log into the Microsoft 365 Admin Center or SharePoint Admin Center, select the affected active site, click on the 'Permissions' tab, and add the user's account back to the Site Owners group.
