SharePoint Document Issues

How to Mark a SharePoint List Item as Complete

Muhammad Talha Oct 14, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to add a completion status to track items in a SharePoint list.

How to Mark a SharePoint List Item as Complete

Product: Microsoft SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Tracking progress or indicating that a task within a SharePoint list has been finished.
Observed behavior: SharePoint does not provide a default built-in completion marker for all custom lists, requiring users to manually add a status indicator or use custom solutions.

Before you start

Ensure you have at least 'Edit' or 'Design' permissions for the SharePoint list so that you are authorized to add or modify columns.

Solution 1Recommended

Create a Choice Column for Status

The most straightforward way to track completion in a standard SharePoint list is by adding a custom Choice column.

Navigate to your SharePoint list

Open your SharePoint site and go to the specific list where you want to track item completion.

Add a new column

Click on 'Add column' at the far right of the list headers and select 'Choice' from the dropdown menu.

Configure the Choice options

Name the column 'Status'. In the choices box, add your desired stages, such as 'Not Started', 'In Progress', and 'Complete'.

Save and apply the status

Click 'Save'. Users can now edit a list item and select 'Complete' from the dropdown menu when they finish a task.

Tip: You can set the 'Default value' of your Choice column to 'Not Started' so new items are automatically categorized when created.

Solution 2

Use Advanced Customization for Automated Workflows

If a simple Choice column does not meet your specific workflow requirements, you might need a customized solution to automate completion behaviors.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a checkbox instead of a dropdown for completion in SharePoint?

Yes. Instead of a Choice column, you can click 'Add column', select 'Yes/No', and name it 'Completed'. This adds a simple checkbox that users can toggle when an item is finished.

Why don't I see the 'Add column' option in my SharePoint list?

You likely lack the necessary permissions to modify the list structure. You need at least 'Edit' or 'Design' permissions granted by the site administrator to add or modify list columns.

Can I filter my SharePoint list to hide completed items?

Yes. Once you have a 'Status' or 'Completed' column, click on the column header, select 'Filter by', choose the values you want to see (e.g., 'Not Started' and 'In Progress'), and then save the view to hide completed items.

Document & File Issues