How to Move a Modern SharePoint Online List Between Sites
Question details
The user needs to move a modern SharePoint Online list to a different site, but the option to save the list as a template is missing from the list settings.
- Product
- SharePoint Online
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Migrating or copying an existing modern list from a source SharePoint site to a destination SharePoint site.
- Observed behavior
- The "Save list as template" option is hidden because modern SharePoint sites block custom scripts by default, preventing straightforward template exporting.
Ensure you have SharePoint Administrator privileges and the latest version of the SharePoint Online Management Shell installed on your computer.
Enable Custom Scripts and Transfer via List Template
Use the SharePoint Online Management Shell to unblock custom scripts, restoring the missing template option so you can export and import the list.
Modern SharePoint sites disable custom scripting by default to enhance security. Temporarily enabling it via PowerShell allows you to access the legacy 'Save list as template' feature.
Open the SharePoint Online Management Shell as an administrator and connect to your organization's admin center using the Connect-SPOService command.
Run the command: Set-SPOSite -SiteURL <SiteURL> -DenyAddAndCustomizePages 0 (replacing <SiteURL> with your actual source site URL) to allow custom scripts.
Navigate to your source list in a web browser, click the Gear icon > List Settings, and select 'Save list as template' under Permissions and Management.
Go to the Site Settings > List Template Gallery on the source site, download the generated .stp file, and then upload this file to the List Template Gallery of your destination site.
On the destination site, go to Site Contents, click 'New' > 'App', and search for your uploaded template name to create the new list.
Manage Exported SharePoint Data Easily with WPS Office
While moving lists inside SharePoint requires administrative PowerShell commands, analyzing your SharePoint list data offline shouldn't be complicated. Export your list to Excel and use WPS Office, a free and lightweight alternative to Microsoft Office, to seamlessly manage, edit, and share your data.
- 1. Export SharePoint List: In your SharePoint list, click 'Export' from the top command bar and select 'Export to Excel'.
- 2. Open in WPS Spreadsheet: Launch WPS Office, select Spreadsheets, and open the downloaded Excel or CSV file.
- 3. Edit and Analyze: Use WPS Spreadsheet's built-in formulas, pivot tables, and charting tools to manage your list data locally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the 'Save list as template' option missing in SharePoint Online?
By default, Microsoft disables custom scripting on modern SharePoint sites to enhance security and prevent unauthorized code execution. Disabling custom scripts automatically hides the 'Save list as template' option.
Do I need administrator rights to run the SharePoint Online Management Shell?
Yes, you must have SharePoint Administrator or Global Administrator privileges in your Microsoft 365 environment to run the Set-SPOSite command and modify script settings.
Can I include the existing list data when saving it as a template?
Yes. When you click 'Save list as template', there is a checkbox labeled 'Include Content'. Checking this will copy the data over, provided the data size does not exceed the SharePoint list template threshold (usually 50 MB).
How long does it take for the PowerShell script change to take effect?
In most cases, running the Set-SPOSite command to unblock custom scripts takes effect immediately. If the option does not appear right away, try refreshing your browser or clearing your cache.
