'%3e%3cpath%20d='M8%200C12.4183%200%2016%203.58172%2016%208C16%2012.4183%2012.4183%2016%208%2016C3.58172%2016%200%2012.4183%200%208C0%203.58172%203.58172%200%208%200ZM11.6162%204.38379C11.2257%203.99337%2010.5927%203.99338%2010.2021%204.38379L8%206.58594L5.79785%204.38379C5.40732%203.99334%204.77429%203.99329%204.38379%204.38379C3.99331%204.77429%203.99335%205.40733%204.38379%205.79785L6.58594%208L4.38379%2010.2021C3.99348%2010.5927%203.99341%2011.2257%204.38379%2011.6162C4.77426%2012.0066%205.40734%2012.0065%205.79785%2011.6162L8%209.41406L10.2021%2011.6162C10.5927%2012.0066%2011.2257%2012.0067%2011.6162%2011.6162C12.0067%2011.2257%2012.0066%2010.5927%2011.6162%2010.2021L9.41406%208L11.6162%205.79785C12.0066%205.40735%2012.0066%204.77429%2011.6162%204.38379Z'%20fill='%23080E17'%20fill-opacity='0.46'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0_3761_713'%3e%3crect%20width='16'%20height='16'%20fill='white'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
How to Recover Hidden or Missing Indexed Columns in SharePoint
Question details
The user needs to locate and restore indexed columns in a SharePoint list that have been hidden or appear to be missing.
- Product
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Managing lists or document libraries in SharePoint where indexed columns are no longer visible.
- Observed behavior
- Indexed columns are not displaying in the list view, raising concerns that they might be permanently deleted.
Ensure you have Site Owner or Full Control permissions on the SharePoint site to access List Settings and modify column configurations.
Unhide Columns via SharePoint List Settings
Check if the columns are merely hidden from the current view rather than deleted.
Navigate to your SharePoint list and click the gear icon in the top right corner, then select 'List settings'.
Scroll down to the 'Columns' section. If your missing indexed columns are listed here, they are simply hidden from the active view.
Return to your list view, click 'Add column', select 'Show/hide columns', and check the boxes next to your indexed columns to display them again.
Restore from Existing Site Columns
If the columns are not in the List Settings, they might have been removed from the list but still exist as Site Columns.
Request Backend Recovery from Microsoft Support
If columns are missing from both List Settings and Site Columns, a backend site recovery is required.
Collaborate Seamlessly with WPS Office
While SharePoint handles complex list structures, WPS Office is the perfect lightweight alternative for managing, editing, and collaborating on documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. It offers full compatibility with Microsoft Office formats at no cost.
- 1. Download the application: Visit the official WPS Office website to download the application for Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, or Android.
- 2. Install and sign in: Install the software and sign in with your email to activate free cloud storage and collaboration features.
- 3. Open Office files seamlessly: Open your existing Microsoft Office files directly in WPS Office without worrying about formatting loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an indexed column in SharePoint?
An indexed column in SharePoint helps improve the performance of a large list or library by allowing the system to quickly filter, sort, and group data without scanning every single item.
Why did my SharePoint columns disappear from the view?
Columns often disappear if the current view was modified by another user, or if the columns were accidentally unselected in the 'Show/hide columns' menu. This merely hides them from display but does not delete the underlying data.
How long does Microsoft keep SharePoint backups for recovery?
Microsoft typically retains automated backups of SharePoint Online for a rolling 14-day period. If you need to recover deleted columns or sites, you must contact support within this specific window.
Can I recover a single column instead of restoring the entire SharePoint site?
If the column was permanently deleted from both the list settings and site columns, Microsoft Support can only perform a full site restoration. It is currently not possible to selectively restore a single column via backend recovery.
