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How to Remove an Incorrect SharePoint Page Template and Restore the Home Page
Question details
The user needs to remove an accidentally applied SharePoint page template that replaced their site's home page and restore the original content.
- Product
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- A custom template (named TeamLearning) was opened or applied in place of the home page. The original home page information did not transfer to the new layout, leaving general template information instead.
- Observed behavior
- The incorrect template is displaying as the home page. The user is unable to revert to the original home page data and only sees options to add a new page rather than restoring the previous layout.
Ensure you have Site Owner or Full Control permissions in your SharePoint environment to access the Site Pages library, manage version histories, and delete templates.
Restore the Original Home Page Using Version History
If the existing home page was overwritten by the newly applied template layout, you can roll back the page to an earlier version to recover your original content.
SharePoint automatically saves versions of your pages as you make edits. Reverting to a version created before the template was applied is the safest way to restore your original layout and text.
Click the gear icon (Settings) in the top right corner of your SharePoint site and select 'Site contents'.
Locate and click on 'Site Pages' to view all the pages and templates associated with your site.
Find your home page in the list. Click the three dots (Show actions) next to the page name and select 'Version history'.
Identify the version dated just before the template was applied. Click the drop-down arrow next to that date and select 'Restore'.
Set the Original Page as the Home Page Again
If the template was created as a brand-new page and accidentally set as the home page, you simply need to reassign the home page status back to your original page.
Delete the Unwanted Custom Page Template
To prevent the incorrect template from being accidentally used again, remove it entirely from the template management folder.
Prepare Your SharePoint Documents Efficiently with WPS Office
While SharePoint is excellent for hosting your intranet sites, creating the actual documents you upload requires a reliable editor. WPS Office offers a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Office for drafting your team's Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files.
- 1. Download and Install WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download the free suite and follow the straightforward installation prompts.
- 2. Draft and Edit Documents: Use WPS Writer, Spreadsheet, or Presentation to create your content using a familiar layout.
- 3. Save in Microsoft Formats: Save your files as .docx, .xlsx, or .pptx to ensure perfect compatibility when uploading them to your SharePoint document libraries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why didn't my existing home page data transfer to the new SharePoint template?
SharePoint page templates are designed to dictate the layout and predefined web parts for brand-new pages. Applying or opening a template does not automatically map or merge content from an existing, populated page into the new layout.
Where are custom page templates stored in SharePoint?
Custom page templates are stored in a dedicated 'Templates' folder located within the 'Site Pages' library of your SharePoint site. You must have the appropriate site permissions to view and manage this folder.
Can I recover a SharePoint page if I accidentally deleted it while trying to remove a template?
Yes, deleted SharePoint pages and templates are moved to the site's Recycle Bin. You can access the Recycle Bin from the Site contents menu and restore the deleted page within 93 days before it is permanently removed.
