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How to Restore a SharePoint Site Before a Template Was Applied
Question details
The user needs to revert a SharePoint site to its previous state to remove an applied template or configuration.
- Product
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Undoing a site template application to restore the original site design, as version history only restores content.
- Observed behavior
- SharePoint version history fails to remove the site template or configuration changes, leaving the undesired template active.
Before attempting to reset or restore your SharePoint site, manually back up all current documents and important lists, as rolling back will overwrite any changes made after the template was applied.
Use the Reset to Site Definition Feature
Utilize SharePoint's built-in reset option to remove applied customizations and revert the site to its original base definition.
This method is often the quickest way to strip away an unwanted template without requiring a full server or admin backup restoration. Note that availability depends on your specific SharePoint version and permissions.
Click the gear icon (Settings) in the top-right corner of your SharePoint site. Select 'Site information', and then click 'View all site settings' at the bottom of the panel.
In the Site Settings menu, locate the 'Look and Feel' or 'Site Actions' section, and click on 'Reset to site definition'.
Choose the pages or configurations you wish to reset, and confirm the action. This will remove the current template customizations and return the site to its original layout.
Restore the Site Using a Full Backup
Perform a complete rollback of the site using an administrative backup created before the new template was applied.
Manage Your Exported Documents Easily with WPS Office
While managing complex SharePoint configurations requires administrative tools, editing and organizing the documents you download from those sites shouldn't be complicated. WPS Office provides a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Office for your daily document needs.
- 1. Download the Suite: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free software for your operating system.
- 2. Open Exported Files: Launch WPS Office and directly open any .docx, .xlsx, or .pptx files you have exported or recovered from SharePoint.
- 3. Edit and Save Seamlessly: Edit your documents with professional tools and save them in their original formats to maintain compatibility with your team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use SharePoint version history to remove a site template?
No. SharePoint version history tracks changes made to individual documents and list items. It does not record structural site changes and cannot be used to roll back site templates or broader administrative configurations.
What happens to my documents if I reset to the site definition?
Resetting to the site definition primarily affects the site's layout, pages, and web parts. However, it's highly recommended to back up your document libraries first, as some custom lists or customized document library views might be reverted or affected.
Why is 'Reset to site definition' missing from my Site Settings?
This option is typically available for classic SharePoint sites. Modern SharePoint Online sites (like Communication sites or modern Team sites) use a different templating mechanism and may not display the legacy 'Reset to site definition' link.
