How to Restrict SharePoint Users from Creating Document Libraries
Question details
The user wants to allow SharePoint users to access existing document libraries while preventing them from creating or deleting new lists and libraries.
- Product
- SharePoint
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Managing user permissions and access levels within a SharePoint site to maintain strict control over the site structure.
- Observed behavior
- Users currently have elevated permissions that allow them to modify the site's structure, but the goal is to restrict them to only interacting with documents in existing libraries.
Ensure you have Site Owner or Full Control permissions on the SharePoint site before attempting to modify user access levels and advanced site permissions.
Assign the Contribute Permission Level to Users
Change user permissions from Edit or Full Control to Contribute, which allows them to manage documents without granting structural privileges.
By default, the 'Edit' permission level in SharePoint allows users to create, manage, and delete lists and document libraries. To restrict this capability while still allowing users to upload, edit, and delete files, you must assign them the 'Contribute' permission level instead.
Click the Gear icon (Settings) in the top right corner of your SharePoint site and select 'Site permissions'.
Click on 'Advanced permission settings' at the bottom of the permissions panel to open the classic SharePoint permissions page.
Select the checkbox next to the users or group you want to restrict, click 'Edit User Permissions' on the top ribbon, and assign the 'Contribute' permission level.
Ensure the users do not belong to other groups (such as Site Members) that grant 'Edit' or 'Full Control' access. Remove them from those elevated groups if necessary.
Click the 'Check Permissions' button on the ribbon, type the user's name, and click 'Check Now' to confirm their highest access level is now Contribute.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the exact difference between the Edit and Contribute permission levels in SharePoint?
The 'Edit' permission allows users to add, edit, and delete lists or document libraries. The 'Contribute' permission restricts users to only viewing, adding, updating, and deleting list items or documents within those existing libraries, preventing structural changes to the site.
Why can a user still create document libraries after I assigned them the Contribute permission?
The user likely belongs to another SharePoint group (such as the default Members group) that still grants 'Edit' or 'Full Control' permissions. You must use the 'Check Permissions' tool in Advanced Permission Settings to identify and remove their conflicting access rights.
Can I create a custom SharePoint permission level specifically for restricting library creation?
Yes. If standard permission levels do not fit your needs, you can go to Site Permissions > Advanced permission settings > Permission Levels. From there, you can copy an existing level (like Edit) and manually uncheck the 'Manage Lists' permission to create a custom role.
