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How to View Sensitivity Labels in SharePoint Online Document Libraries
Question details
Users need to display and persist Azure Information Protection (AIP) sensitivity labels as a visible column in SharePoint Online document library views.
- Product
- SharePoint Online
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Classifying files as Public, Protected, or unlabeled and needing visibility of these labels directly in the document library interface.
- Observed behavior
- The Sensitivity column is missing from default views, the traditional 'Add Column' drop-down is replaced by a plus button, and custom views fail to persist after the browser is restarted.
Ensure you have the necessary List Management permissions in SharePoint Online to create and save public views, and verify that sensitivity labels are properly published to your organization via the Microsoft Purview compliance portal.
Add the Sensitivity Column via Classic Library Settings
Modifying the view through the backend Library Settings is the most reliable way to force the Sensitivity column to display and persist.
SharePoint's modern interface sometimes fails to save local view changes. Updating the view via the classic settings menu ensures your modifications are saved permanently.
Navigate to your document library, click the Settings (gear icon) in the top-right corner, and select 'Library settings'. Then, click 'More library settings'.
Scroll down to the 'Views' section at the bottom of the page and click on the name of your active view (e.g., 'All Documents').
In the list of available columns, scroll down until you find 'Sensitivity'. Check the box next to it.
Scroll to the top or bottom of the page and click 'OK' to save the view. The Sensitivity labels will now persist when you close and reopen SharePoint.
Use the Modern UI Add Column Button
Use the modern SharePoint interface to quickly toggle column visibility if you do not want to access backend settings.
Edit and Protect Documents Locally with WPS Office
While SharePoint handles cloud document libraries for Microsoft 365, WPS Office is an excellent free alternative for creating, editing, and protecting your local documents. Enjoy seamless compatibility with Microsoft formats and robust built-in password encryption without the expensive subscription.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website to download the free installation package for your device.
- 2. Install and Open: Run the installer. Once finished, open WPS Office and seamlessly load your existing Word, Excel, or PowerPoint files.
- 3. Protect Your Documents: Navigate to the 'Protect' tab to easily encrypt your files and set secure passwords before sharing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my saved view revert to the original view after closing SharePoint?
This usually happens if you lack the necessary permissions to manage public views, or if you modified the view without explicitly saving it. Make sure you click the view name in the top right and select 'Save view as'. If the option is greyed out, contact your SharePoint administrator to grant you List Management permissions.
Why is the Add Column drop-down menu missing in my library?
SharePoint's modern interface updates frequently. The traditional drop-down menu has been replaced by a plus (+) button at the end of the column headers. Clicking this button and selecting 'Show/hide columns' will reveal the Sensitivity option.
Can I apply sensitivity labels directly within the SharePoint interface?
Yes, if the feature is enabled in the Microsoft Purview compliance portal. You can select a document in your SharePoint library, open the Details pane (the 'i' icon), and apply or change the sensitivity label from the properties list.
Why is the Sensitivity column empty for some files?
The column will only display a value if an Azure Information Protection or Microsoft 365 sensitivity label has been specifically applied to that document. If the file is unlabeled, the column will remain blank.
