Fix SharePoint 2019 Navigation Opening Classic Pages After Migration
Question details
Users experience broken navigation links or redirection to classic pages when using modern navigation on a recently migrated SharePoint Server 2019 site.
- Product
- SharePoint Server 2019
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Migrating a SharePoint 2010 site to SharePoint Server 2019 and attempting to transition the site structure to use modern pages.
- Observed behavior
- Navigation links from the modern interface route users to older classic pages or generate 'page not found' (404) errors instead of loading the modern site pages.
Ensure you have Site Collection Administrator permissions on the SharePoint Server 2019 environment and access to both the target site's navigation settings and the Site Pages library.
Update Navigation Links to Point to Modern Pages
Manually inspect and correct the structural navigation links so they point directly to the newly created modern pages rather than the legacy classic URLs.
During a database-attach migration from SharePoint 2010 to SharePoint 2019, hardcoded links in the navigation often continue to point to the old classic page URLs. Because the modern experience relies on newly generated modern site pages, these outdated links must be manually updated to prevent routing issues and 404 errors.
Click the gear icon in the top right corner to open 'Site Settings', then select 'Navigation' under the Look and Feel section.
Scroll down to the Structural Navigation (Editing and Sorting) section and find the navigation nodes that are pointing to old '.aspx' wiki or web part pages.
Select the broken link, click 'Edit', and replace the old URL with the exact URL of your newly created modern site page. Click 'OK' to save the changes.
Recreate or Transform Classic Pages to Modern Pages
Since SharePoint 2019 does not automatically modernize classic wiki or web part pages during migration, you must transform them to resolve missing page issues.
Seek Specialized Farm Guidance in Microsoft Forums
Because this involves an on-premises SharePoint Server 2019 farm, post your farm configuration details to the Microsoft Q&A forum for advanced troubleshooting.
Seamlessly Manage Your Documents with WPS Office
While resolving complex SharePoint Server migrations, equip your team with a reliable productivity suite. WPS Office is a free, lightweight alternative that offers robust compatibility with all your essential office documents.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installer for your Windows, Mac, or Linux operating system.
- 2. Install the Suite: Run the downloaded file and follow the simple on-screen instructions to complete the fast setup process in minutes.
- 3. Open and Edit Files: Launch WPS Office to instantly open, edit, and save your existing Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents without any formatting loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my SharePoint 2019 pages still look classic after migration?
SharePoint Server 2019 supports both classic and modern experiences, but it does not automatically convert classic wiki or web part pages from a 2010 migration. These older pages will retain their classic UI until they are manually recreated or transformed using PnP tools.
How do I set a modern page as the new homepage in SharePoint Server 2019?
Navigate to 'Site Contents', open the 'Site Pages' library, right-click the newly created modern page you want to use, and select 'Make homepage'. This will route visitors to the modern interface by default.
Are SharePoint 2010 master pages compatible with the SharePoint 2019 modern UI?
No, the modern experience in SharePoint 2019 does not utilize custom classic master pages. Modern pages rely on the out-of-the-box modern canvas and the SharePoint Framework (SPFx) for layout and branding customizations.
