How to Fix Missing SharePoint Site Designs When Creating a Site
Question details
The user is unable to find previously available built-in SharePoint site designs (such as communication or team site templates) when attempting to create a new site.
- Product
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Creating a new communication or team site in SharePoint.
- Observed behavior
- Built-in SharePoint site designs no longer appear in the template selection menu during the site creation process.
Ensure you have the necessary SharePoint Administrator permissions, as some site designs and templates may be restricted or hidden based on your specific user role.
Check Site Creation Source (Home Page vs. Admin Center)
Site designs can vary depending on where you initiate the site creation process.
Different templates may be surfaced based on whether you are using the self-service site creation feature on the SharePoint home page or utilizing the SharePoint admin center.
Navigate to the main SharePoint home page and click on 'Create site' to see the available communication and team site templates.
Alternatively, go to the SharePoint Admin Center, navigate to 'Active sites', and click 'Create' to compare the available design options.
Verify if the missing templates appear in one location but not the other. If they are missing in both, further admin configuration via PowerShell may be required.
Verify Custom Site Design Scripts via PowerShell
If custom site designs were applied and are now missing, they might have been accidentally removed or scoped to specific users.
Manage Your Documents Seamlessly with WPS Office
While troubleshooting SharePoint site designs, you can rely on WPS Office for a lightweight, highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Office for creating, editing, and sharing your documents seamlessly.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installer.
- 2. Install the Software: Run the setup file and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
- 3. Start Creating Documents: Open WPS Office to instantly start working on your spreadsheets, presentations, and text documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do some SharePoint site templates disappear?
Site templates can disappear if a SharePoint Administrator alters the tenant settings, restricts template permissions to specific user groups, or modifies custom site scripts.
Can I restore a default SharePoint site design?
Yes, Microsoft provides default site designs. If they are hidden, a tenant administrator can use SharePoint Online Management Shell to re-enable them or adjust the site creation settings in the Admin Center.
Does creating a site from the admin center differ from the home page?
Yes, creating a site from the SharePoint Admin Center provides more advanced configuration options and may display different templates compared to the standard self-service site creation from the SharePoint home page.
