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How to View or Edit a Microsoft Lists Description

Algirdas Jasaitis Oct 10, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to know where to find and edit the description of a Microsoft List, especially when the description is not visible in the modern list experience.

How to View or Edit a Microsoft Lists Description

Product: Microsoft Lists
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Managing and updating list properties in Microsoft Lists.
Observed behavior: The list description does not appear as a row or editable field in the modern list interface, causing confusion on how to update it.

Before you start

Ensure you have the necessary edit permissions or owner access for the Microsoft List you want to modify.

Solution 1Recommended

Edit Description via List Settings

Use the standard List settings menu to access and update the name, description, and navigation options of your list.

In the modern Microsoft Lists experience, descriptions are not displayed or edited directly on the main grid view. You must access the backend settings to make these modifications.

Open Settings

Click on the gear icon (Settings) located in the upper right corner of your Microsoft List interface.

Select List Settings

From the settings dropdown menu, click on 'List settings'.

Edit Properties

Under the General Settings section on the new page, click on 'List name, description and navigation'.

Update Description

Enter or modify your text in the Description box and click 'Save' to apply the changes.

Immediate Application: Once saved, the updated description will be applied to the list properties immediately.

Solution 2

Switch to Classic Experience to View Descriptions

If the description is still not visible or you prefer the older interface, switching to the classic SharePoint list experience can help.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I see the edit button for my Microsoft List description?

The edit button may be hidden if you lack the necessary permissions to modify the list. Additionally, the modern list interface does not display descriptions directly on the main view, meaning there is no direct edit button on the grid. You must access 'List settings' via the gear icon to make changes.

Can I add a description to a Microsoft List after it has already been created?

Yes, you can add or modify a description at any time. Simply navigate to the gear icon, click 'List settings', and then select 'List name, description and navigation' to add your text.

Will switching to the classic list experience affect other users?

Yes, if you change the default list experience in the Advanced Settings, it will affect how the list is displayed for all users accessing it, unless they have individually overridden their view settings.

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