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Why SharePoint Calendar Overlay Opens Different Event URLs

Adam Davis Sep 28, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to understand why clicking on an event in a SharePoint calendar overlay results in different URLs, with some including a Source parameter.

Why SharePoint Calendar Overlay Opens Different Event URLs

Product: Microsoft SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Clicking to view event details from a calendar overlay view.
Observed behavior: The URL either ends with the DispForm.aspx ID alone or includes an additional Source parameter, despite pointing to the exact same calendar event.

Before you start

Confirm whether you are opening the calendar event in your current browser tab or right-clicking to open it in a completely new tab.

Solution 1Recommended

Understand SharePoint URL Parameter Behavior

Identify why SharePoint generates different URLs for the same calendar event based on how the browser handles the link.

In SharePoint calendar overlays, seeing variations in the event URL is completely normal behavior. Both URLs effectively point to the exact same event record in your Events list.

The difference in the URL structure is dynamically determined by how the event link is executed by your browser.

Identify the standard new-tab URL

When an event is opened in a new browser tab, the URL typically ends with /Lists/Events/DispForm.aspx?ID=[Number]. This directly references the unique event ID without needing additional navigation instructions.

Identify the URL with the Source parameter

When the event is opened in the current browser tab, the URL includes &Source=... appended after the event ID. This parameter serves as a breadcrumb trail, telling SharePoint exactly which calendar view to return you to once you close or save the event.

Understand SharePoint URL Parameter Behavior

Standard Functionality: This behavior is a built-in SharePoint feature designed to manage user navigation smoothly. It does not indicate duplicate events or a system error.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Source parameter create a duplicate event in my SharePoint calendar?

No. The Source parameter simply acts as a return address for SharePoint to know which page to load after you close the event view. Both URLs reference the exact same underlying DispForm.aspx ID.

How can I force SharePoint to always open calendar events in a new tab?

You can typically force any link to open in a new tab by right-clicking the event and selecting 'Open link in new tab', or by holding down the Ctrl key (Command on Mac) while clicking the event title.

Why does my SharePoint calendar overlay look different from the main events list?

Calendar overlays are designed to aggregate events from different lists or customized views into a single, unified calendar interface. Depending on how the view is configured, the click behaviors (like generating a Source parameter) may differ slightly from interacting with a raw, standard list view.

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