How do I delete a column in a SharePoint List that was once indexed

Question

I created a column in a SharePoint List and added an index on that column. Next I deleted the index but I still cannot delete the column. How do I delete it?

Rob

Answer 1

Hi Robbo,

Please provide the following information for our narrowing down this issue:

1.Try different browsers.

2.Try using another SharePoint administrator account

3.Is the column created as a list column in list settings or created as a site column by going to site settings -> site columns?

4.Does the issue happen to different column types? Which kind of column type do you use?

5.Does the issue happen to this specific list? How about creating a new list in this affected site collection? Is the issue happening to other site collections?

6.Are you using SharePoint designer 2013? If so, please check if the column can be deleted in SharePoint designer as below. If you can't do that, please also share with us a result.

Regards,

Sky

Answer 2

Hi Rob,

Based on your description, I suggest you try the following steps:

1. Open the list.
2. Click Settings>select list settings.
3. Click the Column name which you want to delete as below:

4. Select Delete.

For more information, please refer to the following article:

Delete a column in a SharePoint list or library

Thanks,

Qing

Answer 3

Unfortunately once a field has been indexed, the delete button disappears. Even after removing the index the delete button is not there. See image

Answer 4

Hi RobboP,

Could you share any updates?

Regards,

Sky