SharePoint SE On Prem - change default to "Classic Experience"

Question

Currently my sites in SharePoint SE On Prem - sometimes the libraries or list open in Classic Mode and for some users it open in Modern Experience. I want to force Classic Experience for everyone for all sites, document libraries and lists. How can this be done?

Answer 1

Hi @alok paul

Thank you for reaching out to Microsoft Q&A forum.

If you want to force Classic view for document libraries and lists, you can consider using the following PowerShell like the Q&A propose.

$web = Get-SPWeb $URL
$vlibraryFeatures = $web.Lists | Where-Object {($_.BaseType -eq "DocumentLibrary") -and ($_.Hidden -ne "True")} | Select-Object Title
foreach($vLibraryObj in $vlibraryFeatures){
    $vLibraryObjName = $vLibraryObj.Title
    $list = $web.Lists[$vLibraryObjName]
    $list.ListExperienceOptions = "ClassicExperience"
    $list.Update()
}

However, the user can switch back to Modern view if they choose "Exit classic experience".

You can use this PowerShell to disable this.

$site = Get-SPSite http://server/sites/team
$featureguid = new-object System.Guid "E3540C7D-6BEA-403C-A224-1A12EAFEE4C4"
$site.Features.Add($featureguid, $true)

Please try and let me know if it works for you.

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Answer 2

To force the Classic Experience for all sites, document libraries, and lists in SharePoint Server On-Premises, you can activate the site collection feature called SharePoint Lists and Libraries experience. This will disable the new list and library experience for the entire site collection. Here are the steps you can follow:

1. Activate the Feature: Go to the site collection settings and activate the SharePoint Lists and Libraries experience feature. This will turn off the modern experience for the site collection.
2. Set Default Experience: You can also set the default experience for individual lists or libraries to Classic. This can be done through the list or library settings where you can select the Classic Experience option.
3. PowerShell Option: If you prefer to use PowerShell, you can change the default experience for lists and libraries using the command:

      $list = Get-PnPList -Identity "Your List Name"
      $list.ListExperienceOptions = "ClassicExperience"
      $list.Update()
      Invoke-PnPQuery
   

   This will ensure that the specified list always opens in Classic Experience.
4. User Override: Note that users can still select their own default experience for individual lists or libraries, which may override your settings. You might need to educate users on how to set their preferences if they wish to stick with Classic Experience.

By following these steps, you should be able to enforce the Classic Experience across your SharePoint environment.