Switch the default experience for lists and libraries from new or classic
Applies ToSharePoint Server Subscription Edition SharePoint Server 2019 SharePoint in Microsoft 365

The default experience for most list and document libraries has changed. The new, modern experience is recommended for most lists and libraries. It's faster, has simpler navigation, and allows you to accomplish many common tasks more easily. However, you might want to switch the default experience for everyone to the classic experience.

Notes: 

  • The following steps change the default experience for everyone. To use the classic experience just for yourself, select Return to classic SharePoint in the bottom, left corner of the page. To exit, select Exit classic experience.

  • Exit classic experience option is not available if default experience is set to Classic experience.

Change the experience for a list or document library

  1. In the modern experience for a list or document library, select Settings Settings icon.

    Note: In the classic experience, Library Settings or List Settings exists on the ribbon.

  2. From a list, select List settings, then select Advanced settings. From a library, select Library settings, select More library settings, then select Advanced settings.

  3. Scroll down to List experience and select one of the three experience options. To save your selection, select OK.

    Important: Even when you select New experience, you might still see the classic experience. To learn more about both list and library experiences and how they differ, see Differences between modern and classic experiences for lists and libraries.

Change the experience for all lists and libraries on a site

You can activate the site collection feature SharePoint Lists and Libraries experience to set the classic experience as the default for an entire site. For more information, see Enable or disable site collection features.

When both the site collection feature is active and the List experience for a list or library is set to New experience, the new experience is used.

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