SharePoint is a powerful platform for document management, collaboration, and intranet portals. However, users may occasionally encounter a generic “Sorry, something went wrong” error message when trying to access a SharePoint site, library, or list. This error is frustrating because it provides little information about the actual cause.
In this article, we’ll cover:
✅ What this error means
✅ Common causes
✅ Troubleshooting steps
🔎 What Does “Sorry, something went wrong” Mean?
This error occurs when SharePoint cannot process the request, often due to:
- Permissions issues
- Corrupted files or libraries
- Configuration problems
- Backend errors in SharePoint or Office 365
📌 Common Causes
1️⃣ Insufficient Permissions
The user may not have access to the requested resource.
2️⃣ Corrupted List or Library
Corrupted items in a list or document library can trigger the error.
3️⃣ Custom Web Parts or Solutions
Faulty custom web parts, workflows, or third-party solutions may cause failures.
4️⃣ Outdated Browser Cache or Cookies
Corrupted cache may cause errors when loading SharePoint content.
5️⃣ Service Outage or Configuration Error
SharePoint Online or on-premises services may be experiencing a temporary outage.
🛠 Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
🔧 1. Check Permissions
- Confirm the user has the required permissions to access the resource.
- In SharePoint Online, check Site Permissions:
- Go to Settings > Site Permissions > Advanced Permissions.
- Verify the user’s group membership.
🔧 2. Clear Browser Cache
- Clear the browser’s cache and cookies.
- Try accessing the site in an incognito/private window.
- Try a different browser (e.g., Edge, Chrome).
🔧 3. Check for Corrupted Lists/Libraries
- Identify which list or library is causing the error.
- Use SharePoint Designer (for on-prem) or PowerShell to check for corrupted items.
- If possible, restore a previous version of the list/library or recreate it.
🔧 4. Review Customizations
- Check if custom web parts, scripts, or workflows are present on the page.
- Temporarily remove customizations to see if the error clears.
🔧 5. Test from Another Account
- Try accessing the site from a different user account to determine if it’s user-specific.
🔧 6. Monitor Service Health (for SharePoint Online)
- Go to the Microsoft 365 Admin Center > Service Health.
- Check for any ongoing SharePoint or OneDrive issues.
🔧 7. Collect ULS Logs (for SharePoint On-Prem)
- On SharePoint Servers, collect ULS logs for error correlation.
- Look for “Correlation ID” in the error message for tracing.
💡 Pro Tips
- Always check the Correlation ID in the error message. It helps track specific errors in logs.
- Use F12 Developer Tools (Browser) to look for detailed error responses.
- Backup lists or libraries before attempting repairs.
- If you recently made changes to the site, consider rolling back customizations or workflows.
📚 Conclusion
The “Sorry, something went wrong” error in SharePoint can stem from permission issues, corrupted lists, or customizations. By methodically checking permissions, clearing cache, reviewing customizations, and using logs for deeper insights, you can usually pinpoint and resolve the issue.
Author: Ramprasad Mandal (26th May’2026)