The “Browser Compatibility Issue” in SharePoint occurs when the platform does not function correctly in specific browsers due to deprecated technologies, missing features, JavaScript issues, or security settings. Different versions of SharePoint (Online, 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010) support different browsers, and some features may not work properly in outdated or unsupported browsers.
This guide provides detailed troubleshooting and solutions to resolve browser compatibility issues in SharePoint.
1. Identify Browser Compatibility Issues
Common Symptoms of Browser Issues in SharePoint:
- Pages do not load properly or show blank/incorrect layouts.
- Web parts fail to render or display errors.
- Menus, buttons, or dropdowns are unresponsive.
- Document library drag-and-drop does not work.
- Editing pages or list items fails or does not save.
- Scripts and web parts (SPFx) fail to execute properly.
- Internet Explorer (IE) Mode required for older versions of SharePoint.
- Performance issues (slow loading, high CPU usage).
2. Check SharePoint Browser Support
Microsoft recommends using modern browsers for the best SharePoint experience.
| SharePoint Version | Supported Browsers |
|---|---|
| SharePoint Online | Microsoft Edge, Chrome, Firefox, Safari |
| SharePoint 2019 | Edge, Chrome, Firefox, IE 11 (Limited) |
| SharePoint 2016 | Edge, Chrome, Firefox, IE 11 |
| SharePoint 2013 | IE 11, Edge (Limited), Chrome, Firefox |
| SharePoint 2010 | IE 11 (Compatibility Mode), Chrome (Limited) |
| SharePoint 2007 | IE 10/11 (Compatibility Mode) |
Fix: Use a Supported Browser
- For SharePoint Online: Use Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, or Firefox.
- For SharePoint 2013/2016/2019: Avoid Internet Explorer (IE), but if necessary, use IE Mode in Edge.
- For SharePoint 2010/2007: Use Internet Explorer in Compatibility Mode.
3. Enable Internet Explorer (IE) Mode for Legacy SharePoint
For older SharePoint versions (2010, 2007) that require IE, use Edge in IE Mode:
Enable IE Mode in Microsoft Edge:
- Open Microsoft Edge.
- Go to Settings > Default Browser.
- Under “Allow sites to be reloaded in Internet Explorer mode”, select Allow.
- Restart Edge.
- Open SharePoint and right-click the tab → Reload in Internet Explorer mode.
Enable Compatibility Mode in Internet Explorer:
- Open IE 11.
- Go to Settings (⚙) > Compatibility View Settings.
- Add your SharePoint site URL.
- Refresh the page.
4. Clear Browser Cache and Cookies
Old cached files and cookies can cause rendering issues.
How to Clear Cache:
- Chrome:
Ctrl + Shift + Delete→ Clear Cached images and files. - Edge:
Ctrl + Shift + Delete→ Select Browsing history, Cookies, Cached data. - Firefox:
Ctrl + Shift + Delete→ Select Cache & Cookies. - Safari:
Command + Option + Eto clear cache.
5. Check and Disable Browser Extensions
Some ad blockers, privacy extensions, or security tools may interfere with SharePoint.
Disable Extensions:
- Chrome:
chrome://extensions/ - Edge:
edge://extensions/ - Firefox:
about:addons
Disable any ad blockers, script blockers, or security plugins and reload SharePoint.
6. Enable JavaScript and Pop-Ups
SharePoint relies on JavaScript for many features. If JavaScript is disabled, some pages may break.
Enable JavaScript in Browsers:
- Chrome:
chrome://settings/content/javascript→ Allow JavaScript. - Edge:
edge://settings/content/javascript→ Enable JavaScript. - Firefox:
about:config→ Search forjavascript.enabledand set totrue.
Allow Pop-Ups for SharePoint:
- Go to Browser Settings > Privacy & Security.
- Add SharePoint site URL to the allowed pop-ups list.
7. Switch to Modern or Classic View in SharePoint Online
If some features do not work in Modern View, switch to Classic View.
How to Switch Views:
- In a document library/list: Click “Return to classic SharePoint” at the bottom.
- To revert back: Click “Exit classic experience”.
8. Disable Hardware Acceleration
Some graphics-related issues in SharePoint occur due to hardware acceleration.
Disable in Chrome & Edge:
- Go to Settings > System.
- Disable “Use hardware acceleration when available”.
- Restart the browser.
9. Fix Browser Security and Permissions Issues
Some security settings may block SharePoint scripts or ActiveX controls.
Add SharePoint to Trusted Sites:
- Open Internet Options (
inetcpl.cplin Run). - Go to Security > Trusted Sites.
- Add your SharePoint site URL.
Lower Security Settings for SharePoint (IE/Edge in IE Mode):
- Open Internet Options.
- Go to Security > Custom Level.
- Enable:
- Active Scripting
- Allow Meta Refresh
- Automatic logon with current username and password
- Apply changes and restart the browser.
10. Update Browser and Operating System
Check for Browser Updates:
- Chrome:
chrome://settings/help - Edge:
edge://settings/help - Firefox:
about:preferences#general→ Scroll to Firefox Updates.
Check Windows Updates:
- Open Settings > Update & Security.
- Click Check for Updates.
- Install latest patches.
11. Debug with Developer Tools (F12)
If SharePoint UI is broken, check for errors in Developer Console.
Steps:
- Open SharePoint.
- Press F12 (Dev Tools).
- Go to Console and look for errors.
- If scripts are blocked, enable them in browser security settings.
12. Contact IT or Microsoft Support
If issues persist:
- Try another browser (Edge, Chrome, Firefox).
- Test on another computer.
- Check network policies (some companies block scripts).
- Open a Microsoft Support Ticket.