Compatibility Issues After Upgrade – Troubleshooting Guide
After upgrading SharePoint, Windows, or any software, you might encounter compatibility issues where certain features, apps, or integrations stop working. This can be caused by deprecated functionalities, API changes, security restrictions, or third-party tool incompatibilities. Below is a step-by-step troubleshooting guide to resolve these issues effectively.
Step 1: Identify Affected Features or Apps
Before troubleshooting, determine what exactly is not working:
- Are built-in SharePoint features failing (e.g., workflows, web parts)?
- Are third-party apps or custom solutions affected?
- Are specific files, scripts, or integrations not functioning?
- Are there error messages or logs available?
Step 2: Check Official Documentation & Change Logs
Software upgrades often bring breaking changes. Check:
- Microsoft 365 Message Center for updates on SharePoint Online.
- Release notes of third-party apps for known issues.
- Deprecation lists (e.g., older SharePoint workflows retired in 2020).
🔍 Solution: If a feature is deprecated, consider upgrading or replacing it with the recommended alternative.
Step 3: Verify Permissions & Security Policies
Upgrades sometimes modify security settings, restricting access to certain features.
- Check SharePoint Permissions:
- Open SharePoint Admin Center → Sites → Active Sites.
- Ensure required permissions are intact.
- Validate API and App Permissions:
- Go to Azure AD → Enterprise Applications → App Permissions.
- Re-authorize third-party apps if needed.
- Check Browser Security Settings:
- Some features may require enabling cross-site cookies or JavaScript.
Step 4: Test Browser Compatibility
Some upgrades may introduce UI changes that affect older browsers.
- Use Microsoft Edge (latest) for SharePoint Online.
- Try switching to Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox.
- Enable Compatibility Mode in Edge for older SharePoint versions.
🔍 Solution: Clear browser cache, disable extensions, and check console errors (F12 Developer Tools → Console tab).
Step 5: Restore Missing or Broken Custom Solutions
If custom scripts, web parts, or workflows stopped working:
- Enable Custom Scripts (if disabled after an upgrade):
Set-SPOSite -Identity https://yourtenant.sharepoint.com/sites/siteName -DenyAddAndCustomizePages 0 - Check for JavaScript Errors:
- Open Developer Tools (F12) → Console → Look for red error messages.
- Validate Web Part Configurations:
- Edit the page, remove, and re-add the web part.
🔍 Solution: Update outdated JavaScript frameworks or APIs if necessary.
Step 6: Troubleshoot Third-Party App Issues
Some third-party apps may not be compatible with newer versions.
- Check Vendor Compatibility: Visit the app vendor’s website.
- Update the App: Some vendors release patches after an upgrade.
- Reinstall the App:
- Remove it from SharePoint App Catalog and reinstall it.
🔍 Solution: If no update is available, contact the vendor or seek an alternative.
Step 7: Roll Back to a Previous Version (If Needed)
If the issue is critical and unresolved, consider rolling back:
- For SharePoint Online: Rolling back is not possible; you may need to recreate affected items.
- For SharePoint On-Premises: Restore from database backups if available.
- For Windows or Office: Use System Restore to revert changes.
Step 8: Contact Microsoft Support
If issues persist, open a support ticket via Microsoft 365 Admin Center → Help & Support.
Final Recommendations
✅ Always test upgrades in a staging environment before deploying to production.
✅ Keep track of Microsoft’s feature deprecations.
✅ Document any custom solutions that might need updates.
By following these steps, you can effectively troubleshoot and resolve compatibility issues after an upgrade.