Sorry, something went wrong- SharePoint Online Library Pin to Quick Access
In the dynamic world of SharePoint, even seemingly minor features like “Pin to Quick Access” play a crucial role in enhancing user experience and productivity. However, like any technology, SharePoint can sometimes throw a wrench in the works, especially when specific configurations or user permissions are involved. One such issue revolves around using the “Pin to Quick Access” feature in a document library with an unlicensed user account.
The Issue: Unlicensed User Account and “Pin to Quick Access”
Imagine this scenario: You have a user trying to pin a document library to Quick Access in SharePoint. However, instead of the seamless experience they expected, they are greeted with an error message:
“Sorry something went wrong, please try again.”
This issue can be particularly frustrating, especially when the user has the necessary permissions to access the document library but lacks a valid license assigned to their account.
The Underlying Cause: Lack of License
After diving deeper into the problem, it becomes evident that the root cause lies in the user’s licensing status. Like other Office 365 services, SharePoint Online ties many features and functionalities to specific user licenses. When a user lacks an appropriate license, certain features, such as “Pin to Quick Access,” may not function as intended.
This restriction isn’t always immediately obvious, especially when the user can access the document library and perform other tasks. However, pinning a document library to Quick Access requires more than just access permissions — it requires a valid SharePoint license.
The Solution: Assigning a License
Yup! as easy as ABC. Just assign a license to the user account 😃.
After assigning the license, you might expect the issue to be resolved instantly. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. In practice, it can take up to 8 hours for the license to fully propagate and for the “Pin to Quick Access” feature to start working correctly.
During this waiting period, the user may still encounter the error message. This can be confusing and lead to additional troubleshooting, but patience is key.
After the propagation period, the user should retry pinning the document library. In most cases, the feature will now work as expected, allowing the user to pin the document library to their Quick Access without any issues.
……And there you go!! The error no longer appears 🕺🏻
Conclusion
While SharePoint is a powerful platform, it’s not without its quirks. Licensing issues, like the one discussed here, are a common source of frustration. By understanding the relationship between licensing and feature availability, you can troubleshoot more effectively and ensure a smoother user experience.
Remember, technology is only as good as our understanding of it. By staying informed and prepared, we can navigate these challenges with confidence.