Fix “This page is not using a valid page layout. To correct the problem, edit page settings and select a valid page layout.” Error

Problem:
We had a requirement to copy a few web part pages from the staging environment to production. Achieved it with the “Content Deployment Wizard” tool. However, copied pages gave this error message:
“This page is not using a valid page layout. To correct the problem, edit page settings and select a valid page layout.”

This page is not using a valid page layout. To correct the problem, edit page settings and select a valid page layout.

Solution:

The root cause of the problem is: Page layout URLs are hard-coded in the publishing/web part pages. When you copy/move them from one site to another (or during export-import).

The solution is: You’ll have to update it with a valid page layout. Here is the easiest way.

  1. Open your site in SharePoint designer, Navigate to the library (usually: Pages), Right-click on your copied page, and choose “Detach from page layout”
    This page is not using a valid page layout
  2. Now, again right-click on the page and choose “Reattach to Page Layout”. Ignore any error it throws.

This should fix your problem. If you have a bunch of files to update the page layout, You can use PowerShell. Here is my PowerShell script to update the page layout property: How to Change Page Layout in SharePoint 2013 using PowerShell?

Fix “This page is not using a valid page layout. To correct the problem, edit page settings and select a valid page layout.” Error in SharePoint Online

This page is not using a valid page layout. To correct the problem, edit page settings and select a valid page layout.

To fix this issue in SharePoint Online,

  • Log into your SharePoint Online site as a site collection Administrator
  • Browse to Content and Structure from site settings (Shortcut: /_layouts/sitemanager.aspx)
  • Open the Pages library >> Select the page that is giving an error > Click on the “Edit page settings” from the context menu.
  • Select the (Welcome Page) Blank Web Part Page layout >> Click on OK

Salaudeen Rajack

Salaudeen Rajack - Information Technology Expert with Two-decades of hands-on experience, specializing in SharePoint, PowerShell, Microsoft 365, and related products. He has held various positions including SharePoint Architect, Administrator, Developer and consultant, has helped many organizations to implement and optimize SharePoint solutions. Known for his deep technical expertise, He's passionate about sharing the knowledge and insights to help others, through the real-world articles!

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