How to Fix SharePoint Error Metadata Validation Error

A Metadata Validation Error in SharePoint occurs when a file is uploaded, renamed, or modified, but it fails to satisfy the validation policies set on the target list or document library. This can result in error messages such as “The file was uploaded, but since it is missing required properties, it remains checked out to you” or “Validation failed.”

This guide outlines how to identify invalid properties, fix validation formulas, and resolve sync client blocks.

Understand SharePoint Metadata Validation Errors

These validation errors are typically caused by:

1. Required Columns: The library has columns (such as choosing a project department or code) marked as “Required”, but the file was uploaded without these values.
2. Column Validation Formulas: The administrator set a logical formula on a column (e.g., a date must be in the future, or text must start with specific characters) that the document’s metadata violates.
3. List Validation Rules: A validation setting applied to the entire list or library is failing.
4. Managed Metadata / Taxonomy Restrictions: The document has a tag that does not exist in the closed term set managed by the SharePoint taxonomy service.

Resolving SharePoint Metadata Validation Errors

Follow these steps to satisfy validation rules and complete your file upload:

Step 1: Complete Missing Columns in the Details Pane

If a document is checked out due to missing properties, you must supply the required values in the web interface.

1. Navigate to the SharePoint document library.
2. Select the affected file (marked with a warning icon or a red checkout arrow).
3. Click the i (Open details pane) icon in the top-right corner.
4. Review the properties list. Any missing mandatory fields will have red borders or warnings saying “Required info”.
5. Input the correct metadata values and click Save.
6. Check the document back in if prompted.

Step 2: Inspect Column Validation Formulas

If you receive a validation error when saving valid-looking data, check the column formula.

1. In the document library, click the Gear (Settings) icon > Library settings > More library settings.
2. Under Columns, click the name of the column failing validation.
3. Scroll down to the Column Validation section.
4. Review the Formula (e.g., =[Created]<[DueDate]).
5. Update the formula or enter data that conforms to the rule.
6. Click OK.

Step 3: Define Default Values for Mandatory Columns

To prevent users from running into validation errors during bulk uploads or sync operations, configure default values.

1. Go to Library settings > More library settings.
2. Select the required column.
3. In the column settings page, locate the Default value field.
4. Input a standard fallback value (e.g., “General” or the current date).
5. Click OK. Any future uploaded files will automatically inherit this value instead of failing validation.

Step 4: Resolve Sync App Metadata Blocks

When syncing files with OneDrive, metadata validation errors will cause the sync engine to display warning badges. Resetting the sync cache can resolve client-side metadata conflicts.

:: Reset OneDrive client settings to refresh metadata sync rules
%localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset

# Execute OneDrive standalone reset script to rebuild cache
open /Applications/OneDrive.app/Contents/Resources/ResetOneDriveAppStandalone.command

Summary Checklist

• Select the file in the browser and open the details pane to look for missing properties.
• Populate all required Choice, Text, and Date fields.
• Ask the SharePoint Admin to review the custom column validation formulas.
• Check if the column is connected to a Managed Metadata term set and ensure the terms exist.
• Use default column values to automate metadata compliance on future uploads.
• Reset the sync client using the scripts above if synchronization is blocked.