Enabling Custom Scripts in SharePoint Online: A Step-by-Step Guide

Custom scripts in SharePoint Online allow site owners and administrators to enhance their sites’ functionality and appearance. However, by default, custom scripts are often blocked to maintain security. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of enabling custom scripts using the SharePoint PnP PowerShell module.

Why Enable Custom Scripts?

Enabling custom scripts allows for:

Enhanced Customization: Site owners can add custom JavaScript and HTML to tailor their sites to specific needs.
Increased Functionality: Custom scripts can provide additional functionality that may not be available out of the box.
Better User Experience: You can create more interactive and user-friendly interfaces for your site visitors.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure that you have:

SharePoint Online Management Shell: Install the SharePoint Online Management Shell if you haven’t done so.
PnP PowerShell Module: Install the PnP PowerShell module by running the following command in PowerShell:

   Install-Module -Name "PnP.PowerShell"

Administrator Permissions: You need to be a SharePoint administrator to modify site settings.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Connect to SharePoint Online

Start by opening PowerShell and connecting to your SharePoint Online site:

Connect-PnPOnline -Url https://contoso-admin.sharepoint.com -UseWebLogin

Replace https://contoso-admin.sharepoint.com with your SharePoint admin URL.

Step 2: Enable Custom Scripts

Now that you are connected to SharePoint, you can enable custom scripts on a specific site. Use the following command, replacing <SiteURL> with your actual site URL:

Set-PnPSite -Identity <SiteURL> -NoScriptSite $false

For example:

Set-PnPSite -Identity https://contoso.sharepoint.com/sites/engineering -NoScriptSite $false

Step 3: Verify Changes

To confirm that custom scripts have been enabled, you can run the following command:

Get-PnPSite -Identity <SiteURL> | Select NoScriptSite

If the output shows False, custom scripts are enabled.

Important Considerations

Security Risks: Enabling custom scripts can expose your site to security vulnerabilities. Ensure that any scripts used are from trusted sources.
Organizational Policies: Check with your IT department, as some organizations may have policies against using custom scripts.
Reversion of Settings: Be aware that custom script settings may revert automatically based on your organization’s governance policies. Regularly check the settings to ensure they remain as intended.

Conclusion

Enabling custom scripts in SharePoint Online can greatly enhance the capabilities of your site. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can allow site owners to customize their sites effectively. However, always remain vigilant about security and compliance with organizational policies when using custom scripts