SharePoint Designer 2013 Compatibility Issues with Office 2016: Understanding why SharePoint Designer 2013 cannot coexist with Office 2016

SharePoint Designer 2013, a popular tool for customizing SharePoint sites, is often used in tandem with other Microsoft Office products. However, when working in environments where Office 2016 is installed, users may encounter compatibility issues. The core problem stems from the fact that SharePoint Designer 2013 cannot always seamlessly integrate with Office 2016’s components or features. Common issues include difficulty opening or editing files, authentication failures, and occasional UI inconsistencies.

One significant cause lies in the shift between 32-bit and 64-bit program versions, and the differences in DLL (Dynamic Link Library) dependencies across Office releases. For instance, Office 2016 may update or replace libraries that SharePoint Designer 2013 expects, resulting in loss of certain functionalities such as workflow editing or direct file management. Additionally, changes to authentication and security protocols in later versions of Office and SharePoint Online can lead to connection errors when using Designer 2013.

As a designer, I advise users to ensure both products are either both 32-bit or both 64-bit versions to minimize DLL conflicts. Always keep SharePoint Designer 2013 updated with the latest patches from Microsoft to improve compatibility. When issues persist, consider running SharePoint Designer 2013 in compatibility mode, or dedicate a separate machine or virtual environment for legacy SharePoint customizations. This approach mirrors how I would manage version-sensitive design files: by carefully controlling my digital tools’ ecosystems for optimal interoperability.

For those looking to modernize legacy SharePoint sites or transition toward more current platforms, utilizing an advanced Home Designer workflow can offer inspiration for planning seamless upgrades or complete redesigns, ensuring your digital workspace matches contemporary productivity and aesthetic standards.

Tips 1:

Regularly back up your SharePoint site and any workflows before editing with SharePoint Designer 2013 when paired with Office 2016. If possible, test customizations in a non-production environment to avoid wider disruptions.

FAQ

Q: Can I use SharePoint Designer 2013 with Office 2016 without issues?

A: While basic operations may work, you may encounter integration and authentication problems, particularly with workflow editing and opening SharePoint content.

Q: How do I resolve DLL conflict issues between SharePoint Designer 2013 and Office 2016?

A: Ensure both applications are using the same bit version (32-bit or 64-bit) and apply all the latest updates for each product.

Q: Why can’t I edit workflows after upgrading Office to 2016?

A: Workflow editing depends on underlying Office components that may have changed or become incompatible in Office 2016. Try compatibility mode or consider using legacy environments for edits.

Q: Is there a way to overcome authentication errors in SharePoint Designer 2013 with SharePoint Online and Office 2016?

A: Use updated authentication methods and consider enabling legacy authentication protocols if security allows, though long-term, migrating to supported tools is recommended.

Q: What’s the best practice for managing SharePoint customizations in a mixed-version environment?

A: Maintain isolated environments for legacy editing, keep thorough backups, and plan for gradual transition to modern, compatible platforms or cloud-based design solutions.