Share and Unshare Files and Folders in OneDrive

Sharing Files in OneDrive | Stop Sharing Files in OneDrive

Sharing Files in OneDrive

  1. Go to the OneDrive website and sign in with your Microsoft account or your work or school account.
  2. Pick the files or folders you want to share by selecting its circle icon. Note: Sharing multiple items at the same time is not available for OneDrive for work or school accounts.
    1. If you're using List view, select the circle on the left side of the item. You can also pick multiple items to share them together.
    2. If you're using Tiles view, select the circle in the top right corner of the item. You can also pick multiple items to share them together.
  3. Select Share Share icon at the top of the page. shared settings screenshot one version two

    Notes:

    • If the selected file or folder is shared with someone already, there is a Shared with list at the bottom. Each image is either the profile photo of an individual or the initials of a group that the file has been shared with. If you want to edit the access level for an individual or group, select a photo or group initials to open Manage Access.
    • If the selected file or folder isn't currently shared with someone, there won't be a Shared with list.
  4. Select Copy Link to copy the link.

    Note: Depending on settings set by your administrator, you may have different default settings. For example, this button could also say People in <Your Organization> can edit.

    sharing settings screenshot one.png

  5. To change the link permissions, select settings:

    Note: If a sharing option has been greyed out, your organization's admins may have restricted them. For example, they may choose to disable the Anyone option to prevent usable links being forwarded to others outside your organization.

    • Anyone gives access to anyone who receives this link, whether they receive it directly from you or forwarded from someone else. This may include people outside of your organization.
    • People in <Your Organization> with the link gives anyone in your organization who has the link access to the file, whether they receive it directly from you or forwarded from someone else.
    • People with existing access can be used by people who already have access to the document or folder. It does not change any permissions. Use this if you just want to send a link to somebody who already has access.

    • Specific people gives access only to the people you specify, although other people may already have access. If people forward the sharing invitation, only people who already have access to the item will be able to use the link.

      Note: When sharing to a security or Microsoft 365 group with a "People in <Your Organization>" link, recipients must click on the link before they can access the item.

  6. Under Other settings, you can set any of the following options:
    • Allow editing lets people who are signed in with a Microsoft Account edit the files or folders they have access to. If you're sharing a folder, people with Edit permissions can copy, move, edit, rename, share, and delete anything in the folder they have access to. Unchecking this box means that people can view, copy, or download your items without signing in. They can also forward the link to other people. However, they cannot make changes to the version on your OneDrive.
      Notes:
      • Allow editing is turned on by default.
      • You can also set editing permissions on the previous screen by selecting the pencil icon to the right of the names you're sharing the file with.
    • Block download prevents people from downloading the file or folders they have access to. Unchecking this box means that people can download the files onto their devices.
    • Set expiration date lets you set a date for the link to expire. After the date you set, the link won't work anymore and you will need to create a new link for users requiring access to your file or folder.

      Notes:

      • Only available to Microsoft 365 subscribers.
      • You can set expiration date for OneDrive folders only to Anyone sharing.
    • Set password lets you set a password to access the file. When a user clicks the link, they will be prompted to enter a password before they can access the file. You'll need to provide this password separately to anyone you want to share the file with.

      Notes:

      • Only available to Microsoft 365 subscribers.
      • You can set password for OneDrive folders only to Anyone sharing.
    • Open in review mode only limits people to leaving comments and making suggestions on the file. Notes:
      • Only Word documents / files have this permission option.
      • If someone already has editing permissions for the document, selecting Open in review mode only will not prevent them from making edits. For them, the document will open in edit mode.
  7. Once you have set all your link settings and permissions, select Apply.
  8. Select Copy and then select Send.

    Note: "https://1drv.ms” is the shortened URL for OneDrive. Shortened URLs are useful for sharing via Twitter.

  9. Paste the link and send the link where you want to send it, like an email, message, or post.

Source: Microsoft article entitled Share OneDrive files and folders

Stop Sharing Files in OneDrive

  1. Select the file or folder you want to stop sharing.
  2. Select Information in the upper-right corner to open the Details pane. Note: (The Information icon is just below your profile picture. If you don't see it, make sure you only have one file or folder selected - it won't display if you have multiple items selected.)
  3. On the Details pane, under the Has Access header, you'll see the People icon, the Links icon, and/or the Email icon. These options vary depending on how you have shared the file or folder. Select Manage access and:
    • To stop sharing the file entirely, click Stop sharing.
    • To delete a sharing link, click the ... next to the link, then click the X next to the link to remove it. (You'll get a prompt asking you if you're sure you want to delete the link - if so, click Delete link.
    • To stop sharing with specific people, expand the list under a specific people link and click the X to remove someone.
    • To change permissions or stop sharing with someone who has direct access, under Direct Access, click the dropdown next to the person's name and choose the option that you want.​​​​​​

Source: Microsoft: Stop sharing OneDrive or SharePoint files or folders, or change permissions

Print Article

Related Articles (2)

SharePoint is a suite of tools that allow for online collaboration including file sharing, data storage and retrieval, and workflow processes.
Loading...