Creating a OneDrive link is a great way to share files with others, but it's essential to do so safely. You can create a link that allows others to view and edit your files, or one that only allows them to view.
To create a link that allows viewing and editing, you need to select the file or folder you want to share and click on the "Get a link" button. This will generate a link that can be shared via email, messaging apps, or social media.
Sharing files with others can be a bit tricky, so it's crucial to set the right permissions. You can choose to give others edit access, view access, or co-authoring access, depending on your needs.
Take a look at this: How Do You Give Onedrive Access to Your Device Storage
Share Files
To share files, you can use the OneDrive app on your iOS or Android device. You can also access the OneDrive website via any internet web browser on Mac, Windows, iOS, or Android.
To share a file or folder using the OneDrive app, long tap on the file or folder for about two seconds. This will reveal the option to select more files or folders, as well as the share icon.
Selecting the share icon will allow you to share the file with others using social media apps or by copying the link to the file. You can also select Copy Link to copy the link to the file to your clipboard, then paste it into any app you wish.
Alternatively, you can share a file or folder by selecting the file or folder, pressing it for a couple of seconds, and then selecting the share icon. From the drop-down menu, you can select whether you want the person you're sharing the file with to be able to edit the file or simply view it.
To share a file or folder using the OneDrive website, find the file or folder you want to share and right-click it. A menu should appear, and from this menu, select Share.
You can also share files using a link, which can be generated by clicking the Share button on the right beside the file or folder name. From the Send link pop-up, you can configure whether you would like to change access settings, such as allowing editing or blocking download.
Intriguing read: Copy Link
Here are some options to consider when sharing files:
- Share with a link: You generate a link and send it to the other users
- Share with specific people: You specify the users who would be given access to your files and folders
- Allow editing: Allow the other user with a Microsoft account to edit your file
- Block download: Prevents people from downloading the files or folders they have access to
- Set expiration date: Set a link expiration date for when you want the link to stop working
- Set password: Your set password would be prompted before the other user can access the file
- Open in review mode only: Limits people to leaving comments and making suggestions in the file
External Sharing: Anyone with Link
To share your OneDrive files and folders with anyone, regardless of whether they have a Microsoft account or not, you can use the "Anyone with the link" option. This allows you to share your files and folders with a wider set of users.
You can find this option by clicking on the "Anyone" option when you're sharing a file or folder, and it will give you three options for the level of access: Can edit, Can review, and Can view.
If you want to share your file or folder with anyone, even without a Microsoft account, you can select the "Anyone with the link" option and configure the access settings accordingly. You can also copy the link directly and share it with others through social media or text.
However, keep in mind that even if you set up a link expiration or a one-time passcode or password, the users can still forward the link to others. They can also send them the password so those other users can see or access the shared file/folder.
If the "Anyone with the link" option is greyed out, you need to configure your site collection's external sharing settings first.
Curious to learn more? Check out: How to Create a File in Google Drive
Security
To create a OneDrive link with an extra layer of security, you can choose to share with specific people. This option gives you more control over who can access your files.
Microsoft 365 subscribers have access to advanced, secured, and controlled sharing options. This includes the ability to assign a unique password to the shared file or folder, making it more difficult for unauthorized users to access.
To use this feature, simply click on the sharing control for your desired file or folder to open the Sharing dialog box. From there, you can select the edit dropdown control and choose the "Sharing settings" option.
Here are the steps to assign a password and expiration date to your shared file or folder:
- Click on the sharing control for your desired file or folder to open the Sharing dialog box.
- Select the edit dropdown control, and then select Sharing settings.
- Choose the Expiration option to specify a date when the link will expire (making the file or folder inaccessible).
- Use the Password option to assign a unique password that recipients must enter to access the shared file or folder.
This way, you can ensure that only those you've explicitly invited can access the shared content, even if they forward the link to others.
Sources
- https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/share-files-and-folders-in-onedrive-personal-3fcefa26-1371-401e-8c04-589de81ed5eb
- https://www.mrsharepoint.guru/how-to-share-files-on-onedrive-with-external-users/
- https://www.avepoint.com/blog/microsoft-365/onedrive-external-users
- https://www.lifewire.com/best-ways-to-use-onedrive-sharing-4175397
- https://doc.arcgis.com/en/insights/latest/get-started/create-onedrive-connection.htm
Featured Images: pexels.com
