Sharing from OneDrive can be a bit tricky, but don't worry, I've got you covered. You can share files and folders with others in just a few clicks, and even control who can view, edit, or delete them.
To start, you can share files and folders by right-clicking on them and selecting "Get a link." This will generate a link that you can share with others, either by copying and pasting it or by sending it directly from OneDrive.
OneDrive allows you to set permissions for shared files and folders, so you can control what others can do with them. You can choose to allow others to edit or only view the file, or even restrict access to specific people or groups.
Sharing Files
Sharing files from OneDrive is a breeze, and with the right settings, you can control who has access to your files and for how long. Microsoft 365 Basic, Personal, or Family subscribers have access to advanced, secured, and controlled sharing options.
To share files and photos, click on the sharing control for your desired file or folder to open the Sharing dialog box. From there, you can select the edit drop down control and choose Sharing settings. You can also choose the Expiration option to specify a date when the link will expire.
Use the Password option to assign a unique password that recipients must enter to access the shared file or folder. This is especially useful for sensitive information. Remember to communicate this password to your intended recipients separately.
You can quickly see all of your content that's shared by logging into your account at OneDrive.com and navigating to the Shared view. This view lets you see all of your content that's shared, especially the content that you've shared with others.
OneDrive makes it easy to keep track of the content you've shared with friends, family, and collaborators. From the Shared view, simply click on the Sharing control to display the Sharing dialog box. From there, you can see who has access to your files and folders and update permissions as needed.
To share a OneDrive folder, it's recommended to share folders rather than files whenever possible, especially when you are providing Edit permissions. This way, the recipients will be able to add a shared folder to their own OneDrive and get it synced with their computers automatically.
Here are the steps to share a OneDrive folder:
- In your OneDrive, select the item(s) of interest, and click the Share button at the top of the page.
- In the dialog box that pops up, click Anyone with the link can edit, and then change the selection to Specific people.
- Choose whether to allow or not to allow editing, set the expiration date (optional), and click Apply.
- In the To field, enter the email addresses of the users you'd like to share your items with.
When you share a OneDrive folder, you can also add a message to the recipients if you wish. When done, click Send.
Sharing Permissions
Sharing permissions in OneDrive is a breeze. You can change permissions by right-clicking on a shared folder or file, navigating to OneDrive, and selecting Manage access.
To protect shared files using passwords and expiring links, Microsoft 365 Basic, Personal, or Family subscribers have access to advanced, secured, and controlled sharing options. Click on the sharing control for your desired file or folder to open the Sharing dialog box.
Select the edit drop down 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.
The permissions you set apply to all recipients. If you want to let some people edit and others only view, then you will have to repeat the above steps for two groups of users with different permissions.
Here are the different permission levels you can set:
- Can view (default) – the person can open and look at the document, but not make any edits.
- Can edit – the person can change the document in any way they choose.
- Can review (Word files only) - the person can insert comments or make tracked changes that the owner can decide to accept or reject.
You can also add a shared folder to your OneDrive Files list, making it easier to work with. To do this, select the folder and click Add shortcut to My files at the top of the page, or right-click the folder and pick this option.
Protecting Shared Files
Microsoft 365 Basic, Personal, or Family subscribers have access to advanced, secured, and controlled sharing options. This means you can rest assured that your shared files are safe.
To add an extra layer of security, you can assign a unique password that recipients must enter to access the shared file or folder. This password will need to be communicated to your intended recipients separately.
OneDrive makes it easy to keep track of the content you've shared with others. Simply log into your account at OneDrive.com, and in the left-side navigation area, you'll see a view called Shared. This view lets you quickly see all of your content that's shared.
From the Shared view, you can see who has access to your files and folders. Clicking on each name will open the advanced controls, allowing you to update permissions.
Here's a step-by-step guide to protect your shared files:
- Click on the sharing control for your desired file or folder to open the Sharing dialog box.
- Select the edit drop down 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.
Sharing Folders
Sharing folders is a great way to collaborate with others and keep your files organized. You can share folders instead of files, especially when you need to provide edit permissions.
Microsoft recommends sharing folders rather than files whenever possible, especially when you need to provide edit permissions. This way, the recipients will be able to add a shared folder to their own OneDrive and get it synced with their computers automatically.
To share a folder, simply right click on it and choose Share in the context menu. In the dialog box that pops up, pick the desired option.
You can add a shared folder to your My Files list by selecting it and clicking Add shortcut to My files at the top of the page, or by right-clicking the folder and picking this option. This will allow you to easily move files between your own folders and the shared folder.
Here are the steps to add a shared folder to My Files:
• Select the shared folder
• Click Add shortcut to My files
• Confirm that you have Edit permissions to the folder (on OneDrive for Business, View permissions are also sufficient)
Note that you can only add one folder at a time, and if the option is unavailable for a shared folder for which you have Edit level of access, it's likely because you've already added that folder to your OneDrive Files.
Other Sharing Options
OneDrive offers multiple ways to share files, making it easy to collaborate with others. All Pitt students, faculty, and staff have access to 5 terabytes of storage through their Microsoft 365 account.
You can share files with individuals or groups, and they don't need to have a OneDrive account to access the shared files.
Sharing a file is a safe and secure way to collaborate, eliminating the need to email files back and forth.
Empower Recipients
Sharing folders with Edit permissions gives recipients more control and collaboration options. They can add the shared folder to their own OneDrive.
This lets them keep the folder alongside their own folders and items, making it easier to move items between folders and work on it offline. Any updates they make sync with the shared folder, so everyone with access to the folder is up to date.
You can share a folder with a link or by email. To share a folder with a link, choose Get a link in the Share box and select Anyone with the link can edit this item.
To share a folder by email, choose Email and select Can edit in the Share box.
The recipient can add shared folders to their OneDrive, but not individual files. If you want them to add files to their OneDrive, put the files in a folder first and then share the folder.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I share OneDrive files to a non Microsoft account?
To share OneDrive files with non-Microsoft account holders, select "Anyone with the link" in Link settings, allowing them to access the content without a Microsoft account or sign-in. This option enables seamless sharing with anyone who has the link.
Sources
- https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/share-files-and-folders-in-onedrive-personal-3fcefa26-1371-401e-8c04-589de81ed5eb
- https://www.technology.pitt.edu/blog/onedrive-sharing
- https://cnltd.co.uk/share-onedrive-files-and-folders/
- https://www.ablebits.com/office-addins-blog/share-files-folders-onedrive/
- https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/share-files-in-onedrive-for-ios-0c0d26da-0e83-4ea0-981b-9802c8cc1bf3
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