External or guest sharing in OneDrive, SharePoint, and Lists (2024)

If you want to secure your contentand get a link that only works for the people you invite, select Specific peoplein Link settings when creating the sharing link.

The recipients'experience depends on the settings you select when creating the sharing link, and the account they use to view the file.

Recipient doesn’t have a Microsoftaccount

The recipients won't need a Microsoftaccount. To access the content,OneDrive, SharePoint, or Lists sendsa one-time passcode to their email address to verify theiridentity. After they receive the code, they enter it into the verification screen to open the file.The content is secured and the link won’t work if it’s forwarded to others – it only works for people you specified when you shared.

External or guest sharing in OneDrive, SharePoint, and Lists (2)

External or guest sharing in OneDrive, SharePoint, and Lists (3)

Recipient has a Microsoftaccount

When someone who has aMicrosoftaccount wants to access the content, OneDrive,SharePoint, or Lists asks them to sign in to their account, and requests permission to view their name, email address, and photo to verify their identity.

Note that in some cases the recipient may need to follow the steps aboveand provide a passcodeinstead of signing in.

External or guest sharing in OneDrive, SharePoint, and Lists (4)

External or guest sharing in OneDrive, SharePoint, and Lists (5)

Tips:

When you’re done collaborating, or at any time, you can stop sharing and remove access to your files. ForOneDriveandSharePointselect the file then select Details > Manage access to stop sharing.For Lists, open the list and select the information icon in the top right corner, then selectManage access.
For added security for OneDrive and SharePoint files, you can remove editing permission and turn on Block download in Link settings.

If you want anyone who receives the sharing link to be able to access the content, select Anyone with the link option in Link settings. The recipients won't need a Microsoftaccount and can access the content without having to enter a passcode or sign in.

Caution:Recipients can forward the link to othersand anyone who receives the link will be able to view and access the content.

If you want to specify who receives the sharing link, select theSpecific people option in Link settings. The recipients need a Microsoftaccount to be able to access the content.