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Fix Anonymous Users Cannot Upload Files via OneDrive Anyone Link
Question details
Anonymous users with an 'Anyone' sharing link are unable to upload files to a shared OneDrive for Business folder, despite being able to create new folders.
- Product
- OneDrive for Business
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- An external or anonymous user attempts to upload files into a shared OneDrive for Business folder using a public sharing link.
- Observed behavior
- The external user can successfully create new folders within the shared directory, but attempting to upload files fails, potentially due to a recent OneDrive interface change.
Ensure that the sharing link was explicitly generated with 'Allow editing' permissions, as view-only links will intentionally block file uploads.
Use the Drag and Drop Method for File Uploads
Bypass potential interface bugs with the OneDrive web upload button by manually dragging files into the browser window.
Recent updates to the OneDrive web interface can sometimes cause the standard 'Upload' button to malfunction for anonymous users. Using the native drag-and-drop feature of modern web browsers often forces the upload API to bypass this interface glitch.
Have the external user open the 'Anyone with the link' URL in a modern web browser like Chrome, Edge, or Firefox.
Open File Explorer (on Windows) or Finder (on Mac) and locate the files or documents that need to be uploaded.
Click and hold the selected files, drag them over the open OneDrive shared folder in the web browser, and release the mouse button to initiate the upload.
Try WPS Office for Seamless File Sharing and Collaboration
Avoid complicated sharing permissions and cloud interface bugs. WPS Office offers a free, lightweight suite with integrated cloud storage, making it incredibly easy to share documents and collaborate with anyone.
- 1. Download and Install: Get WPS Office for free from the official website and install it on your PC or mobile device.
- 2. Save to WPS Cloud: Open or create your document and save it directly to your integrated WPS Cloud space.
- 3. Generate a Sharing Link: Click the 'Share' button in the top right corner and set the permission to allow anyone with the link to edit.
- 4. Collaborate Instantly: Send the link to your team or external partners so they can easily view, edit, and upload modifications without encountering restrictive interface errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can users create folders but not upload files in my shared OneDrive link?
This specific behavior is usually caused by an interface bug or a recent backend update in OneDrive's sharing settings where directory creation permissions are processed correctly, but file upload scripts fail for non-authenticated (anonymous) users.
Do external users need a Microsoft account to upload files?
If the shared link is set to 'Anyone with the link' and explicitly allows editing, external users do not technically need a Microsoft account. However, signing into a free Microsoft account often bypasses anonymous interface bugs.
How do I verify my OneDrive link allows file uploads?
When generating the sharing link, click on the sharing settings gear icon, select 'Anyone with the link', and ensure the 'Allow editing' checkbox is ticked before applying the settings and copying the link.
