Permission & Access Issues

Fix Cannot Open Files Shared from One Colleague's OneDrive

WPS Content Manager Sep 27, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is unable to open files shared by one specific colleague via OneDrive due to permission errors.

How to Fix Permission Errors When Opening Files Shared from a Colleague's OneDrive

Product: Microsoft 365 / OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to access and open a document shared through a colleague's OneDrive link.
Observed behavior: The system displays a permission error and denies access to the file, even though files shared by other colleagues open without any issues.

Before you start

Verify with your colleague that the file hasn't been deleted or moved, and ensure your internet connection is stable. Because this issue often stems from backend server caching, be prepared to contact your IT department or Microsoft 365 administrator.

Solution 1Recommended

Contact an Administrator to Clear Stale User Information

The most effective solution is for a Microsoft 365 administrator to remove outdated or conflicting user information from the SharePoint admin center.

When you can open files from everyone except one specific person, the issue is typically caused by stale account data or site-user caching within that specific colleague's SharePoint/OneDrive environment. Standard users cannot fix this backend issue themselves.

Contact Your IT Admin

Reach out to your organization's Microsoft 365 administrator and explain that you are receiving permission errors exclusively from one colleague's shared links.

Admin Reviews SharePoint Permissions

The administrator will log into the SharePoint admin center and navigate to the sharing settings for that specific colleague's OneDrive site.

Remove Stale User Data

The administrator must locate your profile in the SharePoint User Information list for that site and remove the stale or duplicated user entry.

Reshare the File

Once the backend data is cleared, ask your colleague to generate a new sharing link from their OneDrive and send it to you.

Contact an Administrator to Clear Stale User Information

Administrator Privileges Required: These actions modify site collection user data and must be performed carefully by an authorized Microsoft 365 administrator.

Solution 2

Clear Local Browser Cache and Cookies

Before escalating the issue to an administrator, clearing your browser's cache can resolve local authentication loops that might be causing the permission error.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why can I open files from other colleagues but not this specific one?

This happens when your user profile information becomes corrupted, stale, or duplicated within that specific colleague's OneDrive/SharePoint environment. Because each user's OneDrive acts as its own site collection, the corruption only affects links shared from that specific account.

Do I need administrator rights to fix this SharePoint permission error?

Yes, standard users cannot access the backend SharePoint User Information list required to resolve this specific caching conflict. You will need to contact your organization's Microsoft 365 administrator to clear the stale data.

Will clearing my browser cache delete my saved passwords?

It depends on your selections. When clearing your browser data, make sure to uncheck the 'Passwords and other sign-in data' box. Only check 'Cookies and other site data' and 'Cached images and files' to keep your passwords safe.

Document & File Issues