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Fix Missing Upload Button in OneDrive Anyone Link for External Users
Question details
External guests using an 'Anyone with the link can edit' link in OneDrive for Business are unable to see the Upload button, although they can create folders.
- Product
- OneDrive for Business
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- An external user is trying to upload files to a shared OneDrive folder using an anonymous edit link.
- Observed behavior
- The Upload button is missing from the interface, preventing standard file uploads via the menu, while folder creation remains functional.
Verify that the shared OneDrive link was created with 'Allow editing' permissions enabled, as view-only links will naturally hide all upload capabilities.
Use Drag and Drop to Upload Files
A quick workaround to bypass the missing Upload button by dragging files directly into the browser window.
Even though the visual Upload button may be missing due to a UI glitch, the underlying upload functionality remains active for users with editing permissions. You can use the native drag-and-drop feature of modern web browsers.
Click the 'Anyone with the link' URL provided by the folder owner to open the shared OneDrive folder in your web browser.
Open File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac) and locate the files or folders you want to upload.
Select the files, drag them over to your web browser window displaying the shared OneDrive folder, and release the mouse button to start the upload.
Report the Missing Button to Microsoft Support
Since this is a known UI glitch in OneDrive for Business, submitting feedback helps Microsoft prioritize a fix.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Upload button missing in my shared OneDrive folder?
This is a known bug in OneDrive for Business where external guests using 'Anyone with the link' URLs experience a missing UI button. The folder's permissions allow editing, but the interface fails to render the button.
Can guests upload folders if the Upload button is missing?
Yes, if the guest has editing permissions, they can bypass the missing button by dragging and dropping entire folders directly from their computer into the web browser interface.
Does this issue happen with all OneDrive shared links?
No, it typically affects 'Anyone with the link can edit' links in OneDrive for Business. Authenticated users inside the organization or those with specific email-invited access usually see the Upload button correctly.
