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Fix OneDrive Anyone-Can-Edit Link Not Allowing Uploads
Question details
Users are unable to upload files or create folders using an 'Anyone can edit' OneDrive sharing link that previously worked, and are unexpectedly prompted to sign in.
- Product
- OneDrive (Microsoft 365 Personal)
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Collaborating and uploading files via an anonymous OneDrive sharing link.
- Observed behavior
- Visitors are prompted to sign in to upload files, but the sign-in button does not work. This affects both existing and newly created sharing links.
Ensure your Microsoft 365 subscription is active and that your OneDrive account has sufficient storage space available for new uploads.
Verify Permissions and Recreate the Sharing Link
Ensure the link is properly configured for anonymous editing and generate a fresh link to rule out corruption or expired permissions.
Even if an existing link previously allowed uploads, backend updates to Microsoft 365 can occasionally invalidate older link tokens. Generating a new link with explicit edit permissions is the most reliable way to restore access.
Sign in to OneDrive via your web browser and locate the folder you want to share.
Right-click the folder and select 'Share' from the context menu.
Click the gear icon or link settings. Select 'Anyone with the link' and ensure the 'Allow editing' checkbox is ticked. Click 'Apply'.
Click 'Copy link' to generate the new URL. Open a Private or Incognito browser window, paste the link, and attempt to upload a test file without signing in.
Check for Unsupported Files and Clear Cache
Sometimes unsupported file types inside the folder or cached credentials in the visitor's browser can block anonymous uploads.
Review Microsoft Entra B2B or Admin Sharing Policies
If using a business, enterprise, or family plan managed by an admin, recent policy changes might require external guests to authenticate.
Try WPS Office for Seamless Cloud Collaboration
Having trouble with OneDrive sharing links and unexpected sign-in walls? Switch to WPS Office, a free and lightweight alternative that offers highly compatible file formats, an intuitive interface, and built-in WPS Cloud for hassle-free file sharing and collaboration.
- 1. Save to WPS Cloud: Open WPS Office, create or open your document, and save it directly to your built-in WPS Cloud storage.
- 2. Generate a Share Link: Click the 'Share' button in the top right corner of the workspace.
- 3. Set Permissions: Select 'Anyone with the link', set the permission to 'Editor', and copy the link to share freely with your team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my OneDrive 'Anyone with the link' prompting for sign-in?
This usually happens if Microsoft has updated its backend security policies, if the link has expired, or if Microsoft Entra B2B integration has been enabled by an administrator, forcing external guests to authenticate before uploading files.
How do I enable anonymous file uploads in OneDrive?
When generating a share link, click the settings gear on the sharing dialog, select the 'Anyone' option, and ensure you check the 'Allow editing' box before applying the changes and copying the link.
Can I share a OneDrive folder without requiring visitors to have a Microsoft account?
Yes, by using the 'Anyone with the link' option. However, if your organizational policies or recent Microsoft security updates restrict anonymous sharing, visitors will be forced to create or sign in with a Microsoft account.
Why does the sign-in button not work when my external users try to upload?
A non-functional sign-in button on a sharing link page is often a browser cache issue or a temporary glitch with Microsoft's authentication servers. Ask the user to open the link in a private/incognito browsing window.
