File Sharing Problems

Fix OneDrive 'Anyone with the Link' Requires Sign-In

Maira Mehtab Sep 20, 2026 868 views

Question details

External users are unexpectedly prompted to sign in when accessing a OneDrive folder shared with an 'Anyone with the link' permission, preventing them from anonymously uploading or editing files.

Product: OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Sharing a OneDrive folder using an anonymous link so that external users can seamlessly upload files or create folders without needing a Microsoft account.
Observed behavior: Recipients are redirected to a Microsoft sign-in page instead of being granted immediate, anonymous access to upload files or create folders.

Before you start

Verify that the shared folder link was specifically generated with the 'Anyone with the link' permission and that the 'Allow editing' checkbox was selected before sending it to the recipients.

Solution 1Recommended

Recreate the Sharing Link with a Copied Folder

Generating a fresh link from a newly copied folder can resolve backend permission glitches associated with the original folder.

Sometimes, previous sharing settings or cached permissions on the original folder can conflict with new anonymous sharing configurations.

Copy the Original Folder

Right-click the problematic folder in your OneDrive and select 'Copy to', then choose a new destination to create a duplicate.

Generate a New Sharing Link

Right-click the newly copied folder, select 'Share', and ensure the permission is set to 'Anyone with the link'.

Enable Editing and Share

Check the 'Allow editing' box, click 'Apply', copy the new link, and send it to your recipients to test if the sign-in prompt is bypassed.

Clean Permissions: Creating a copy ensures the new folder starts with completely fresh metadata and sharing permissions.

Solution 2

Open the Shared Link in an Incognito or Private Window

This prevents the recipient's browser from trying to automatically authenticate using cached Microsoft accounts.

Solution 3

Clear Browser Cache and Cookies

Clearing the browser cache removes conflicting session data that might trigger unnecessary sign-in redirects.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does an anonymous OneDrive link still ask for a Microsoft login?

This usually happens due to conflicting cached credentials in the recipient's browser, strict organizational sharing policies set by an IT admin, or Microsoft's automated security flags temporarily enforcing authentication.

How can I guarantee a user can edit my shared OneDrive file anonymously?

Ensure you explicitly check the 'Allow editing' option when creating the 'Anyone with the link' URL. Additionally, having the recipient open the link in a private/incognito browsing window is the most reliable way to bypass cached account conflicts.

Can external users upload files to a shared OneDrive folder without an account?

Yes, if the folder is shared using the 'Anyone with the link' setting and the 'Allow editing' permission is granted, external users should be able to upload files and create new folders without needing a Microsoft account.

Document & File Issues