Fix OneDrive Request Files Failing for Signed-In Users
Question details
Users are unable to upload files using OneDrive Request Files links when signed into their accounts, encountering 'unauthenticated' or 'invalidRequestDigest' errors.
- Product
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Uploading files via a OneDrive Request Files link while authenticated.
- Observed behavior
- The upload fails for signed-in users with authentication errors, but successfully processes the upload when using a private browser window as an anonymous user.
Ensure you have your organization's IT helpdesk or Microsoft 365 administrator contact information ready, as persistent backend issues will require their intervention.
Clear Browser Cache or Use a Private Window
Since the file request link works for anonymous users, clearing corrupted cookies or using an incognito window provides an immediate workaround.
Browser cache and cookies can sometimes corrupt your current Microsoft 365 sign-in session, triggering the 'invalidRequestDigest' error. Bypassing this session allows the upload to proceed anonymously.
Click the menu icon (usually three dots or lines in the top right corner) of your web browser and select 'Settings'.
Navigate to the 'Privacy and security' section and choose 'Clear browsing data'. Select cookies and cached files, then confirm.
If clearing the cache fails, right-click your browser icon and select 'New Private Window' or 'New Incognito Window', then paste the OneDrive Request Files link there.
Escalate to Microsoft Support via Your IT Administrator
If clearing the cache does not resolve the issue for signed-in users, this indicates a backend service problem that requires Microsoft's investigation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the invalidRequestDigest error mean in OneDrive?
This error typically occurs when the secure authentication token between your browser and the SharePoint or OneDrive server expires, becomes mismatched, or is corrupted, preventing the server from verifying your signed-in session during the upload.
Why does the OneDrive file request link work in an incognito window?
An incognito or private browsing window ignores your active Microsoft 365 sign-in sessions and cookies. If the file request link was configured to allow anonymous uploads, bypassing the broken authenticated session allows the server to process the upload successfully.
Can anyone upload files to a OneDrive request link?
Yes, provided the person who created the link enabled anonymous access. Anyone with the direct file request link can securely upload files to the designated folder without being able to view or edit the folder's existing contents.
