File Sharing Problems

Fix OneDrive Shared Link Repeatedly Requests Permission on Mac

Muhammad Talha Sep 25, 2026 869 views

Question details

A shared OneDrive folder repeatedly prompts the recipient to request access on their Mac, even after the folder owner has already approved the permission.

How to Fix OneDrive Shared Link Repeatedly Requesting Permission on Mac

Product: OneDrive / Microsoft 365 Business
Device & OS: macOS
Scenario: Sharing a OneDrive folder between Mac computers following a macOS reinstallation and Microsoft 365 Business configuration.
Observed behavior: The recipient is caught in an access loop where the shared link continually asks them to request permission, failing to recognize the previously granted access.

Before you start

Ensure the recipient is fully signed out of any secondary or personal Microsoft accounts on their Mac browser, as conflicting logins often trigger permission loops.

Solution 1Recommended

Recreate the Shared Link with Direct Access

Deleting the glitched sharing link and creating a new one specifically tailored for the recipient's account resolves most permission loop errors.

When sharing configurations get corrupted, especially after system reinstalls or account re-authentications, the best approach is to revoke the old permissions entirely and establish a fresh connection.

Stop Sharing the Current Folder

Locate the affected folder in your OneDrive on Mac, right-click it, and select 'Manage Access'. Find the existing sharing link or the user's name, and remove their access to break the broken loop.

Generate a New Sharing Link

Click the 'Share' icon on the folder again. Instead of a general link, click on the link settings and select 'Specific people'.

Grant Direct Access

Enter the recipient's exact Microsoft 365 Business email address. This ensures the permission is tied directly to their account rather than a generic URL.

Verify Recipient Login

Have the recipient open the new link. Ask them to verify that the profile picture or account name in the top right corner matches the exact email address you shared the folder with.

Recreate the Shared Link with Direct Access

Access Restored: Once the direct access link is clicked with the correct account logged in, the folder should open immediately without prompting for permissions.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Seamless File Sharing and Collaboration

If OneDrive and Microsoft Office permission glitches are slowing down your workflow, consider switching to WPS Office. It offers a lightweight, highly compatible alternative for Mac users with straightforward cloud sharing features.

1. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Office and open the file you want to share with your team.
2. Click Share: Click the 'Share' button in the top right corner of the workspace.
3. Set Permissions Easily: Choose whether anyone with the link can view or edit, and instantly copy the link to share without complicated account restrictions.

Free and lightweight office suite for MacFully compatible with Microsoft Office formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx)Easy built-in cloud sharing without complex permission loopsFamiliar user interface for a quick and seamless migration

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my OneDrive link keep asking for permission after I approved it?

This usually occurs when the recipient is logged into a different Microsoft account in their browser than the one the folder was shared with. It can also happen if the sharing link cache is corrupted.

How do I share a OneDrive folder without requiring a login?

In the OneDrive sharing settings, change the access level to 'Anyone with the link'. This generates an anonymous link that lets anyone view or edit the folder without needing a Microsoft account.

Does reinstalling macOS mess up OneDrive permissions?

Reinstalling macOS itself does not change your cloud permissions. However, it requires you to sign back into the OneDrive app and Microsoft 365, which can sometimes cause syncing delays or require re-authentication for shared items.

Document & File Issues