'%3e%3cpath%20d='M8%200C12.4183%200%2016%203.58172%2016%208C16%2012.4183%2012.4183%2016%208%2016C3.58172%2016%200%2012.4183%200%208C0%203.58172%203.58172%200%208%200ZM11.6162%204.38379C11.2257%203.99337%2010.5927%203.99338%2010.2021%204.38379L8%206.58594L5.79785%204.38379C5.40732%203.99334%204.77429%203.99329%204.38379%204.38379C3.99331%204.77429%203.99335%205.40733%204.38379%205.79785L6.58594%208L4.38379%2010.2021C3.99348%2010.5927%203.99341%2011.2257%204.38379%2011.6162C4.77426%2012.0066%205.40734%2012.0065%205.79785%2011.6162L8%209.41406L10.2021%2011.6162C10.5927%2012.0066%2011.2257%2012.0067%2011.6162%2011.6162C12.0067%2011.2257%2012.0066%2010.5927%2011.6162%2010.2021L9.41406%208L11.6162%205.79785C12.0066%205.40735%2012.0066%204.77429%2011.6162%204.38379Z'%20fill='%23080E17'%20fill-opacity='0.46'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0_3761_713'%3e%3crect%20width='16'%20height='16'%20fill='white'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
Fix SharePoint Files Not Inheriting Anyone Sharing Links After Move
Question details
Users need a way to ensure files moved to a SharePoint folder inherit the destination's "Anyone" sharing link permissions rather than keeping restricted settings.
- Product
- SharePoint, Power Automate
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Moving files into a destination SharePoint folder that is configured with "Anyone" sharing links using Power Automate or the "Move to" option.
- Observed behavior
- Moved files fail to inherit the destination folder's "Anyone" sharing configuration and incorrectly retain the default "Only the people you specify" sharing setting.
Ensure you have Site Owner or administrative permissions in the destination SharePoint library and sufficient licensing to create workflows in Power Automate.
Automate Link Generation Using Power Automate
Since SharePoint does not natively force "Anyone" link inheritance for moved files, you can use Power Automate to generate the link and save it directly into the file's properties.
This workaround involves creating a dedicated column in your document library to store the link, and configuring a flow that triggers whenever a new file arrives.
Navigate to your destination SharePoint document library. Click on 'Add column', select 'Hyperlink' from the options, and name it something identifiable like 'Anyone link'.
Open Power Automate and create a new Automated Cloud Flow. Set the trigger to activate when a file is created or modified in your specific SharePoint folder.
Add a new action called 'Create sharing link for a file or folder'. Configure the link type to 'Anyone' to ensure anonymous access is generated for the moved file.
Add the 'Update file properties' action to your flow. Map the sharing URL generated in the previous step into the newly created 'Anyone link' Hyperlink column.
Looking for simpler document management and sharing? Try WPS Office.
If managing complex SharePoint permissions and Power Automate workflows is slowing you down, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Office, complete with straightforward cloud collaboration and document sharing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why doesn't the SharePoint "Move to" function inherit folder sharing settings?
By default, SharePoint's "Move to" function retains the original item-level permissions (such as "Only the people you specify") to prevent accidental data exposure. It prioritizes the file's original security scope over the generalized link settings of the destination folder.
Can I change this inheritance behavior in the SharePoint admin center?
No, currently there is no native toggle or setting in the SharePoint Admin Center to force files moved via the UI to automatically inherit "Anyone" sharing links. Automating link creation is the required workaround.
Does an "Anyone" sharing link require a Microsoft account to view?
No. An "Anyone" link provides anonymous access, meaning the recipient does not need to sign in with a Microsoft account to view or edit the file, depending on how the link permissions are configured.
Will this Power Automate workaround also function for copied files?
Yes. If you configure your Power Automate flow trigger to run "When a file is created (properties only)", it will execute and generate an "Anyone" link whether the file is moved, uploaded, or copied into the folder.
