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Fix SharePoint Guest Users Asked to Sign In with Anyone Links
Question details
External users are being prompted to sign in or activate a passkey when attempting to access SharePoint files via an 'Anyone' sharing link.
- Product
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Sharing SharePoint files or folders with external users (like Gmail or personal accounts) using anonymous 'Anyone' links.
- Observed behavior
- Instead of granting anonymous access, SharePoint forces the external user to sign in, states the user does not exist, or requires passkey activation.
Verify that your Microsoft 365 organization's global external sharing settings allow 'Anyone' links for the specific SharePoint site you are using.
Submit a Microsoft Support Request for Backend Issues
If tenant settings are correctly configured for anonymous sharing but the issue persists, a backend configuration glitch is likely the cause and requires Microsoft's intervention.
In many cases, the Anyone link still requires users to sign in due to backend tenant issues rather than user error. Microsoft 365 administrators must request Microsoft support to investigate the backend configuration.
Sign in to the Microsoft 365 Admin Center using an administrator account.
Click on 'Support' in the left navigation menu, then select 'Help & support'.
Type a brief description of the issue, mentioning that 'Anyone links are forcing guest users to sign in' and follow the prompts to open a new service request.
Test by Adding the User as a Guest in the Admin Center
Manually adding the external user's email address as a guest in Azure AD/Microsoft 365 can help bypass the link sharing glitch for specific users.
Verify and Re-create the Anyone Sharing Link
Ensure the sharing link was generated with the correct parameters to allow anonymous access.
Try WPS Office for Seamless Document Sharing
If Microsoft 365 backend issues are disrupting your external sharing capabilities, consider WPS Office as a lightweight, user-friendly alternative. It allows you to create, edit, and share documents effortlessly without complex tenant configurations.
- 1. Download and Install WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website, download the free version, and install it on your device.
- 2. Create or Open a Document: Launch WPS Office and easily open your existing Microsoft Office files or create a new document.
- 3. Share with a Link: Click the 'Share' button in the top right corner to generate a secure link that anyone can open without jumping through login hoops.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does an Anyone link ask for a passkey?
This usually occurs due to a backend tenant glitch or highly restrictive Azure AD external collaboration settings that override the local SharePoint anonymous link settings.
Can I share a SharePoint folder with a Gmail account?
Yes, SharePoint allows sharing with Gmail accounts. If an 'Anyone' link unexpectedly prompts them to sign in, generating a direct guest invitation through the admin center may serve as a workaround.
Does changing external sharing policies affect existing links?
Yes. If an administrator restricts external sharing at the tenant or site level, previously created 'Anyone' links may instantly stop working or begin prompting users to sign in.
