'%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 Send Button Disabled When Sharing with Existing Users
Question details
Users are unable to send invitations because the Send button is disabled in the SharePoint sharing dialog, leaving only the option to copy the link.
- Product
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to share a file, folder, or site with existing users via the SharePoint sharing dialog.
- Observed behavior
- The "Send" button is greyed out and disabled within the sharing interface, only allowing the user to copy the sharing link instead of sending a direct email invitation.
Ensure you have Site Owner or Administrator permissions, as resolving this issue requires modifying site-level access request settings.
Enable 'Allow Access Requests' in SharePoint Settings
Site owners must verify and enable the access request setting so members can successfully send sharing requests.
When the 'Allow access requests' feature is disabled by an administrator, SharePoint restricts members from sending sharing invitations directly, which results in a disabled Send button.
Log in to your SharePoint site with an administrator or site owner account. Click the Gear icon (Settings) in the top right corner, select 'Site information', and then click 'View all site settings'.
Under the 'Users and Permissions' category on the Site Settings page, click on 'Site permissions'.
Look at the ribbon menu at the top of the Site permissions page and click on 'Access Request Settings'.
In the dialog box, check the box for 'Allow access requests'. Click 'OK' to save your changes. Return to your document or folder; the Send button in the sharing dialog should now be enabled.
Contact Microsoft Support for Backend Investigation
Use this solution if you have confirmed that the access request settings are already enabled but the Send button remains disabled.
Looking for a seamless, hassle-free alternative to Microsoft Office?
While complex SharePoint permissions often require Microsoft admin access and backend troubleshooting, everyday document collaboration shouldn't be this difficult. WPS Office offers a free, lightweight, and highly compatible office suite designed to simplify team collaboration.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installer for your operating system.
- 2. Install the Software: Run the downloaded setup file and follow the simple on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
- 3. Start Collaborating: Open any existing Office document and easily share it with colleagues using built-in, user-friendly cloud sharing features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can I only copy the link instead of sending an email invitation in SharePoint?
This behavior typically occurs because the site administrator has disabled the 'Allow access requests' setting. Disabling this restricts standard members from sending direct sharing invitations, leaving 'Copy link' as the only available option.
Can a regular member enable the SharePoint access request setting?
No. Modifying site sharing capabilities and access request settings requires Site Owner or Administrator privileges. Regular members must contact their admin to request this change.
Does the disabled Send button issue affect both internal and external users?
This specific behavior primarily affects sharing with existing internal users or guests already in your directory when access requests are turned off. External sharing involves separate tenant-level permission settings that may cause different sharing errors.
What should I do if the access request setting is enabled but the Send button is still greyed out?
If the toggle is active but the button remains disabled, it indicates a backend synchronization glitch in SharePoint. You will need to have your IT administrator contact Microsoft Support to investigate the backend data.
