File Sharing Problems

Fix 'Unable to Get the Link' Error When Sharing a SharePoint File

Huda Qurayshi Oct 9, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user is unable to generate a sharing link for a specific file in SharePoint or OneDrive, receiving an error message even though other files share correctly.

Fix 'Unable to Get the Link' Error When Sharing a SharePoint File

Product: SharePoint and OneDrive for Business
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to share a file and generate a sharing link via the SharePoint web interface, OneDrive sync folder, or Office applications.
Observed behavior: The system displays 'Unable to get the link' or 'Error creating link. Please try again later.' for the specific file, preventing the user from sharing it.

Before you start

Ensure you have a stable internet connection and verify if the issue is isolated to a single file, a specific folder, or the entire SharePoint site collection.

Solution 1Recommended

Deactivate Limited-Access User Permission Lockdown Mode

This site collection feature restricts users with limited access permissions from generating links, frequently causing sharing errors in SharePoint Online.

In SharePoint Online and OneDrive for Business, the 'Limited-access user permission lockdown mode' is designed to increase security. However, when activated, it can inadvertently interfere with link-generation processes for files and folders.

Open Site Settings

Navigate to the top-level SharePoint site, click the Gear icon (Settings) in the top right corner, and select 'Site information' followed by 'View all site settings'.

Access Site Collection Features

Under the 'Site Collection Administration' section, click on the 'Site collection features' link.

Deactivate the Feature

Scroll down to locate 'Limited-access user permission lockdown mode'. Click the 'Deactivate' button next to it.

Confirm and Test

Confirm the deactivation when prompted. Return to your document library and attempt to generate the sharing link again.

Deactivate Limited-Access User Permission Lockdown Mode

Administrator Rights Required: You must have Site Collection Administrator privileges to view and modify site collection features. If you cannot see this option, contact your IT department.

Solution 2

Verify File Permissions and Inheritance

The affected file may have broken permission inheritance or specific sharing restrictions applied to it.

Solution 3

Test Alternative Platforms and Check Restrictions

Isolate whether the error is caused by a localized application glitch, browser cache, or global sensitivity labels.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does SharePoint display 'Error creating link' for only one specific file?

This usually occurs when the specific file has broken permission inheritance, is checked out by another user, or has restrictive sensitivity labels applied that override the default folder sharing permissions.

What is 'Limited-access user permission lockdown mode'?

It is a site collection security feature in SharePoint. When enabled, it prevents users who only have 'limited access' from viewing application pages or generating certain sharing links. Deactivating it is a common fix for link generation errors.

Does this sharing error affect OneDrive for Business folders?

Yes. Because OneDrive for Business operates on the SharePoint backend, the same permission conflicts and lockdown mode settings can cause 'Unable to get the link' errors in your synced OneDrive files.

How can an administrator investigate persistent link creation errors?

Administrators should review the global external sharing settings in the SharePoint Admin Center, check the specific file's sensitivity labels, and examine the Microsoft 365 audit logs to identify the exact policy blocking the link generation.

Document & File Issues