How to Allow Adding Files Without Editing in OneDrive Shared Folders
Question details
The user needs to share a OneDrive folder and grant permissions that allow recipients to add new files, but restrict them from editing or deleting the files already present in the folder.
- Product
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Sharing a folder via a link to collect files from guests or colleagues while protecting existing folder contents from being modified.
- Observed behavior
- Standard OneDrive sharing only provides "View" or "Edit" access levels. Granting "Edit" access allows users to upload files, but simultaneously grants them rights to edit and modify existing files in the shared folder.
Verify whether you are using a personal OneDrive account or OneDrive for Business, as custom granular permission levels are only available in business environments linked to SharePoint.
Use SharePoint Custom Permission Levels
Create a custom SharePoint permission level that allows adding items but restricts editing and deleting, then apply this level to your folder.
Since OneDrive for Business runs on SharePoint, you can utilize SharePoint's advanced permission settings to achieve this exact configuration. This method requires administrative or site owner access.
Open your SharePoint site linked to your OneDrive. Click the Settings gear icon in the top right, select 'Site permissions', and then click 'Advanced permissions settings' at the bottom.
Click on 'Permission Levels' in the ribbon. Click on the 'Contribute' or 'Edit' permission level, scroll to the bottom, and click 'Copy Permission Level'.
Name your new permission level (e.g., 'Add Only'). In the list permissions section, check 'Add Items' but explicitly uncheck 'Edit Items' and 'Delete Items'. Scroll down and click 'Create' to save.
Navigate back to the target folder in your document library. Click the three dots (More options) next to the folder, select 'Manage Access', click 'Advanced', select 'Stop Inheriting Permissions', and then assign your new 'Add Only' permission level to the specific users.
Use the "Request Files" Feature
Utilize OneDrive's native file request feature to create a blind drop-box where users can upload files without seeing or modifying the folder's contents.
Manually Downgrade Individual File Permissions
Share the main folder with "Edit" permissions so users can upload, but manually change the access level of existing files to "View Only".
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why doesn't standard OneDrive sharing allow adding without editing?
Native OneDrive link sharing is simplified into basic 'View' or 'Edit' modes to cater to general consumer use cases. The 'Edit' mode universally grants both upload and modification rights, requiring business users to rely on underlying SharePoint settings for more granular control.
Can I use custom permission levels on a free personal OneDrive account?
No, custom granular permission levels (like restricting edits while allowing additions) are only available in OneDrive for Business and SharePoint environments. Personal account users must use workarounds like the 'Request Files' feature.
If I use the 'Request files' feature, can the uploaders see what others have uploaded?
No, the 'Request files' feature creates a secure, blind drop-box. Uploaders can only add their own files to the folder and cannot see, edit, or delete any of the existing files uploaded by others or by you.
How do I stop someone from deleting files in a shared folder but still let them edit?
If you are using SharePoint or OneDrive for Business, you can duplicate the 'Edit' permission level to create a custom level, uncheck the 'Delete Items' option, and assign this new permission to your users. They will be able to modify documents but cannot permanently delete them.
