Permission & Access Issues

How to Change Permissions on an Existing SharePoint Link

Camila Milosovich Oct 1, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to modify the access permissions of a SharePoint sharing link that has already been generated and shared with others.

How to Change Permissions on an Existing SharePoint Link

Product: SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Adjusting view or edit access levels for a shared document or folder in a SharePoint environment.
Observed behavior: Permissions on an existing SharePoint sharing link cannot be edited directly; users must remove the old link and create a new one to apply different permissions.

Before you start

Verify that you have Owner or Full Control permissions for the SharePoint file or folder, as you cannot manage access settings without the appropriate administrative rights.

Solution 1Recommended

Remove the Existing Link and Generate a New One

Because SharePoint locks link permissions at the time of creation, the only way to alter access is to delete the current sharing link and generate a new one with the desired settings.

SharePoint sharing links are strictly tied to the sharing method and permission level selected when they are initially created. To prevent security conflicts, Microsoft does not allow direct modification of an active link's settings. By revoking the old link and generating a new one, you ensure that your files remain secure and only the intended individuals retain the correct access.

Access the SharePoint Library

Navigate to your SharePoint site, open the document library containing your file, and hover your cursor over the specific file or folder.

Open the Manage Access Panel

Click the 'Show Actions' icon (three vertical dots) next to the file name, and select 'Manage Access' from the dropdown menu to view all active links and user permissions.

Delete the Current Sharing Link

In the Manage Access window, locate the link you wish to modify under the 'Links Giving Access' section. Click the 'Trash' icon or 'Remove' button next to the link, and confirm your choice to revoke access.

Create a New Sharing Link

Click the 'Share' button at the top of the file options. Select your desired link settings (e.g., 'People in your organization can edit' or 'Specific people can view'), apply any necessary passwords or expiration dates, and click 'Apply'.

Distribute the New Link

Copy the newly generated link and share it with your collaborators, as the old link will no longer function.

Remove the Existing Link and Generate a New One

Link Update Notification: Existing links are not automatically updated or redirected. You must manually notify your team members to use the newly generated link to regain access.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I edit the permissions on my existing SharePoint link?

SharePoint architectures tie link permissions directly to the specific sharing configuration chosen during generation. To maintain data security and avoid accidental privilege escalation, the system requires you to completely revoke the old link and intentionally create a new one with the updated permissions.

What happens when someone clicks the old SharePoint link after I delete it?

Once you remove the sharing link via the 'Manage Access' panel, the link becomes permanently invalid. Anyone who attempts to click or use the old link will receive an access denied error message.

Can I change permissions without a new link if users have Direct Access?

Yes. If you have granted users 'Direct Access' instead of sharing a link with them, you can modify their permission levels (for example, downgrading from Edit to View) directly within the 'Manage Access' menu without needing to generate or send any new links.

Document & File Issues