File Sharing Problems

How to Create a New OneDrive Link After Deleting a Shared Link

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to create a new, working shared link for a university assignment after accidentally deleting the original shared-folder link.

Product: OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Submitting an assignment to a university using a shared cloud folder.
Observed behavior: The original sharing link was deleted, rendering it inactive and requiring the generation of a replacement link with the correct permissions.

Before you start

Before creating a new link, ensure you are logged into the correct Microsoft account that has ownership or sharing permissions for the specific OneDrive or SharePoint folder.

Solution 1Recommended

Generate a New Sharing Link in OneDrive or SharePoint

Since a deleted sharing link cannot be restored directly, generating a new link with the correct permissions is the standard and most effective solution.

When a sharing link is deleted, it is permanently deactivated to protect your privacy and security. You cannot retrieve the exact same URL. Instead, you must create a new link and distribute it to anyone who needs access.

Locate the folder

Open OneDrive or SharePoint in your web browser and navigate to the specific folder you need to share for your assignment.

Access the sharing menu

Select the folder by clicking the circle checkmark next to it, then click on the 'Share' button located at the top menu (or right-click the folder and select 'Share').

Configure permissions

Click on the permissions settings (e.g., 'Anyone with the link can edit') to adjust who can access the folder and whether they have viewing or editing rights, ensuring it meets your university's requirements.

Copy and distribute the link

Click the 'Copy link' button to generate the new URL. Paste this new link in your email or assignment submission portal to replace the deleted one.

Link Uniqueness: The newly generated link will have a completely different URL than the deleted one. Make sure to update any previous submissions or emails with this new URL, as the old one will display an error to anyone who clicks it.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Easily Manage and Share Documents with WPS Office

While OneDrive handles Microsoft cloud links, WPS Office offers a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative for managing your university assignments. With its built-in WPS Cloud, you can effortlessly edit, save, and share documents using secure links across all your devices.

1. Open your assignment: Launch WPS Office and open the document or folder you wish to share.
2. Share via WPS Cloud: Click the 'Share' button in the top right corner of the application.
3. Create a link: Select 'Create Link', set your desired viewing or editing permissions, and copy the link to send to your university.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint file formats.Built-in WPS Cloud for secure, easy-to-manage file sharing and collaboration.Free and lightweight, taking up minimal system resources on your computer or mobile device.Familiar user interface ensuring a seamless and quick migration from Microsoft Office.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I recover a deleted OneDrive sharing link?

No, once a sharing link is deleted in OneDrive, it is permanently removed and cannot be recovered. You must generate a new link and share it with the recipients again.

Will generating a new link affect the files in my shared folder?

No, deleting an old link and creating a new one only changes the access path. The actual files and folders remain safely stored and unchanged in your OneDrive account.

How do I ensure my new link has the same permissions as the old one?

When you click 'Share' in OneDrive, click on the permission settings (e.g., 'Anyone with the link') before copying the link. Ensure you re-select the exact viewing, editing, or password-protection rights you previously assigned.

What happens if someone clicks the old, deleted link?

Anyone attempting to access the deleted link will receive an error message stating that the link is invalid or has been removed, and they will not be able to view the contents of the folder.

Document & File Issues