Permission & Access Issues

How to Create a SharePoint Drop-Off Folder Without View Access

Maira Mehtab Oct 12, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs a method for employees to upload personal documents securely without granting them permission to view the folder's contents or files uploaded by others.

How to Create a SharePoint Drop-Off Folder Without View Access

Product: SharePoint Online
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Collecting sensitive or personal documents from employees where privacy must be strictly maintained among submitters.
Observed behavior: Users need to submit files securely, but SharePoint Online lacks an out-of-the-box blind upload folder, requiring administrators to find a workaround to restrict viewing access.

Before you start

Ensure you have an active OneDrive for Business account and the necessary administrative permissions to create folders, generate shareable links, and manage folder access within your organization.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the OneDrive for Business Request Files Feature

Since SharePoint Online lacks a native blind-upload folder, utilizing the Request Files feature in OneDrive for Business is the most secure and effective workaround.

SharePoint Online does not provide a simple, out-of-the-box folder setting that permits file uploads while simultaneously blocking view access to the folder itself.

The best alternative is to use the Request Files feature in OneDrive for Business. This generates a unique link that allows users to upload files without seeing any other contents in the destination folder.

Create a destination folder

Initiate a file request

Select the newly created folder, click on the three dots (More options) next to the folder name, and choose 'Request files' from the dropdown menu.

Name the request

Enter a descriptive name for the files you are requesting (e.g., 'Employee Personal Documents') and click 'Next'.

Share the request link

Copy the generated file request link and distribute it to your employees via email, Teams, or your company intranet portal.

Grant access to administrators

Share the original folder directly with the specific administrators who need to review the submitted files, granting them view or edit permissions as necessary.

Use the OneDrive for Business Request Files Feature

Secure Employee Experience: When employees click the request link, they will only see a prompt to upload files. They will have absolutely no access to view the folder, its directory, or documents uploaded by their colleagues.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Review Collected Documents Efficiently with WPS Office

Once your administrators have securely collected personal documents via OneDrive or SharePoint, they need a reliable suite to review them. WPS Office is a lightweight, highly compatible, and completely free alternative to Microsoft Office.

1. Download the installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation file for your operating system.
2. Install the software: Run the installer and follow the quick on-screen instructions to complete the setup.
3. Review your documents: Open WPS Office and seamlessly load the documents downloaded from your secure SharePoint or OneDrive folder for easy review.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint file formatsLightweight application that runs smoothly and quickly on Windows, Mac, and LinuxConvenient tabbed interface for managing and reviewing multiple documents easilyBuilt-in PDF editing and conversion tools for handling diverse employee submissionsFree to download and use with a clean, familiar user interface

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I set up a drop-off library directly in modern SharePoint?

Modern SharePoint does not feature the classic 'Drop-Off Library' out-of-the-box. Achieving a strict blind upload in standard document libraries requires creating complex custom permission levels that grant 'Add Items' but remove 'View Items', which is difficult to scale and maintain.

Are the uploaded files in the OneDrive Request Files folder anonymous?

If the employees are signed into their Microsoft 365 organizational accounts, their names will automatically be appended to the uploaded files. If they upload as external guests, they will be prompted to manually enter a first and last name.

Can employees edit or delete their files after uploading them through the request link?

No, the Request Files link strictly permits uploading only. Once a file is submitted to the folder, the uploading user cannot view, edit, or delete it.

Document & File Issues