File Sharing Problems

How to Create an Upload-Only Link in OneDrive and SharePoint

Kushani Nimanthika Oct 1, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to collect applicant CVs in a shared folder securely, ensuring that users can upload their files but cannot view documents submitted by others.

How to Allow Uploads in OneDrive or SharePoint Without Showing Existing Files

Product: Microsoft OneDrive and SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Setting up a secure HR folder link for external job applicants to submit their resumes without compromising the privacy of other applicants.
Observed behavior: Standard 'Anyone with the link' folder sharing settings grant recipients permission to browse the folder, meaning they can see and access existing files uploaded by other people.

Before you start

Ensure you are using a Microsoft 365 business or enterprise account, as the specific 'Request files' feature is required and must be enabled by your organization's IT administrator.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the Request Files Feature in OneDrive or SharePoint

Generating a file request link is the official method to create an upload-only portal, ensuring external users cannot view the contents of your destination folder.

Instead of using a standard folder sharing link, the 'Request files' feature creates a specialized upload-only web page. Applicants can only drag and drop their files into this page and receive a success message, with zero access to the underlying folder structure or its contents.

Select the Destination Folder

Log in to your OneDrive for Business or SharePoint site. Navigate to the HR folder where you want to collect the CVs, or create a new dedicated folder.

Click on Request Files

Select the folder by clicking the circle checkmark beside it. On the top navigation menu (or by right-clicking the folder), select the 'Request files' option.

Describe the File Request

A prompt will appear asking what files you are requesting. Type a clear description, such as 'CV and Resume Uploads', as this text will be visible to the applicants on the upload page. Click 'Next'.

Copy and Distribute the Link

OneDrive will generate a unique URL. Click 'Copy link' and distribute this link to your applicants via email, job boards, or your company website.

Use the Request Files Feature in OneDrive or SharePoint

Missing the 'Request Files' Button?: If you do not see the 'Request files' option, your Microsoft 365 tenant administrator has likely restricted 'Anyone' sharing links. You must contact your IT department to enable the File Request feature at the organizational level.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Looking for a Seamless Alternative to Microsoft Office?

While OneDrive and SharePoint handle your file storage, reading and editing applicant documents efficiently is just as important. WPS Office provides a free, lightweight, and highly compatible suite for all your document needs without the heavy subscription costs.

1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click 'Download WPS Office Free' to get the lightweight installation file.
2. Install and Launch: Run the downloaded file to install the suite. Once installed, open WPS Office to access Writer, Spreadsheet, Presentation, and PDF tools from one unified dashboard.
3. Review Applicant Files: Open the CVs downloaded from your SharePoint or OneDrive folder directly in WPS Office to review, highlight, and manage applicant data securely.

Highly compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx).Free and lightweight office suite with a familiar user interface for quick onboarding.Built-in PDF toolkit for seamlessly reading, converting, and annotating applicant CVs.Tabbed interface allows you to open multiple resumes in a single window for easy comparison.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I just use a standard 'Anyone with the link can edit' folder?

A standard sharing link grants users full access to the folder contents. Even if they are just there to upload their CV, they will be able to view, download, edit, or delete any files already submitted by other applicants, which is a major privacy violation.

Do applicants need a Microsoft account to upload files via a file request?

No, anyone with the file request link can upload files. They do not need to sign in or have a Microsoft account, making it frictionless for external job applicants.

What happens if two applicants upload a file with the exact same name?

OneDrive and SharePoint handle this automatically. The system will append the applicant's name or a unique numerical identifier to the filename to ensure existing files are never overwritten.

Can external users see who else has uploaded files?

No. When using the 'Request files' feature, external users only see a simple upload page. They cannot view the destination folder, the file names, or any metadata of previously uploaded documents.

Document & File Issues