How to Disable Video Downloads in Stream on SharePoint
Question details
Users are looking for a way to prevent viewers from downloading or retaining videos hosted on Microsoft Stream on SharePoint.
- Product
- Microsoft Stream on SharePoint
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Sharing internal training or confidential videos where the owner wants viewers to stream the content online but prevent them from saving a local copy.
- Observed behavior
- There is no global or universal toggle to disable downloads for all videos; instead, download rights are strictly tied to SharePoint and OneDrive sharing links and site permissions.
Ensure you have Site Owner or Full Control permissions on the specific SharePoint document library or OneDrive where the video file is stored, as standard members cannot alter sharing restrictions.
Restrict Video Downloads Using View-Only Sharing Links
The most reliable method to prevent downloads is to share the video using a 'Block download' link, which restricts the user to streaming the video only.
Because Microsoft Stream on SharePoint treats videos like standard files, you can utilize the built-in SharePoint file sharing settings to restrict user actions. By generating a specialized view-only link, the download button is hidden from the recipient's video player.
Navigate to the SharePoint document library or OneDrive folder where your Stream video is stored.
Select the video file by clicking the checkmark next to it, then click the 'Share' button in the top menu bar.
In the sharing dialog box, click the gear icon (Settings) to configure the link permissions.
Under the permissions section, ensure the dropdown is set to 'Can view'. The block download feature is not available for editing links.
Toggle the 'Block download' switch to the 'On' position, click 'Apply', and then send or copy the link to your intended audience.
Modify Advanced SharePoint Site Permissions
If you are hosting a video library, you can change the default group permissions to 'Restricted View' to prevent all standard members from downloading any files in that library.
Enhance Your Document Management with WPS Office
While resolving SharePoint permissions for your video content, managing your daily documents should be hassle-free. WPS Office is a lightweight, fully-featured alternative to Microsoft Office that allows you to easily edit, secure, and share your files without complex configuration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a global setting to disable all video downloads in Stream on SharePoint?
No. Unlike the older Stream Classic portal, Stream on SharePoint does not have a single tenant-wide toggle to disable downloads. Video access and download capabilities are managed entirely through SharePoint and OneDrive file permissions.
Can site owners download videos even if 'Block download' is enabled?
Yes. The 'Block download' link only restricts users who access the video via that specific link. Site Owners and members with 'Edit' or 'Full Control' permissions can navigate directly to the SharePoint document library and download the original file.
Does blocking downloads prevent screen recording?
No. Blocking downloads in Stream on SharePoint simply hides the download button and prevents the local saving of the source file. It cannot physically prevent users from using third-party screen recording software or capturing their screen while the video plays.
Why is the 'Block download' toggle missing or greyed out?
The 'Block download' toggle is only available when the sharing link permission is set strictly to 'Can view'. If the permission is set to 'Can edit', the download blocking feature will be disabled or hidden.
