How to Fix 'Anyone with the Link' Sharing Not Working in SharePoint or Sway
Question details
Users outside the organization are unable to open SharePoint or Sway files shared via the 'Anyone with the link' option and are receiving error messages.
- Product
- Microsoft SharePoint and Sway
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Sharing a document or presentation with external users using an anonymous access link.
- Observed behavior
- External users receive an error message and are completely unable to view or access the shared SharePoint or Sway item.
Ask the external user to provide the exact error message or screenshot they are seeing, as this will help determine if the issue is a browser caching problem or an organizational permission restriction.
Access the Link Using a Different Browser or Incognito Mode
Rule out browser cache issues or conflicting account sessions that prevent the anonymous link from opening.
Often, external users are already signed into a different Microsoft account on their default browser. This can cause a session conflict when trying to open an anonymous 'Anyone with the link' URL.
Have the external user copy the exact 'Anyone with the link' URL that was provided to them.
Launch a new Incognito window (Chrome), InPrivate window (Edge), or Private Browsing window (Firefox or Safari).
Paste the copied link directly into the address bar of the private window and press Enter to see if the file loads correctly.
Create a New File to Isolate the Issue
Determine whether the sharing issue is specific to a single corrupted file or affects all files within the SharePoint site or Sway account.
Verify Tenant-Level External Sharing Settings (For Admins)
Ensure that the organization's Microsoft 365 admin center allows anonymous links for the specific site.
Share and Collaborate Seamlessly with WPS Office
If you frequently encounter sharing restrictions, permission conflicts, or link errors with Microsoft 365, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides an intuitive, lightweight environment for creating, editing, and effortlessly sharing documents without dealing with complex tenant policies.
- 1. Open your document in WPS Office: Launch WPS Office and open the document, spreadsheet, or presentation you want to share with external users.
- 2. Click the Share button: Click on the 'Share' button located in the top-right corner of the application interface.
- 3. Generate a sharing link: Select 'Create Link', configure your preferred permissions (such as view-only or editable), and copy the link to share with anyone instantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does an 'Anyone with the link' URL suddenly stop working?
The link might have an expiration date set by the creator or enforced by the organization's IT policies. Once this date passes, external users will automatically receive an error when trying to access the file.
Can external users edit a SharePoint document shared with an 'Anyone' link?
Yes, provided the person who created the link checked the 'Allow editing' option before copying the URL. If the link was generated as view-only, the recipient will not be able to make changes.
Why is the 'Anyone with the link' option grayed out in SharePoint?
This option is grayed out if your organization's Microsoft 365 administrator has restricted external sharing at the tenant or site level for security and compliance reasons.
