File Sharing Problems

How to Fix OneDrive Link Expiration Option Missing in Microsoft 365 Basic

Tauseeq Magsi Sep 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is unable to find or use the password and link expiration options when attempting to share a file via OneDrive, despite having an active Microsoft 365 Basic subscription.

How to Fix OneDrive Link Expiration Option Missing in Microsoft 365 Basic

Product: Microsoft OneDrive / Microsoft 365 Basic
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Generating a sharing link for a synchronized OneDrive file and trying to configure a password or an expiration date for security.
Observed behavior: The options to set an expiration date and password are completely missing from the sharing menu in both the OneDrive desktop app and the OneDrive website.

Before you start

Ensure your computer is connected to the internet and that your Microsoft 365 Basic subscription is currently active in your Microsoft account dashboard.

Solution 1Recommended

Change the Sharing Link Type to 'Anyone'

Expiration dates and password features are typically only available for public links, not for links restricted to specific people.

By default, OneDrive might try to create a sharing link restricted to specific people. Advanced security options like link expiration and passwords are often disabled for this link type because specific-user sharing relies on Microsoft account authentication rather than link-level limits.

Open OneDrive Sharing

Locate the file you want to share in your synchronized OneDrive folder or on the website, right-click it, and select Share.

Access Link Settings

Click the gear icon (Settings) in the top right corner of the sharing dialog box to open the link configuration options.

Select 'Anyone'

Under the 'Share the link with' section, change the selection from 'Specific people' to 'Anyone' (or 'Anyone with the link').

Set Expiration and Password

Scroll down in the settings menu. The options to 'Set expiration date' and 'Set password' should now be visible. Configure them as needed and click Apply.

Change the Sharing Link Type to 'Anyone'

Feature Availability: If the 'Anyone' option is greyed out, your organization's IT policy might restrict public sharing, or your Microsoft 365 subscription status needs to be refreshed.

Solution 2

Use the OneDrive Web Interface

Local desktop application glitches or synchronization delays can hide sharing options that are otherwise available on your account.

Solution 3

Wait for Temporary Service Disruptions to Resolve

Occasionally, Microsoft server backend updates can cause sharing features to temporarily disappear.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I set an expiration date for specific people in OneDrive?

Generally, no. In most Microsoft 365 configurations, the expiration date and password options are specifically designed for public links ('Anyone with the link'). Links generated for specific individuals rely on their Microsoft account login for security, replacing the need for an expiration timer.

Does Microsoft 365 Basic include password-protected sharing?

Yes. The Microsoft 365 Basic, Personal, and Family subscriptions all include premium OneDrive features, which encompass password-protected links and link expiration dates. If they are missing, it is usually a settings mismatch or a temporary sync issue.

Why did my OneDrive sharing settings suddenly change back to normal?

Microsoft frequently rolls out backend updates to its cloud services. If a temporary bug or service delay prevented the sharing interface from recognizing your subscription tier, the issue will often resolve itself automatically once the server connection stabilizes.

Document & File Issues