SharePoint Document Issues

How to Fix SharePoint File Link Not Opening for Creator

Maira Mehtab Sep 20, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is unable to open a SharePoint file link, despite being the original creator of the document.

Product: Microsoft SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to access a personally created file via a SharePoint sharing link.
Observed behavior: The SharePoint file link fails to open the document, presenting an unknown error or simply not loading.

Before you start

Ensure you are logged into the correct Microsoft account that was used to create and share the file, as account mismatches in the browser are a common cause of link access issues.

Solution 1Recommended

Verify the File Location and Generate a New Link

Ensure the file hasn't been moved or deleted from its original location and that the link is complete.

Often, SharePoint links fail to open because the file was accidentally moved to a different folder or deleted. Additionally, incomplete links that are missing characters at the end will result in an error.

Check link completeness

Copy the entire SharePoint link and paste it into a text editor (like Notepad) to ensure no characters were cut off at the end of the URL.

Verify file location

Navigate directly to your SharePoint document library via the Office 365 portal to confirm the file still exists in its original folder and hasn't been moved or deleted.

Generate a new sharing link

If the file exists but the old link is broken, right-click the file in your SharePoint library, select 'Share', and create a brand new sharing link to use.

File Deletion: If the file was accidentally deleted, check the SharePoint Recycle Bin to restore it before generating a new link.

Solution 2

Check Browser Profile and Account Permissions

Confirm your browser is using the correct account with appropriate permissions to access the file.

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Use WPS Office for Seamless Document Management

If you frequently experience access or syncing issues with Microsoft SharePoint, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative for creating, editing, and sharing your documents without complex permission hurdles.

1. Install WPS Office: Download and install the free WPS Office suite on your device.
2. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Office and open your Word, Excel, or PowerPoint files directly.
3. Share via WPS Cloud: Click the 'Share' button in the top right corner to instantly generate a secure, easy-to-use sharing link.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my SharePoint link say 'Access Denied' if I created the file?

This usually happens if you are logged into a different Microsoft account in your browser, or if the file was moved to a new site where your original permissions were not inherited.

Can a SharePoint file link expire?

Yes. If the sharing link was created with an expiration date, it will no longer work after that date, even for the original creator, unless a new link is generated.

How do I find my SharePoint file if the link is broken?

Go to the Microsoft 365 portal, open the SharePoint app, and use the search bar at the top to search for the exact name of the file to locate its current directory.

Does renaming a SharePoint file break its sharing link?

Generally, SharePoint handles renaming gracefully by redirecting the old link. However, if the file is moved to a completely different directory or site collection alongside being renamed, the original link may break.

Document & File Issues