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How to Fix SharePoint File Request Uploads Stuck at 0%
Question details
External users are unable to upload files using a SharePoint or OneDrive file-request link, as the upload progress freezes indefinitely at 0%.
- Product
- SharePoint / OneDrive
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- An external user attempts to upload files to a requested folder using a link that supposedly allows anyone to upload, but the transfer fails to progress.
- Observed behavior
- The upload process begins but remains stuck at 0% completion, preventing external users from submitting their files despite having the correct request link.
Ensure the external user has a stable internet connection and ask them to attempt the upload using an Incognito or Private browsing window to rule out browser cache or extension interference.
Verify Tenant and Folder Sharing Policies
Check your Microsoft 365 tenant settings to ensure external sharing and anonymous uploads are permitted for the destination folder.
Often, uploads fail silently if tenant-level policies have been recently updated to restrict external access, even if the user possesses an older 'Anyone' link.
Sign in to the Microsoft 365 admin center as an administrator and navigate to the SharePoint admin center.
Go to 'Policies' and select 'Sharing'. Ensure that the external sharing slider for both SharePoint and OneDrive is set to 'Anyone'.
Navigate to the specific destination folder in your SharePoint site, click 'Manage Access', and confirm that anonymous or external uploads are still permitted.
Check Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD) for any Conditional Access policies that might be blocking external users based on IP address, location, or device compliance.
Generate a New File Request Link
The existing file request link might be corrupted, expired, or affected by a recent backend update. Creating a new link often resolves temporary glitches.
Open a Microsoft 365 Support Ticket
If sharing policies are correct and new links fail, Microsoft support must review backend tenant settings and service logs.
Experience Seamless File Collaboration with WPS Office
If strict Microsoft 365 tenant policies make external file sharing and collaboration difficult, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative with straightforward cloud sharing features, allowing you to collaborate effortlessly without complex administrative configurations.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download and install the free WPS Office suite.
- 2. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Office and open your Word, Excel, or PowerPoint files instantly.
- 3. Share Effortlessly: Click the 'Share' button in the top right corner to instantly generate a secure, easy-to-use collaboration link.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my OneDrive file request link show 0% progress?
This usually happens when Microsoft 365 tenant sharing policies restrict anonymous uploads, when folder permissions are incorrect, or when conditional access policies block the external user's network or device.
Do external users need a Microsoft account to upload files via a file request?
No, file request links are designed to allow anyone with the link to upload files without needing to sign in, provided that the organization's tenant settings permit 'Anyone' links.
Can browser extensions cause SharePoint uploads to freeze?
Yes, strict ad-blockers, tracking protection, or privacy extensions can sometimes interfere with SharePoint's background upload scripts. Advise the user to try uploading in an incognito window with extensions disabled.
How do I check if external sharing is enabled in my Microsoft 365 tenant?
A Microsoft 365 administrator can check this by logging into the SharePoint admin center, navigating to Policies, and selecting Sharing. Ensure that the slider is set to 'Anyone' to allow file request features to work.
