How to Fix SharePoint Online Group Permission and Access Request Issues
Question details
Users are prompted to request access to SharePoint folders despite already being members of the assigned Microsoft 365 or SharePoint groups.
- Product
- SharePoint Online
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Users attempting to access specific folders or navigate from the site home page to document libraries.
- Observed behavior
- The system denies immediate access and prompts the user to submit an access request.
Ensure you are logged in with an account that has administrative rights over the SharePoint site to modify group settings and permissions.
Remove Inappropriate Site Collection Administrator Access
Access the People and Groups settings to remove conflicting site collection administrator privileges that may be causing permission errors.
Sometimes, conflicting administrative permissions can prevent standard group access from working correctly. By cleaning up the Site Collection Administrators group, you can resolve these background conflicts and restore normal access.
Navigate to the home page of your affected SharePoint site using your web browser.
Click the address bar, append '_layouts/15/people.aspx?MembershipGroupId=0' to the very end of your site URL, and press Enter.
On the People and Groups page, search for and select the specific user who is experiencing the access issues.
Remove the user from the site collection administrators group if they have been incorrectly assigned there.
Ask the user to access the folder or document library again to verify that the permission issue is successfully resolved.
Use Direct Document Library URLs
Provide direct links to users to bypass known navigation bugs originating from the SharePoint home page or app interface.
Use WPS Office for Seamless Document Collaboration
If you are tired of troubleshooting complex SharePoint permissions, consider WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, free alternative for creating, editing, and sharing documents effortlessly without permission headaches.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free Office suite for your Windows, Mac, or mobile device.
- 2. Install the Application: Run the installer and follow the simple on-screen instructions to set up WPS Office.
- 3. Edit and Share: Open your Microsoft Office files directly and share them with your team using built-in, hassle-free cloud features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my SharePoint group members getting access request prompts?
This typically occurs due to site navigation bugs, incorrect site collection administrator assignments, or membership conflicts within Microsoft 365 group syncing.
How do I access the hidden People and Groups page in SharePoint?
You can access this page by appending '_layouts/15/people.aspx?MembershipGroupId=0' to the end of your base SharePoint site URL in your browser's address bar.
Does navigating through the SharePoint app affect folder access?
Yes, Microsoft has identified that users might experience navigation issues when moving from the site home page to documents within the app. Providing direct document library URLs is the recommended workaround.
