SharePoint Document Issues

How to Fix SharePoint Uploads Showing as Guest Contributor

Kushani Nimanthika Oct 12, 2026 870 views

Question details

Users need their actual names to appear instead of 'Guest Contributor' when uploading files to a shared SharePoint folder.

How to Fix SharePoint Uploads Showing as Guest Contributor

Product: Microsoft SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Uploading files to a shared SharePoint directory via a link.
Observed behavior: Files uploaded through an anonymous SharePoint link identify the uploader as 'Guest Contributor', even if the user has a Microsoft account and wishes their name to be displayed.

Before you start

Ensure you know who the SharePoint folder owner is, as you will need to ask them to modify the folder's sharing permissions to fix this issue.

Solution 1Recommended

Request an Authenticated Sharing Link from the Folder Owner

By changing the sharing settings from an anonymous link to an authenticated one, SharePoint will recognize your Microsoft account and display your real name on uploaded files.

When a folder is shared using the 'Anyone with this link' option, SharePoint treats all activity as anonymous by default. To display your actual name, the sharing link must force the user to sign in, which requires the folder owner to use a more secure sharing method.

Contact the folder owner

Reach out to the person who originally shared the SharePoint folder with you.

Ask the owner to change permissions

Request that the folder owner stops sharing the anonymous 'Anyone with the link' URL and creates a new sharing link.

Generate a 'Specific People' link

The folder owner needs to click 'Share' on the folder and select the 'Specific People' option, entering your specific email address. If you are in the same organization, they can select 'People in the organization'.

Upload using the new link

Open the newly generated link, sign in with your Microsoft account when prompted, and upload your files. Your uploads will now display your account name.

Request an Authenticated Sharing Link from the Folder Owner

Guest User Requirement: If you are outside of the folder owner's organization, the owner or their IT administrator may first need to add your email address as a guest user in their directory before they can use the 'Specific People' sharing option.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my name show as Guest Contributor when I am already signed into my Microsoft account?

If you access the folder using an 'Anyone with the link' URL, SharePoint treats your connection as anonymous, regardless of whether you are signed into Microsoft 365 in another tab. The type of link dictates how your identity is recorded.

Can I change my name from Guest Contributor to my real name after the file is uploaded?

No, the author name is permanently recorded at the exact time of the upload. To fix this, you must have the folder owner issue an authenticated link, delete your originally uploaded file, and re-upload it.

Do I need a paid Microsoft account to have my name displayed correctly?

No, a free Microsoft account is sufficient. However, the folder owner must specifically invite that email address using the 'Specific People' sharing option to ensure SharePoint captures your identity.

Document & File Issues