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How to Give Family Members Edit Access to a OneDrive Shared Folder
Question details
The user needs to allow family members to add files and folders to a shared OneDrive folder, as well as make the folder discoverable in their search results.
- Product
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Sharing a cloud folder with family members for collaborative file management and editing.
- Observed behavior
- Family members can open the shared folder but only have view access, preventing them from adding files. Additionally, the folder does not appear when they search for it in OneDrive.
Ensure you are the owner of the shared OneDrive folder and have your Microsoft account login credentials handy to modify sharing permissions.
Change OneDrive Folder Permissions to 'Can Edit'
Modify the sharing link or direct access settings in OneDrive to ensure family members have edit permissions instead of view-only access.
By default, some OneDrive sharing links may be set to 'View only' to protect your files. To allow family members to upload, delete, or modify files within the shared folder, you must explicitly grant them editing privileges through the Manage Access panel.
Open your web browser and sign in to the official OneDrive website using the Microsoft account that owns the shared folder.
Navigate to 'My files' and locate the specific folder you have shared with your family members.
Right-click the folder and select 'Manage access' from the context menu, or click the three vertical dots next to the folder name and choose 'Manage access'.
Under the 'Links giving access' or 'Direct access' section, locate the family members' names or the sharing link. Click the pencil icon or drop-down menu next to their names and change the permission from 'Can view' to 'Can edit'.
Search via OneDrive Web and Update the App
If the shared folder doesn't appear in desktop or mobile app searches, try using the web interface and updating your OneDrive application.
Experience Seamless File Sharing and Collaboration with WPS Office
If you frequently struggle with complicated cloud permissions in Microsoft Office, try WPS Office. It is a completely free, lightweight, and user-friendly alternative that includes built-in cloud sharing, allowing you and your family to collaborate on documents without the hassle.
- 1. Download and Install WPS Office: Get the free WPS Office suite from the official website and create a free account to access WPS Cloud.
- 2. Upload and Share Documents: Save your document to WPS Cloud, click the 'Share' button in the top right corner, and select 'Anyone with the link can edit' to easily collaborate with family members.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't my family members add files to my shared OneDrive folder?
This usually happens if the folder was shared with 'View only' permissions. You need to adjust the sharing link settings to 'Can edit' through the Manage access panel so they can contribute files.
How do family members find a folder I shared with them?
They should go to the 'Shared' section in their OneDrive navigation pane. If it's not immediately visible, searching for the folder name via the OneDrive web version often yields better results than the desktop app.
Can I share a OneDrive folder with someone who doesn't have a Microsoft account?
Yes, you can generate an 'Anyone with the link' sharing link. If you want them to be able to add files, make sure to check the 'Allow editing' box before copying and sending the link.
