File Sharing Problems

How to Let Customers Upload Files to OneDrive Without Seeing Other Files

Adam Davis Oct 12, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs a method to allow customers to upload files or product images to a OneDrive folder while restricting them from viewing, editing, or downloading any other files already present in that folder.

How to Let Customers Upload Files to OneDrive Without Seeing Other Files

Product: Microsoft OneDrive for Business
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Collecting customer uploads securely without exposing existing folder contents.
Observed behavior: A secure upload link is required that isolates the customer's access, ensuring privacy for all previously stored files in the target directory.

Before you start

Ensure you are using OneDrive for Business or SharePoint, as the 'Request files' feature is not available for standard personal OneDrive accounts. Your organization's IT administrator must also have 'Anyone' sharing links enabled.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the Request Files Feature in OneDrive for Business

The 'Request files' feature creates a specialized link that permits anyone to upload files to a designated folder without granting them visibility or access to the folder's existing contents.

This feature is ideal for collecting bids, product images, or confidential customer documents. Uploaders cannot see the folder's contents, and if two uploaded files have the same name, OneDrive automatically adds a number to the file name to prevent accidental overwriting.

Select the Destination Folder

Sign in to your OneDrive account through your web browser. Locate and select the specific folder where you want the customer files to be saved.

Initiate the File Request

Click the 'Request files' option located in the top navigation menu. Alternatively, you can right-click the selected folder and choose 'Request files' from the context menu.

Describe the Request

In the pop-up window, enter a descriptive name for the files you are requesting (e.g., 'Product Images from [Customer Name]'). This description will be visible to your customers when they open the link. Click 'Next'.

Share the Upload Link

OneDrive will generate a unique link. Click 'Copy link' to paste it into an email or messaging app, or type the email addresses directly into the prompt to send the request via OneDrive automatically.

Use the Request Files Feature in OneDrive for Business

Missing the Feature?: If you do not see the 'Request files' button, it is likely that your OneDrive admin has restricted file requests or disabled 'Anyone' links at the tenant level.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Manage Your Customer Documents Seamlessly with WPS Office

While OneDrive excels at secure file collection and storage, you need a powerful office suite to review and edit the files your customers upload. WPS Office is a free, lightweight alternative to Microsoft Office that handles documents, spreadsheets, and presentations with ease.

1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS website to download the free WPS Office installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
2. Connect Your Cloud: Open WPS Office and easily link your cloud storage services to directly access folders containing your customer uploads.
3. Edit Seamlessly: Open Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or PDF files submitted by customers and edit them with zero formatting loss.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats (DOCX, XLSX, PPTX) uploaded by your customers.Lightweight architecture ensures fast loading times when reviewing large batches of customer files.Includes a robust PDF toolkit for reading, editing, and signing customer invoices and contracts.Familiar tabbed interface allows you to easily switch from Microsoft Office without any learning curve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Request files feature on a personal OneDrive account?

No, the 'Request files' feature is exclusively available for OneDrive for Business and SharePoint. Personal account users will need to rely on alternative form-building tools or third-party file collection services.

Do my customers need a Microsoft account to upload files?

No, customers do not need a Microsoft account, a OneDrive account, or any special software. They can simply click the file request link, enter their name, and upload the files directly from their web browser.

What happens if a customer uploads a file with the same name as an existing file?

OneDrive handles duplicates automatically by adding a numerical suffix (e.g., filename(1).pdf) to the newly uploaded file. This guarantees that previously uploaded files are never overwritten.

How will I know when a customer has uploaded a file?

When you create a file request, OneDrive automatically configures email notifications. You will receive an email alert whenever someone uploads a file to your requested folder.

Document & File Issues