File Sharing Problems

How to Make a SharePoint Folder Public Without Sharing the Whole Site

Algirdas Jasaitis Sep 28, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user wants to share a specific folder and its subfolders publicly without requiring a sign-in, while ensuring the rest of the SharePoint site remains private.

How to Make a SharePoint Folder Public Without Sharing the Whole Site

Product: Microsoft SharePoint Online
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Providing external, anonymous access to a specific folder while restricting access to unrelated site content.
Observed behavior: The user needs a method to generate a public link for a single folder, but also needs to understand how permissions affect subfolders inside the shared directory.

Before you start

Verify that your organization's Microsoft 365 administrator allows anonymous sharing. Additionally, move any sensitive subfolders out of the target directory, as everything inside the shared folder will become publicly accessible.

Solution 1Recommended

Create an "Anyone" Link for the Target Folder

Generate a public sharing link that grants access only to the selected folder and its contents, keeping the rest of the site secure.

This method ensures that users with the link can only access the shared folder and its subfolders. They will not be able to view or edit files in the rest of your SharePoint site.

Note that SharePoint cannot selectively exclude individual subfolders from being shared if their parent folder is made public. Any private content must be relocated before generating the link.

Navigate to your document library

Open SharePoint Online and go to the document library that contains the folder you want to share.

Open sharing settings

Hover over the target folder, click the three horizontal dots (Show actions), and select 'Share' from the dropdown menu.

Configure link permissions

Click the Gear icon or the link settings indicator to modify the sharing permissions.

Select 'Anyone with the link'

Choose the 'Anyone with the link' option. You can also set an expiration date or password if your organization allows it, then click 'Apply'.

Copy and distribute the link

Click 'Copy link' and share it with your intended audience. They will now have access to this folder without needing to sign in.

Create an "Anyone" Link for the Target Folder

Admin Restrictions on Anyone Links: If the 'Anyone with the link' option is grayed out or missing, your IT administrator has disabled anonymous sharing for your organization.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Secure Document Sharing and Collaboration

While SharePoint handles complex site-level permissions, WPS Office provides a lightweight, free alternative for creating, editing, and securely sharing your daily documents. Enjoy full compatibility with Microsoft Office formats and an intuitive interface that makes collaboration easy without a steep learning curve.

1. Open your document in WPS Office: Launch WPS Office and open the document, spreadsheet, or presentation you wish to share.
2. Click the Share button: Locate and click the 'Share' button in the top right corner of the application interface.
3. Set sharing permissions: Choose 'Create Link' and adjust the permissions to allow anyone to view or edit, depending on your collaboration needs.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint file formats.Easily generate and manage document sharing links with custom permissions.Built-in PDF editing and format conversion tools.Lightweight application that runs smoothly on Windows, Mac, and mobile devices.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hide a specific subfolder inside a publicly shared SharePoint folder?

No, SharePoint does not allow you to selectively exclude a subfolder while keeping the parent folder accessible via an 'Anyone' link. You must move the private subfolder out of the parent folder before sharing.

Why is the 'Anyone with the link' option grayed out or missing?

This happens when your organization's Microsoft 365 IT administrator has disabled anonymous sharing globally or for that specific SharePoint site. You will need to request admin approval to enable it.

Does an Anyone link give access to my entire SharePoint site?

No, an Anyone link only grants access to the specific file or folder you selected, along with any subfolders inside it. The rest of your SharePoint site remains secure and private.

Do users need a Microsoft account to view a folder shared with an Anyone link?

No, 'Anyone' links allow anonymous external access. Users do not need to sign in with a Microsoft account to view or download the shared folder's contents.

Document & File Issues