SharePoint Document Issues

How to Make a Word Link Force Download a SharePoint File

Phi Hung Vo Sep 28, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user needs to configure a hyperlink within a Microsoft Word document so that clicking it automatically triggers a direct download of a SharePoint file, rather than opening it in the browser.

How to Make a Word Link Force Download a SharePoint File

Product: Microsoft Word / SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Creating a document with embedded links where readers need to instantly download attached templates, assets, or reference files hosted on SharePoint.
Observed behavior: By default, clicking a standard SharePoint link in Word opens the document in the SharePoint online viewer or web browser instead of saving it to the local device.

Before you start

Ensure you have the exact direct link (file path) to your SharePoint document, and verify that the users clicking your link already possess read permissions for the target file.

Solution 1Recommended

Modify the SharePoint URL to Force Download

By restructuring your SharePoint link to include the download.aspx parameter, you can bypass the web viewer and force the browser to download the file when the link is clicked.

SharePoint defaults to opening files in the browser for collaborative editing. To change this behavior, you must manually construct a specific download URL combining your site URL and the file's direct path.

Copy the direct file link

Navigate to your SharePoint document library. Select the file, open the details pane, and copy the direct path link (do not use the standard 'Share' link).

Identify your site URL

Copy the base URL of your SharePoint site. For example: https://tenantdomain.sharepoint.com/sites/yoursite/

Construct the download URL

Combine the site URL and direct link using this exact format: [Site URL]_layouts/download.aspx?SourceUrl=[Direct Link].

Insert the hyperlink in Word

Open your Word document, highlight the text you want to link, right-click and select 'Link' (or press Ctrl+K). Paste your newly constructed download URL into the 'Address' field and click 'OK'.

Modify the SharePoint URL to Force Download

Permission Requirements: This modified URL does not grant access to the file. Anyone clicking the link from your Word document must already have permission to access the file in SharePoint.

Easily Manage Document Hyperlinks with WPS Writer

WPS Writer offers a seamless experience for inserting, editing, and managing complex hyperlinks like SharePoint download URLs. It serves as a highly compatible, free, and lightweight word processing alternative.

1. Open your document: Launch WPS Writer and open the document where you want to add the download link.
2. Highlight target text: Select the specific text or image that you want to function as the clickable link.
3. Insert the hyperlink: Navigate to the 'Insert' tab, click 'Hyperlink' (or press Ctrl+K), paste your SharePoint download URL into the address box, and click 'OK'.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word .docx formatsIntuitive hyperlink management for complex SharePoint URLsLightweight software with fast loading timesFree to use for everyday document creation and editing

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my SharePoint link open in the browser instead of downloading?

By default, SharePoint generates web links designed for collaborative viewing and editing in Office Online. To force a download, you must manually append the '_layouts/download.aspx?SourceUrl=' parameter to your site URL.

How do I get the direct link instead of a sharing link in SharePoint?

In your SharePoint library, select the file, click the three dots (ellipses) to open the details pane, and look for the 'Path' section or use the 'Copy direct link' option rather than using the standard 'Share' button.

Can anyone download the file using this modified SharePoint link?

No. The forced download link does not bypass SharePoint security. Users clicking the link must already have at least 'View' access to the file in your SharePoint environment.

Will this download URL format work for entire SharePoint folders?

No, the 'download.aspx' URL modification only works for individual files. It cannot be used to force the download of entire SharePoint folders or document libraries.

Document & File Issues