Permission & Access Issues

How to Open a SharePoint File Shared with an External Email Address

Ayan Masood Sep 25, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to access a shared SharePoint file using an external work email that is not associated with a Microsoft account.

How to Open a SharePoint File Shared with an External Email Address

Product: SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to open a SharePoint file shared by another organization using a non-Microsoft external work email.
Observed behavior: SharePoint blocks access by requiring a Microsoft account verification that the user does not possess.

Before you start

Before troubleshooting, verify whether your work email can be registered as a free Microsoft account, or simply contact the file sender to adjust their document sharing permissions.

Solution 1Recommended

Request an 'Anyone with the link' Sharing Link

This is the easiest method to bypass the Microsoft account sign-in requirement, assuming the sender's organization allows public links.

SharePoint defaults to requiring authentication for specific email addresses. Changing the link type to 'Anyone with the link' removes this barrier entirely.

Contact the file sender

Reach out to the person who shared the file and inform them that you cannot pass the Microsoft account verification screen.

Ask for a new sharing link

Instruct the sender to go to the SharePoint file, click 'Share', click the gear icon for settings, and select 'Anyone with the link'.

Open the document

Once the sender provides the new URL, click the link to open the file directly in your browser without signing in.

Request an 'Anyone with the link' Sharing Link

Quick Access: Anyone links can be set with expiration dates and passwords to maintain security while ensuring you get seamless access.

Solution 2

Configure Guest Access in the Sender's Organization

Use this solution if the sender's IT policies disable 'Anyone' links and mandate authenticated guest access.

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1. Download the file: Once you access the shared SharePoint document, click 'File' > 'Save As' > 'Download a Copy' to save it locally.
2. Open with WPS Office: Launch WPS Office on your computer, click 'Open', and select your downloaded file.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does SharePoint ask me to sign in when I click a shared link?

SharePoint prompts for a sign-in when the sender shares the file using the 'Specific people' setting. This requires Microsoft to verify that the person opening the link actually owns the email address it was sent to.

Can I create a Microsoft account using my existing work email?

Yes, you can register your current external work email address as a Microsoft account. Go to the Microsoft account creation page and enter your work email to set it up, which may allow you to bypass the verification block.

What should I do if the 'Anyone with the link' option is greyed out for the sender?

If the option is greyed out, it means the sender's organization has restricted anonymous sharing at the administrative level. You must ask them to invite you as an authorized external guest user instead.

Document & File Issues