Permission & Access Issues

How to Set Read-Only Permissions for Specific Files in a Shared OneDrive Folder

Ayan Masood Oct 9, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to allow collaborators to edit a shared folder while restricting specific files within that folder to read-only access.

How to Set Read-Only Permissions for Files in a Shared OneDrive Folder

Product: OneDrive for Business
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Managing document security and collaboration permissions for different files located within the same shared business folder.
Observed behavior: By default, folder-level sharing applies the same permission (edit or view) to all its contents, requiring custom inheritance settings to assign unique read-only file permissions.

Before you start

Ensure you are using OneDrive for Business and have Owner or Full Control permissions for the folder, as personal OneDrive accounts do not support advanced inheritance settings.

Solution 1Recommended

Stop Permission Inheritance via Advanced Settings

By stopping permission inheritance, you can customize access levels for individual files without affecting the broader folder permissions.

This method utilizes the SharePoint advanced permissions backend that powers OneDrive for Business. It allows you to isolate a specific file's permissions from the parent folder's shared settings.

Open Folder Permissions

Navigate to your OneDrive for Business on the web, click the three vertical dots (More options) next to your shared folder, select 'Manage access', and then click on 'Advanced'.

Stop Folder Inheritance

On the Advanced permissions page, click 'Stop Inheriting Permissions' in the top ribbon. This detaches the folder's security settings from its parent directory.

Grant Folder Edit Access

Assign the necessary users 'Edit' permissions for the folder itself so they can upload and manage general files.

Stop File Inheritance

Go back to the folder contents, select the specific file you want to protect, and open its 'Advanced' permission settings in the same way. Click 'Stop Inheriting Permissions' for this specific file.

Change Access to Read-Only

Select the users who currently have edit access, click 'Edit User Permissions' in the ribbon, and change their permission level to 'Read'.

Stop Permission Inheritance via Advanced Settings

Shared Folder Limitations: If the folder was shared with you by another person, you may not have the necessary administrative rights to modify advanced permissions.

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3. Set Permissions: Select 'Anyone with the link can view' to instantly generate a read-only shareable link without navigating complex folder inheritances.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I set unique file permissions in a personal OneDrive account?

No, personal OneDrive accounts do not feature advanced permission inheritance. To restrict access in a personal account, you must share the individual file directly with a 'View only' link instead of placing it in a shared editable folder.

Why is the 'Advanced' permissions option missing from my menu?

The 'Advanced' settings option is only visible if you are using OneDrive for Business (or SharePoint) and possess Owner or Full Control administrative rights over the folder or file.

Will new files added to the folder automatically be read-only?

No. By default, any new file uploaded or created in the folder will inherit the folder's current permissions. If users have edit access to the parent folder, they will be able to edit new files unless you manually stop inheritance for those specific files.

Document & File Issues