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How to Share a OneDrive Folder Using a QR Code
Question details
The user wants to know how to generate a QR code to share a specific folder in Microsoft OneDrive.
- Product
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Sharing files and folders with other users via scanning a QR code for easier access on mobile devices or printed materials.
- Observed behavior
- The native QR code generation feature is no longer available in OneDrive, requiring users to find an alternative method to create QR codes for their shared links.
Ensure your OneDrive folder is fully synced to the cloud and decide whether the recipients should have view-only or editing permissions before generating your sharing link.
Generate a QR Code using a OneDrive Link and Third-Party Tool
Since OneDrive removed native QR generation, creating a shareable link and using an external static QR code generator is the most effective method.
Although the direct QR code sharing button was removed from the OneDrive interface, the core sharing functionality remains identical. By leveraging a standard OneDrive sharing link alongside a reputable third-party QR code generator, you can still achieve the exact same result without affecting the security or accessibility of your files.
Open OneDrive in your browser or app, right-click the folder you want to share, select 'Share', and click 'Copy link'.
Click on the link settings gear icon to adjust the permissions. Choose whether anyone with the link can edit or if it should be restricted to view-only access, then click 'Apply'.
Open a new browser tab and navigate to a reputable, free online QR code generator website.
Paste your copied OneDrive sharing link into the designated URL field on the generator website and click the 'Generate QR Code' button.
Download the resulting QR code image to your device. You can now insert this image into emails, documents, or print it out to share your folder.
Easily Share Documents via QR Code with WPS Office
If you frequently need to share documents and folders via QR codes, WPS Office provides seamless, built-in document sharing options on mobile devices. You can easily share files as links or direct QR codes straight from the app, avoiding the hassle of third-party generators.
- 1. Open your file: Launch WPS Office on your mobile device and open the document you wish to share.
- 2. Access the share menu: Tap the 'Share' button located at the bottom of the screen.
- 3. Select Link Sharing: Tap on 'Share as Link' and configure your desired view or edit access permissions.
- 4. Generate QR Code: Tap the 'QR Code' icon in the sharing options to automatically generate a scannable code for instant sharing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the built-in QR code feature removed from OneDrive?
Microsoft periodically updates its interface and features. The native QR code generator for document sharing was temporarily removed during these updates, though Microsoft is currently reviewing user feedback regarding its potential return.
Will the generated QR code update if I add new files to the OneDrive folder?
Yes. As long as the original sharing link remains active and unmodified, anyone scanning your generated QR code will be directed to the live folder and see the most up-to-date contents inside it.
Can I set a password or expiration date for the QR code link?
Yes, if you have a premium Microsoft 365 subscription, you can set an expiration date or a password directly on the sharing link within OneDrive's settings before you copy it into the QR code generator.
Do generated QR codes expire?
It depends on the external generator you use. A 'static' QR code directly encodes your OneDrive URL and will never expire as long as the OneDrive link is valid. 'Dynamic' QR codes offered by some services route through their servers and may expire if you do not have a paid account with them.
