File Sharing Problems

How to Share a SharePoint Folder Without Requiring Sign-In

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to share an entire SharePoint folder using a static URL that allows recipients to access the folder contents without being prompted to sign in.

Product: Microsoft SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Sharing a document folder with external clients or team members who do not have a Microsoft account or should not be forced to log in.
Observed behavior: Using a standard static URL path or a link ending in a specific file extension only grants access to a single file rather than the entire folder.

Before you start

Verify that you have sharing permissions for the SharePoint document library, and ensure your organization's IT administrator has enabled external sharing with 'Anyone' links for your site.

Solution 1Recommended

Generate an 'Anyone with the link' Folder URL

Use SharePoint's built-in sharing features to create a secure, dynamic folder link that bypasses the sign-in requirement for external users.

A folder cannot typically be accessed through a static URL created by manually combining a folder path with a changing filename. To properly share a folder without requiring sign-in, you must generate a specific sharing URL directly from the SharePoint library.

Locate the folder

Navigate to the appropriate SharePoint site or document library and locate the specific folder you want to share.

Open the Share menu

Hover over the folder and click the 'Share' icon that appears next to it, or select the folder and click the 'Share' button in the top navigation ribbon.

Configure link settings

In the sharing dialog, click on the current link settings (which usually defaults to 'People in your organization with the link').

Select Anyone access

Choose the 'Anyone with the link' option from the permissions menu to allow access without requiring a Microsoft sign-in, then click 'Apply'.

Copy and share the URL

Click 'Copy link' to generate the dynamic folder URL, and share this link directly with your external recipients.

Avoid File Extensions in Folder Links: Make sure the link you are sharing identifies the folder itself. If the URL ends in a specific file extension (such as .docx or .pdf), it will only point to that single file, not the entire folder.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Manage and Share Documents Easily with WPS Office

If you are looking for a simpler way to manage your documents without dealing with complex SharePoint permissions, WPS Office is an excellent free alternative. It provides lightweight desktop and mobile apps with built-in cloud sharing.

1. Install WPS Office: Download and install WPS Office on your computer or mobile device.
2. Access WPS Cloud: Sign in to your WPS account to access your free WPS Cloud storage space.
3. Share effortlessly: Upload your folders to WPS Drive, right-click the folder, and select 'Share' to instantly generate a public sharing link.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the 'Anyone with the link' option grayed out in SharePoint?

This option is grayed out if your organization's SharePoint or Microsoft 365 administrator has restricted external sharing. You will need to contact your IT admin to enable anonymous sharing for your specific SharePoint site.

Can I set an expiration date on an anonymous folder link?

Yes. When you select the 'Anyone with the link' option, the settings menu will allow you to set an expiration date and optionally add a password to ensure the folder remains secure.

Why does my link open a single file instead of the whole folder?

If your generated link ends in a file extension like .xlsx or .docx, you accidentally shared a specific document inside the folder. You must go up one directory level, select the folder icon itself, and click Share to generate a folder-level link.

Document & File Issues