File Sharing Problems

How to Share OneDrive Folders with Another Computer User

Aamir Naveed Akram Oct 1, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to share folders containing photos and other files with another person via OneDrive while controlling access permissions such as viewing, editing, or deleting.

How to Share OneDrive Folders with Another Computer User

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Sharing personal folders securely with a spouse or specific user across different computers.
Observed behavior: The user requires clear instructions to grant folder access and configure proper permissions so the recipient can collaborate securely on their own device.

Before you start

Ensure that both you and the recipient have active Microsoft accounts. If you are sharing sensitive files, double-check the recipient's exact email address to prevent unauthorized access.

Solution 1Recommended

Share with Specific People via Email

This method allows you to invite a specific person using their Microsoft account email, giving you strict privacy control over who can access and edit the folder.

Using the 'Specific people' option is highly recommended for privacy. It ensures that only the invited recipient can open the shared link, and they must verify their identity by signing into their Microsoft account.

Locate the Folder

Navigate to the OneDrive website or open the OneDrive app on your computer, and find the folder you want to share.

Open Sharing Settings

Right-click the folder (or click the three horizontal dots next to it) and select 'Share' from the context menu.

Select Specific People

Click the gear icon or the current link settings to change the link type. Select 'Specific people' from the list of options.

Configure Permissions

Check the box for 'Allow editing' if you want the recipient to be able to modify, add, or delete files within the folder, then click 'Apply'.

Send the Invitation

Enter the recipient's Microsoft account email address, type an optional personal message, and click 'Send'.

Recipient Access: The recipient will receive an email containing a secure link. They can also find the shared folder by signing into OneDrive on the web and clicking the 'Shared' tab.

Solution 2

Share Using a Copy Link

Generates a shareable link that can be pasted into messaging apps or emails. This method is best for quick sharing when strict privacy is not a primary concern.

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Use WPS Office for Easy Cloud File Sharing

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1. Download WPS Office: Download and install WPS Office for free on your computer or mobile device.
2. Save to WPS Cloud: Sign in to your account and save your documents directly to WPS Cloud.
3. Share with Collaborators: Click the 'Share' button in the top right corner of any document to generate a secure link with customized viewing or editing permissions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can the recipient view shared OneDrive files without a Microsoft account?

If you share the folder using the 'Anyone with the link' option, the recipient does not need a Microsoft account to view or edit the files. However, if you use the 'Specific people' option for better privacy, they will be required to sign in with a Microsoft account.

How does the recipient access the folder I shared with them?

The recipient will receive an email invitation containing a link to the folder. Alternatively, they can access it by signing into OneDrive on the web, clicking the 'Shared' tab in the left navigation pane, and looking under the 'Shared with you' section.

Can I stop sharing a OneDrive folder later?

Yes, you can revoke access at any time. Right-click the shared folder in your OneDrive, select 'Manage access', and from there you can remove specific users' permissions or delete the sharing links entirely.

Why can't the recipient edit the files in the shared folder?

By default, OneDrive sharing links may be set to 'View only'. To allow the recipient to modify or add files, you must explicitly check the 'Allow editing' box when initially creating the sharing link or when updating permissions in the 'Manage access' menu.

Document & File Issues