File Sharing Problems

How to Use SharePoint File Request Links for Secure External Uploads

Maira Mehtab Sep 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

A business needs a secure way for website visitors to upload files directly into a SharePoint document library without granting them access to view, edit, or delete any other files in the library.

Product: Microsoft SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Collecting documents (such as PDFs) securely from external website visitors via a direct upload link.
Observed behavior: Setting up a folder where uploaders are strictly limited to submitting files, requiring configuration of anonymous upload links and specific sharing permissions.

Before you start

Ensure that your SharePoint tenant administrator has enabled 'Anyone' links (anonymous access) for your organization, as this is a strict requirement to generate file request links for external users.

Solution 1Recommended

Configure a File Request Link in SharePoint

Use the built-in Request Files feature to generate a secure link where external users can upload files anonymously without viewing the destination folder's contents.

SharePoint file request links are ideal for collecting documents from vendors, clients, or public website visitors. The individual using the link is granted 'upload-only' access, meaning they cannot view, edit, delete, or even see the names of other files submitted to the same folder.

Select the Destination Folder

Navigate to your SharePoint document library and click to select the specific folder where you want all uploaded files to be stored.

Initiate the File Request

Click on 'Request files' from the top command bar or the right-click context menu. If this option is missing, contact your IT administrator to enable Anyone links for the site.

Configure the Request Details

Enter a descriptive name for the files you are requesting (e.g., 'Vendor PDF Uploads'). This prompt will be visible to users when they click the link.

Copy and Publish the Link

Click 'Next' to generate the unique sharing URL. Copy this link and embed it on your website or distribute it via email for visitors to begin uploading.

Security and Compliance Requirements: Before publishing the link publicly, review your organization's policies on link expiration, malware scanning, storage quotas, and data retention to prevent abuse and ensure privacy compliance.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Easily Manage and Edit Collected Documents with WPS Office

While configuring SharePoint file requests requires Microsoft 365 administrative access, processing the PDFs and documents you collect doesn't have to be complicated. WPS Office provides a lightweight, free alternative for managing, editing, and annotating your files seamlessly.

1. Download and Install WPS Office: Get the free WPS Office suite from the official website and install it on your device.
2. Open Collected Files: Sync your SharePoint folder to your desktop or download the collected files, then open them directly in WPS Office.
3. Process and Edit: Use WPS PDF tools to annotate, compress, or digitally sign the files submitted by your website visitors.

Highly compatible with Microsoft Office formats (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and robust PDF support.Easily view, edit, annotate, and merge PDFs collected from your website visitors.Lightweight application that runs smoothly on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android.Familiar user interface ensuring a seamless migration from other Office suites.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the 'Request files' option missing in my SharePoint library?

The 'Request files' feature requires 'Anyone with the link' (anonymous) sharing to be enabled at both the SharePoint tenant and site levels. If your administrator has restricted sharing to internal users only, the option will not appear.

Can external users see other uploaded files when using the request link?

No. When users click a file request link, they only see a prompt to select and upload their files. They are granted upload-only permissions and cannot view, edit, download, or delete any existing files in the folder.

What happens if a user uploads a file with the same name as an existing document?

SharePoint prevents overwriting by automatically appending a number (e.g., filename(1).pdf) or the uploader's name to the newly uploaded file. This ensures all submissions are safely preserved.

How do I stop accepting file uploads on an existing link?

To disable the upload link, go to the destination folder in SharePoint, click the three dots (...), select 'Manage Access', locate the Request Files link in the Links tab, and click the trash can icon to remove it.

Document & File Issues