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Why SharePoint Read-Only Users Cannot Create Anyone Links
Question details
Users with read-only access in SharePoint are unable to select the 'Anyone with the link' option when trying to share files or folders externally.
- Product
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to generate an anonymous, public sharing link for a SharePoint document or folder.
- Observed behavior
- The 'Anyone with the link' sharing option is disabled or missing. Read-only users are restricted to options like 'People with existing access' or 'Specific people'.
Verify your current permission level on the SharePoint site and ensure you know who the Site Owners are in case you need to request elevated access.
Submit a Sharing Request using Available Link Options
Read-only users can still attempt to share using restricted link types, which automatically sends an access request to the site owners for approval.
By design, SharePoint restricts anonymous sharing to users with Edit or higher permissions to maintain data security. If you only have read access, you can trigger an access request workflow instead.
Select the file or folder you want to share and click the 'Share' button in the toolbar.
Choose 'Specific people' or 'People with existing access' from the link settings dialog.
Enter the recipient's email address and click send. If the recipient does not have access, this will trigger an access request to the site owners.
Site owners can review and approve these requests by navigating to Site Settings > Access Requests and Invitations.
Request Elevated Permissions (Edit Access)
If you frequently need to generate anonymous sharing links, you must be granted Edit or Full Control permissions by a site administrator.
Simplify Document Sharing with WPS Office
If Microsoft SharePoint's complex permission settings are slowing down your workflow, consider using WPS Office. It offers a lightweight, highly compatible alternative with built-in cloud sharing features that make collaboration straightforward and secure.
- 1. Download and Install: Get WPS Office from the official website and complete the quick installation process.
- 2. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Office and open your text document, spreadsheet, or presentation.
- 3. Share with Ease: Click the 'Share' button in the top right corner and easily generate an 'Anyone with the link' URL for quick collaboration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can site administrators enable 'Anyone' links for read-only users?
No, generating 'Anyone with the link' inherently requires at least Edit permissions at the user level, regardless of how permissive the site or tenant settings are.
Where do site owners approve sharing requests in SharePoint?
Site owners can review and approve pending sharing requests by clicking the gear icon, going to Site Information > View all site settings, and selecting 'Access Requests and Invitations'.
Why is my 'Anyone with the link' option greyed out even with Edit permissions?
If you have Edit permissions but the option is still disabled, your organization's tenant-level or site-level external sharing policy likely restricts anonymous links. Contact your IT admin to check the SharePoint Admin Center settings.
Can I use 'People with existing access' if I only have read permissions?
Yes, read-only users can successfully use the 'People with existing access' link option to direct colleagues to a file or folder they already have permission to view.
