How do I share files and folders in OneDrive for Business?

Back to FAQs homepage | Back to File Storage / OneDrive for Business category

---

Introduction

Sharing files and folders using OneDrive for Business enables real-time collaboration with colleagues, students and external partners.

---

Permission types

When sharing files and folders using OneDrive for Business it’s important that you understand and select the appropriate permission type.

---

Permission inheritance

Items in OneDrive for Business can inherit their sharing permissions from the location they are stored in.

For example:

1. Place several documents/files in a folder
2. Right click on the folder then choose Share.

The contents of the folder will be shared with the recipient. If you add new items to the folder, they will be shared automatically using the permissions set at the folder-level.

---

Sharing files and folders

1. Right click on the file or folder you want to share.
2. Select Share.

2. Select ‘People you specify can view’ to access the permission types.

3. Select the link type you want to use. Check Allow editing if you want to allow the recipient to have edit permissions. Press Apply to confirm the settings you’ve selected.

4. Type a name, group or email into the To: field. Select the desired recipient from the list.

5. Type a message into the Message field if desired.

6. Select Send to send the link. All recipients will receive an email to notify them. You will receive a copy of this in your inbox. Alternatively, press Copy link to copy the link to your clipboard. You can then send the link via Teams chat or email.

---

Manage access

Sharing files and folders stored in OneDrive for Business creates sharing links. You’ll need to audit these on a regular basis to manage your sharing links. For more information, see the FAQ linked below.

How do I manage access to my OneDrive for Business files?

---