Sharing Settings for OneDrive and SharePoint
- Eric Eason
When using the Share option in OneDrive and SharePoint, the default link permission is people you specify can view. When you use the Copy link option, the default link permission is people with existing access. In both cases, the link permission can be modified to allow editing or change the link type.
Link Permission | Use Case | Security |
|---|---|---|
Anyone | Disabled for all sitesAnybody anywhere with the link would be able to access the document. There is no way to monitor or limit access. | Extremely Low |
People in Seattle University | Copying the link into chat, email, or a documentA unique link will be generated that will allow access to anyone with a SeattleU account that has the link. Should only be used with low-sensitivity documents. Anyone that receives the link could forward it to others within the University. The only way to revoke access to individuals is to delete the sharing link entirely. | Low |
People with existing access | Sharing a link to people that already have accessThis option does not add any permissions on the document, so is useful for quickly sending coworkers a link to a document stored in a departmental SharePoint site. Anyone that receives it but does not have access will be presented with an option to request access. | High |
People you choose | General sharingAllows sharing to external users. Permission can be controlled and revoked on a per-user basis. Users that receive access are not able to share to others. | High |
Instructions
After clicking the Share button for a file, the following dialog appears. To change the link type, click on the link type description, or to allow edit access, click the pencil icon.
When you click on the link type description, you are presented with the permission options. Reference the table above for additional information. In addition to the link type and view/edit option, there is the ability to block download if the file is an office document or PDF. In addition to blocking download, it prevents printing and copy/paste from the document.
Once you apply the settings, you will be returned to the previous screen to add users, then use the send or copy button.
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