SharePoint:: Anonymously Share Files

The ability to send a link to external users that allows them to access SharePoint files or folders is controlled at the site level. That means, the first step is to make sure you are working with a site that allows anonymous sharing. The rest of this KB assumes you are:

1) Create the folder or file you wish to share -- in this demo I will share a folder that will allow external users to upload and download files. 

2) Move to the Documents section of the site and select the New dropdown and Folder (you can also upload a file if you are sharing a file). 

3) In the window that opens, I name my folder and select a color for it then click Create.

4) Once the folder or file exists, hover over it and click the share arrow ("sharrow").

5) In the interface that opens, has many options. If you simply want to send a link to some to view or edit with a little note, enter that persons email, select whether they can edit or simply view, add your note and click send. 

PASSWORD PROTECTION & LINK EXPIRATION

1) If you want to either password protect your link or make sure it expires after a certain period time, click the settings gear at the top of the interface. 

2) In the interface that opens you will see a More settings section that allows you set an expiration date, a password that the person who receives the link will need to know in order to access and/or the ability to block people from downloading the content (i.e., if you are sharing a video you want people to watch, but not necessarily forward). 

3) Once you make your changes click Apply.

4) You can either send to users as we did above or Copy link and place it in your own personal email OR select the ellipses at the top and Share in Outlook, which will open the web version of Outlook for you to compose (please note: pop up blockers can disturb this capability).