Why OneDrive File Sharing Feature Not Working?

Is the file-sharing feature in OneDrive not working? Here, I will explain the reasons behind this and the solutions to fix the OneDrive file sharing issue. I will also provide you with an alternative option when you are unable to share your files with external users.

OneDrive is a cloud storage platform that allows users to store and manage their files. It can easily connect with all Microsoft tools like Outlook, Microsoft 365, Teams, etc. The program provides you with a powerful file-sharing feature for team collaboration. In this, multiple users can view, edit, and comment on documents in real-time.

This feature makes your work more efficient, but sometimes you may have a problem sharing your files. Like broken links, permission errors, or syncing problems. To know why this happens below I have mentioned the reasons below.

What are the Causes of OneDrive File Sharing Not Working?

• You accidentally set the wrong access level, for example, view-only instead of edit. Or you share the files with those people who don’t have permission.
• After a certain period of time, OneDrive links can expire. If the links expire or are broken, then you can’t access the file.
• The OneDrive hasn’t fully synced files to your device or cloud. That’s why you couldn’t unable to access the recent version of the file.
• Characters like /, ,:, *, ? in file or folder names can prevent the files from being shared.
• Outdated browsers, cache issues, and incompatible apps can be the reason for the OneDrive sharing function.
• A slow or unstable internet connection can also disrupt the file-sharing process.

So, there can be several reasons why you are experiencing the OneDrive file sharing issue. So, follow the solutions below to resolve the problem.

Fix OneDrive File Sharing Issues with Minor Solutions

1. Review the Permissions: Make sure that the file that you are sharing has the necessary permissions. To check the permission
   • Select the file that failed the sharing.
   • Click on the share button and then Manage Access or the i icon.
   • Then, see the Has Access option.
2. Create a Fresh link: If the sharing link has expired or is corrupted. Create a new one, but before that, remove the old link. Then, send the new one to the recipient.
3. Place the file or Folder in a New Location: Corruption issues can also make the file or folder unshareable, so try to move your file to a new location within the OneDrive and then generate a new link.
4. Update OneDrive: To properly use the file sharing function, you and your recipient have to install the latest version of the OneDrive app. So, update your application.

Reset OneDrive App to Fix the File Sharing Issue

If the problem is that the OneDrive app is not working. Then, try to restart the application to resolve the problem. Here’s how to do it.

1. Press Windows + R key to open the search dialog box.
2. Type this command %localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset and hit the OK button.
3. Use this command if the above step doesn’t work. C:\Program Files (x86) \Microsoft OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset prompt
4. After that, restart your OneDrive desktop application and accesss the file

Review OneDrive Sync Settings to Resolve Problem

Syncing with the device problem in OneDrive is also one of the reasons why you can’t share your files. So, it is important to check the settings before sharing them.

1. First, run the OneDrive application.
2. Go to the Help & Settings, then Settings option.
3. In the Sync and Backup panel, look for preference options.
4. Disable the Pause syncing when the device battery is in battery saver mode.
5. Then, wait for 5 minutes for the synchronization. Then try using the sharing feature.

These are the solutions to fix the OneDrive file sharing issue for internal users. But if you are having a problem sharing your files with external users. Then, how can you fix it?

How to Resolve OneDrive File Sharing to External Users?

You not only share your OneDrive files with internal users but also with external users like clients, vendors, etc. And there are also chances that you may face issues in sharing your files. If you ever come across this situation, you can use an alternative way to share your files i.e., migrating your OneDrive files to Google Drive. If the file is not corrupted, you have full control over your account, and you also use Google Drive. Then, by moving your files to the G Drive help you can help share your data without any issues.

To transfer the files, you can use the SysTools OneDrive to Google Drive Migration Tool. An easy way to move your documents along with the permissions. So, along with the data, it also transfers the file permission as well.

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Tips For Secure File Sharing in OneDrive

I have explained several ways to resolve the problem of the OneDrive file sharing issue. With these, you can fix the problem. But if you don’t pay any attention, then you may face this problem again. So, I am going to share a checklist that you must follow when you are sharing your files in OneDrive.

• Before sharing your files, keep your data in the correct folder. Also, after sharing, don’t rename or move the files, as this may break the links.
• Ensure you have selected the right sharing option as per your requirements.
• When sharing externally, review the organization’s policies and confirm whether you are allowed or so.
• When you upload a file to OneDrive, confirm that it is fully synced. When the process is complete, you will see a green check status on the OneDrive icon. This will help you to avoid sync errors.
• Make sure that the file does not exceed OneDrive’s maximum size limit. Also, don’t use temporary system file types in your files.
• Set the expiration links when needed or when temporary access is granted. Because it may confuse the users later.
• Regularly review shared access, especially with sensitive files. Also, remove the unnecessary user for security purposes.

To Be Conclude

If you are not able to share your files in OneDrive for internal or external users. This article provided different solutions. Here, I have provided minor solutions like fixing the syncing settings, resetting the OneDrive app, and other minor solutions. I have also provided an alternative solution that you can use when you can’t share the files to the external users. Lastly, I provided the tips that you should use before resolving the problem.