MS OneDrive: Share a Document with an External User

Guide Topic

How to share a collaborative file from OneDrive online at Office.com

These instructions will show how to share a collaborative file from OneDrive online at office.com. The process covers how to view and edit files with users both internally and externally via the cloud.

Instructions

  1. Navigate to OFFICE.com
    1. Click on the OneDrive icon to open your cloud files.
    2. Click the SHARE button to the right of the file you would like to share.

  1. Type the email address of the recipient with that will receive the shared file.

  1. Upon confirming the address of the recipient, you may be confronted with a message to confirm and “Continue” your desire to share a file outside of the organization.
    1. Click Continue

  1. Click the GEAR icon to open up Link settings 

  1. To allow anyone with the link to be able to view and edit the file, please do as follows:
    1. Select “Anyone”
    2. Select “Can edit” from the More settings section at the bottom of the page.
      1. i. Mind the Expiration date and edit if necessary.
    3. Click Apply

​​​​​​​

  1. Click “Send” to share the file.
    1. Users will receive a link to the file.
      1. Upon clicking the link in the email, the file should open in the recipients browser with the ability to edit.
      2. Edits are made in real-time, and all users can see any changes made by any active user in the file. 
      3. No additional sign-in or intervention should be necessary on the part of the recipient.
      4. Closing the tab / browser / file should save any changes to the file.

Print Article