Have you been looking to create a shared folder in OneDrive? Well, that is not a difficult task to perform. You can follow a few simple steps, and you are good to go. Here we have created a detailed guide that might help you create shared folders and steps to share the files with other users.
To create a shared folder in OneDrive, first, open the OneDrive app on your system. Now, go to the OneDrive folder and make right-click on an empty space. Here, select New Folder to create an empty folder on the Drive. Make sure the syncing is switched on to save all the changes. Next, make right-click on the new folder you created and choose Share from the drop-down list.
Let us look at all we need to know about it.
How is Sharing in OneDrive different from SharePoint?
The process and access control completely depend upon a file’s location whenever a file is shared. Suppose you want to share a file without giving access to sensitive data.
In this case, using OneDrive is better because it gives complete control over access to the owner. Hence you can decide the level of access you give to another person. While in SharePoint, the control is distributed over the team.
How to Create a Shared Folder in OneDrive?
OneDrive sharing feature allows you to collaborate with others. You can create a folder to share with others, and it will not affect the security of another document present. To make your work easier, we have set a brief guide by which you can create a shared folder.
- Choose the OneDrive icon.
- Click to open the folder.
- Now, make a two-tap or right-click on an empty space.
- Here select New Folder and give a name to it.
- Right-click on the folder and select Share.
- Copy the link, and now you are ready to share the folder through the link.
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How to Share a OneDrive folder in a Windows PC
Suppose you are comfortable using OneDrive on your desktop. Then you must be trying to figure out a method of native file sharing. You do not have to worry. Using OneDrive, you do not have to open an office in your browser. Remember, these steps are only for Windows operating systems.
1. Open OneDrive Folder:
To start the process, you need to locate your OneDrive account. A personal OneDrive account will be represented by a white cloud, while the cloud icon for a business account will be blue.
Click the OneDrive icon and select “open folder” in the OneDrive application menu.
2. Make a new folder
When you aim to share a folder, first, you need to create it. To generate a folder, you can easily make it in the window with the shortcut Ctrl+Shift+N.
3. Choose the Share Option
Right-click on the folder to open a context menu and select OneDrive. You can then choose Share.
4. Select link Restriction
Here you can set a bar or restriction on the access of the links. Suppose you want to give access to the folder to anyone with a link.
Then choose “Anyone with the link” regardless of their association.
However, if you want specific people to access the folder, choosing “Specific people” will ensure the link works only for those selected.
You can also choose a variety of settings in this section, like the expiration date of the folder, setting a password to access, giving editing options to the receiver, or restricting to only reading.
5. Share your link
Now you are ready to share your link. You can send it by adding your email, name, or group, or you can also send it by copying the link and sharing it through the ‘send’ icon.
Other than the last option, you can share it manually by copying the link and pasting it where you see fit.
Read How to Share a OneDrive Folder via Email
Share the OneDrive folder Online
If you are using OneDrive on a web browser or have not installed it locally, you will require OneDrive online to share the folder or access the document. You can use the following :
1. Use Web Browser
Open OneDrive on your preferred web browser and create a new folder.
2. Make a folder
Go to the New section and click on it. You will see the folder option, select it, and proceed by naming it.
Note: Naming the folder is necessary for moving forward.
3. Share
To start sharing, go to the folder in the file space. You will see the Share icon beside the folder name. Click on it to generate a link.
4. Configure the link
Now you can set access to the folder in various ways. For example, you can permit viewing and editing, which means the receiver can only see the file or, with editing, they can modify the content.
Similarly, you can configure the link in three ways. The first is where anyone with the link can access the folder. The second is where only specific people’s links will work, and lastly, the only member of your organization can access the folder.
Read How to Access OneDrive Recycle Bin
Share OneDrive on Mac
We have already learned how to share the OneDrive folders in Windows and online. Sharing in Mac is mostly like the previous method. For sharing the OneDrive folder on Mac, do this:
You are required to open a new finder window and select the OneDrive icon.
When one drive opens, right-click on the blank space to create a brand-new folder.
- Give a name to the folder.
- For sharing, Right click on the folder and choose the share option.
- One share window will appear.
- Now the configure link is similar to what you have done for Windows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Windows 10 or 11, Window8/7, Mac, iOS, Xbox, Surface Hub, HoloLens, and web browser. Each of the above-mentioned systems supports OneDrive. However, all the options above may not support all the features. You will require Windows 10/11 to access all the features like Personal vault, Backup sync, upload or download, share files & folders, and camera roll.
A gray-out OneDrive icon signifies that the user is not logged in or the setup of OneDrive is not completed.
The reason behind this can be you may sign out from your OneDrive account. Again, sign in to unfreeze the account.
Conclusion
OneDrive is the best option for saving space when multiple people require to work on the same file. OneDrive allows you to share folders person to person, person to group, and person to a specific member.
It can be shared locally and on an online browser also. Such a wide range of sharing features without disrupting the security of other data is an excellent example of OneDrive platform usage.
You may like the following onedrive tutorials:
- How to Delete All Photos from OneDrive
- Send A OneDrive Link to Different People
- How to Sync Documents to OneDrive
I am Kirithika and a senior technical content writer expertise in using various Microsoft and Google tools like OneDrive, Outlook Online, Word Online, Microsoft Forms, Microsoft teams, Google Drive, etc. I love to share how-to tutorials, tips, and tricks on these tools. From last 5 years, I am trying to serve various clients across the United States of America. Check out more on About me page.