SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/sec-anyone-link

Who can open a SharePoint or OneDrive 'Anyone' link?

Anyone who has the link, with no sign-in.

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  1. Only the people you named
  2. Only people in your company
  3. Anyone who has the link, no sign-in ✔

Why: An Anyone link works like a public address. Whoever gets it can open the file without signing in, even if it was forwarded or posted. Use it only for files that are not sensitive.

Huh, didn't know that: Microsoft says admins can make Anyone links expire within a set number of days or allow only View permission.

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References

Answer: Anyone who has the link, no sign-in. An Anyone link works like a public address. Whoever gets it can open the file without signing in, even if it was forwarded or posted. Use it only for files that are not sensitive.

  1. Microsoft Learn: Turn external sharing on or off learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sharepoint/turn-external-sharing-on-or-off
    Allow users to share files and folders by using links that anyone who has the link can access the files or folders without authenticating.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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Security & PrivacyWhich SharePoint and OneDrive link type does Microsoft call the most restrictive?Security & PrivacySomeone forwards your 'Anyone with the link' share. What happens to access?Security & PrivacyYou share a OneDrive 'Anyone' link for a one-week project. Which link setting stops it working afterward?

That's stuff everyone should know.