How to share files in OneDrive

Here are two ways to share files and folders using OneDrive on the web or on Windows 11 with File Explorer.

Avatar for Mauro Huculak
By (@Pureinfotech) , Windows How-To Expert and IT Specialist with 21 years of experience.
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OneDrive file sharing
OneDrive file sharing

If you use OneDrive on Windows 11, Windows 10, or another platform to store your files in the cloud, you can easily share files and folders with other people no matter where they are located.

In the case of Windows 11 (or Windows 10), you can share files or folders directly from File Explorer or using the web experience of OneDrive.

In this guide, you will learn the steps to share files available in OneDrive from File Explorer and the web.

Share OneDrive files from File Explorer

To share files using OneDrive on Windows 11, use these steps:

  1. Open OneDrive in File Explorer.

  2. Open the location with the folder to share.

  3. Right-click the folder and choose the Share option.

    OneDrive share file option on Windows 11

  4. (Optional) Click the Anyone with the link can edit option.

  5. Choose the Specific people option.

    Specific people sharing

  6. Check the Allow editing option.

  7. Click the Apply button.

  8. Confirm the email of the person to share the content.

    OneDrive sharing select user

    Quick tip: You can also use the “Copy Link” option to copy the link and send it to anyone you want to share the content.

  9. Click the Send button.

Users who receive the message can click the link and view the folder’s content on any web browser.

Share OneDrive files from on the web

To share OneDrive files from the web, use these steps:

  1. Open OneDrive online.

  2. Open the location with the folder to share.

  3. Right-click the item and select the Share option.

    OneDrive web share option

  4. Specify the email for the person to share the files.

    OneDrive share settings

  5. Click the Send button.

Once you complete the steps, anyone with the link can edit the files in the folder.

Files you share will only be available to users as long as your computer is turned on, except for the OneDrive sharing method. However, using OneDrive, users must have an internet connection to access the shared content.

About the author
Avatar for Mauro Huculak

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert and founder of (est. 2010). With over 21 years as a technology writer and IT Specialist, Mauro specializes in Windows, software, and cross-platform systems such as Linux, Android, and macOS.

Certifications: Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), VMware Certified Professional (VCP), and CompTIA A+ and Network+.

Mauro is a recognized Microsoft MVP and has also been a long-time contributor to Windows Central.

You can follow him on YouTube, Threads, BlueSky, X (Twitter), LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].