Summary

This article explains how to share folders or files in SharePoint using anonymous (Anyone) links, allowing access without requiring a Microsoft 365 account.

Important Context

A common question about SharePoint is "How do I make my SharePoint site 'public'? 

It’s important to clarify:

SharePoint sites cannot be made public-facing on the internet.

USNH SharePoint sites are part of the university’s internal intranet. While it’s possible to share content with specific external collaborators, SharePoint sites cannot be made publicly accessible for anonymous viewing (i.e., they cannot function as a public-facing website). For files and folders, anonymous sharing links can be configured for the site and then posted publicly.

Looking to share your SharePoint site with the USNH community? You can use groups to share your SharePoint site or Microsoft Team with all users from a specific campus or across multiple campuses. This KB shows you how: SharePoint: Share a site with your Campus or All of USNH
 

How-To

Anonymous links (also known as “Anyone with the link” sharing) allow documents or folders to be accessed without requiring the recipient to sign in. This option is restricted in our tenant and may not be available by default.

Note: SharePoint sites are accessible to everyone within USNH if invited by site owner. This procedure is for sharing links anonymously. If you are looking for sharing files and folders with external collaborators requiring a username and password instructions are on this Article - SharePoint: Guest Sharing -... (usnh.edu).

Instructions

Step 1: Check if “Anyone with the link” is available

1. Navigate to the file or folder in SharePoint or Teams.

2. Right-click the item and select Copy Link.

3. In the link dialog that appears, click Settings (gear icon or text link depending on interface).

4. Under Link settings, check if “Anyone with the link” is selectable.

   • If greyed out, proceed to Step 2 to request access.

   • If available, continue to Step 3.

Step 2: Request activation of “Anyone with the link” sharing

If the “Anyone” option is unavailable (greyed out), a SharePoint Administrator must enable it for the site or document library.

• Site Owners should submit a TeamDynamix Service Request including:

  • A brief business justification.

  • The URL of the site or document library.

  • If you are not a site owner, include confirmation of site owner's approval for anonymous sharing.

Note: Not all requests will be approved. Anonymous links should only be used when absolutely necessary and when no personally identifiable, sensitive, or regulated data is involved.

Step 3: Create your anonymous sharing link (after access is enabled)

Once the option is available:

1. Select the file or folder (click the circle next to the item).

2. Right-click and select Copy Link.

3. Click Settings in the dialog.

4. Select “Anyone with the link” and set any additional controls, such as:

   • View access is strongly recommended. Edit access should only be used in extraordinary circumstances.

   • Expiration date (recommended)

   • Password protection, if required.

5. Click Apply, then copy and distribute the link securely.

Important: Even if “Copy Link” appears to work immediately, it will default to “People with existing access” unless you manually modify the link settings.
 

Step 4 - Follow best practices when creating your anonymous link

1. Limit Sharing Permissions

• Set links to view-only unless editing is absolutely necessary.
• Use expiration dates for the links to limit long-term access.
• Avoid sharing sensitive or confidential content using anonymous links.
• Sharing individual files is preferable to entire folders to manage access more easily.
• Apply password protection if supported, adding an extra layer of security.

2. Monitor and Audit Access 

• Regularly review shared links using the “Manage Access” feature in SharePoint or the Microsoft 365 Admin Center.
• Revoke anonymous links that are no longer needed.
   

See also Share OneDrive files and folders - Microsoft Support.

Outcome

All those that receive the link to your shared files/folders have access.

Further Readings

Microsoft - Procedures for sharing OneDrive or SharePoint files/folders

Website & Mobile Development - Request Service

Need additional help?

For assistance concerning site creation, content sharing, file synchronization, or other common SharePoint, OneDrive, Teams, or Office app activities, we recommend our Microsoft 365 Learning sites:

• USNH M365 Learning Pathways: On-Demand Online Walk-throughs, Tutorials, & Guides for M365 Products
  https://universitysystemnh.sharepoint.com/sites/M365LP/
• SharePoint Success Site: Learn How to Plan, Build, Launch, Share, & Manage Your Sites
  https://universitysystemnh.sharepoint.com/sites/SharePointSuccessSite/

Learn more about the great tools our Microsoft 365 Learning sites offer!

Visit the Technology Help Desk Support page to locate your local campus contact information or to submit an online technology support request.  For password issues you must call or visit the Help Desk in person.