Microsoft File Request: How to Enable File Requests in SharePoint and OneDrive

Overview

Microsoft File Request allows you to securely collect files from customers, suppliers, and external users using SharePoint and OneDrive, without granting them access to your files or folders.

With a Microsoft File Request link:

• Users can upload files directly to a folder
• They cannot view or edit existing content
• They cannot see other uploads
• Files are automatically stored in your SharePoint or OneDrive location

This feature is ideal for collecting documents, photographs, contracts, invoices, and other files from external contacts.

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Before You Begin

To use Microsoft File Request in SharePoint or OneDrive:

• You must be using SharePoint Online or OneDrive for Business
• External sharing must be enabled
• “Anyone” links must be allowed in Microsoft 365
• Folder permissions must allow uploads

If the Request Files option is missing, an administrator may need to adjust your organisation’s sharing settings. For more details, see Microsoft’s official guidance.

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How to Create a File Request in OneDrive

1. Sign in to Microsoft 365 and open OneDrive.
2. Create a new folder or select an existing folder.
3. Right-click the folder and select Request files.
4. Enter a description explaining what files you would like recipients to upload.
   • Example: “Please upload your signed contract and supporting documentation.”
5. Click Next.
6. Review the generated upload link.
7. Click Copy Link and send it to the required recipients via email, Teams, or another communication method.

Recipients can now upload files directly into the folder without needing access to your OneDrive.

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How to Create a File Request in SharePoint

1. Open the relevant SharePoint Document Library.
2. Create or select a folder where uploaded files will be stored.
3. Select the folder.
4. Click the More Actions (…) menu.
5. Choose Request files.
6. Enter a description for the files you require.
7. Click Next.
8. Copy the generated link and share it with your recipients.

Any files submitted through the link will be saved directly into the selected SharePoint folder.

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What Do Uploaders See?

When a user opens a File Request link, they will see:

• The title and description you entered.
• An option to browse for files or drag and drop files.
• A field to enter their name (depending on configuration).

They will not see:

• Existing files in the folder.
• Other users’ uploads.
• Any SharePoint or OneDrive content outside the upload page.

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Troubleshooting: “Request Files” Option Missing

If you cannot see the Request Files option, check the following:

External Sharing Settings

Your Microsoft 365 tenant must allow Anyone links. Disabling anonymous sharing also disables the File Request feature.

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SharePoint and OneDrive Policies

Microsoft 365 administrators can enable File Requests using SharePoint Online PowerShell.

To verify the setting:

Get-SPOTenant

Look for:

CoreRequestFilesLinkEnabled

and

OneDriveRequestFilesLinkEnabled

Both values should be set to:

True

If required, enable them using:

Set-SPOTenant -CoreRequestFilesLinkEnabled $True
Set-SPOTenant -OneDriveRequestFilesLinkEnabled $True

Folder Sharing Permissions

The organisation’s sharing configuration must allow upload permissions on shared folders. Community reports indicate that File Requests will not appear if “Anyone” links are restricted to view-only access.

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Best Practices

• Create a dedicated folder for each request or project.
• Use clear descriptions so recipients know exactly what to upload.
• Regularly review uploaded files and remove outdated content.
• Consider configuring link expiration policies to improve security.

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Additional Information

File Requests provide a secure alternative to receiving large attachments by email and help keep documents organised within Microsoft 365. They are particularly useful for onboarding, HR documentation, supplier paperwork, customer submissions, and project collaboration.