Question on OneDrive

Louise Keller 0 Reputation points
2026-08-20T17:29:09.86+00:00

If I use your OneDrive free 5 GB account (I have not set up one yet), can these files (only) be shared with 20 people? Would they need to have a Microsoft account to receive it? Would they be able to edit the files in my folder? Can you please send me a link for directions on how to set this up?

Microsoft 365 and Office | OneDrive | For home | Other
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  1. Marcin Policht 107K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2026-08-20T18:39:43.2333333+00:00

    Yep - you can share files from a free 5 GB OneDrive account with 20 people, as long as the total size of the files stored in your OneDrive remains within the 5 GB storage limit.

    The recipients do not necessarily need a Microsoft account to view or edit the files. You can send an "Anyone" sharing link, or share with specific email addresses. External users may be able to verify their identity using a temporary one-time passcode sent to their email.

    You can also choose whether the 20 people have view-only access or permission to edit the files. If you grant editing permissions, they can make changes to the files through their web browser without needing a full Microsoft 365 or Microsoft Office subscription.

    To set this up, create your free OneDrive account, upload the files, and use the sharing options to generate a link or specify the people you want to share with. Microsoft's official guide provides the steps for sharing files and folders in OneDrive: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/onedrive/share-files-and-folders-in-microsoft-onedrive

    Sharing options

    • Choose Share with "Copy link" to share items with lots of people you might not know personally. For example, via social media or email. Anyone who gets the link can view or edit the item, depending on the permission you set.
    • Choose Share with specific people if you want to send the link more privately, with permissions set for specific individuals or groups.

    If the above response helps answer your question, remember to "Accept Answer" so that others in the community facing similar issues can easily find the solution. Your contribution is highly appreciated.

    hth

    Marcin

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  2. AI answer

    2026-08-20T17:29:24.9533333+00:00

    Yes. A free OneDrive account can share files or folders by link or with specific people.

    For sharing with 20 people:

    • A shared link can be sent to many people.
    • If the goal is broad sharing, use Copy link.
    • If the goal is private sharing, use Specific people.

    Whether recipients need a Microsoft account depends on the sharing type and account type:

    • For a personal Microsoft account, sharing to specific people is limited to people who also have a Microsoft personal account.
    • If Allow editing is turned off, people can view, copy, or download items without signing in.
    • If Allow editing is turned on, people who are signed in with a Microsoft account can edit the files or folders they have access to.

    Recipients can edit files in the folder only if editing is allowed:

    • Allow editing is on by default.
    • If a folder is shared with Edit permissions, recipients can copy, move, edit, rename, share, and delete items in that folder.
    • If editing is turned off, they can view, copy, or download, but cannot change the files in OneDrive.

    To set it up on OneDrive on the web:

    1. Sign in at onedrive.com.
    2. Select the file or folder.
    3. Select Share.
    4. Choose one of these:
      • Copy Link to send the same link to many people.
      • Enter names or addresses in Name, group or email to share with specific people.
    5. Open Link settings with the gear icon.
    6. Choose the access type you want, such as:
      • Anyone
      • People with existing access
      • Specific people
    7. Set permissions:
      • Leave Allow editing on for editing access.
      • Turn Allow editing off for view-only access.
    8. Select Apply, then copy the link or send the invitation.

    A direct setup guide is available here: Sign in

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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