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Where can I find a list of OneDrive permissions in detail by program?

Megan Ebeling 0 Reputation points
2026-04-26T14:54:56.2066667+00:00

OneDrive just recently started saying I don't have permission to Save As pictures and documents only when using DuckDuckGo. The error message also said, contact administrator to obtain permission. I am the administrator.

I then tried MS Edge & that does still allow downloads / Save As to my OneDrive.

Where can I see if one browser's permissions to OneDrive got turned off or blocked? Thanks!

Microsoft 365 and Office | OneDrive | For home | Windows
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  1. Kai-H 18,180 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-04-27T07:41:52.0533333+00:00

    Hi, Megan Ebeling

    Since it still works in Microsoft Edge, this looks more like a DuckDuckGo or Windows-side save/download problem than a real OneDrive permission change. Besides the solutions provided by the Q&A Assist, here are some suggestions you can try:

    First, open DuckDuckGo in a private window, or clear only the site data for OneDrive/Microsoft, then sign in again and test. Next, try saving once to your normal local Downloads or Desktop folder instead of straight into OneDrive; if that works, the problem is likely the handoff between DuckDuckGo and the synced folder. It is recommended that you also update or reinstall the DuckDuckGo browser, then reset or relink the OneDrive app so Windows refreshes the sync connection.

    Also check Windows Security > Ransomware protection, because Controlled Folder Access can block legitimate apps from writing to protected folders like Documents and Pictures unless that app is allowed.

    Thank you for your patience in reading, I hope this information has been helpful to you. 

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  2. AI answer

    2026-04-26T14:55:11.7066667+00:00

    There is no per‑browser permission list for OneDrive. OneDrive permissions are controlled at the file, folder, and site level (and by the signed‑in account), not by which browser is used.

    When a "no permission" or "contact your administrator" message appears while saving to OneDrive, the causes are typically:

    1. The signed‑in account in that browser does not have the required permissions on the OneDrive or SharePoint location.
    2. The file or folder in OneDrive has Windows/NTFS permissions that block write access.
    3. The OneDrive or SharePoint site itself is in a restricted/read‑only state.

    To troubleshoot:

    1. Check file/folder permissions on the local OneDrive folder If saving to the synced OneDrive folder on the PC:
      1. In File Explorer, right‑click the OneDrive file or folder that fails.
      2. Select Properties → Security.
      3. Select the user name under Groups or user names and confirm Read and Write are checked in the Allow column.
      4. If not, select Edit and grant the needed permissions.
      This follows the guidance in the "OneDrive doesn't have permission to access the file" section.
    2. Check OneDrive/SharePoint site permissions If saving directly to OneDrive on the web (not the local folder), the account used in DuckDuckGo may have reduced rights:
      1. Confirm which account is signed in to Microsoft 365/OneDrive in DuckDuckGo.
      2. Compare with the account used in Edge (where saving works).
      3. If this is a work or school OneDrive, use the SharePoint/OneDrive site Check Permissions feature as an admin to verify that the account has at least Edit permission on the site and library. If not, grant the appropriate permission level.
    3. Check for read‑only or blocked state at service level If the OneDrive or SharePoint site has been put into a read‑only or restricted state (for example, by an admin or by a service‑level action), uploads and saves will fail regardless of browser. In that case, adjust the site’s status or work with Microsoft 365 support to remove the restriction.

    There is no separate OneDrive permission matrix “by program” (Edge vs DuckDuckGo). Once the account and file/site permissions are correct, saving from any browser should work the same.

    References:

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

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