How can I allowed site visitors to upload files, but not download?

Question

How can I allowed site visitors to upload files, but not download?

Natalie Soto 0

Hello everyone,

I'm seeking assistance on how to restrict site visitors and members from downloading files that are uploaded to the site. I have set permission levels to restricted view, view only, and have even created a permission level following the instructions from the articles below.

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/msoffice/forum/all/remove-download-option-from-sharepoint-file/52102bd2-3f85-40f5-9682-1576004e4276

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/msoffice/forum/all/restrict-download-of-files-for-users-with/98ffffb4-9c5e-40e1-9bd7-1358f6ea9907

Users are still able to download even after testing all of these different permission levels. We believe this to be a technical issue, if someone can reach out and help us figure out this issue. Thanks!

Xyza Xue_MSFT 30,176 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff

2023-11-16T02:27:36.2833333+00:00

Thank you for your question.

We are currently looking into this issue and will give you an update as soon as possible.

2 answers

Your answer

Xyza Xue_MSFT 30,176 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff

2023-11-16T02:27:36.2833333+00:00

Thank you for your question.

We are currently looking into this issue and will give you an update as soon as possible.

Answer 1

Xyza Xue_MSFT 30,176 Microsoft External Staff

Hi @Natalie Soto ,

Because your site visitors and members have Restricted Read permission in addition to view only and Edit without download permission created based on view only. This is the root cause of why users can still download.

User's image

You need to remove Restricted Read permission from site visitors and members so that new files can be uploaded but not downloaded.

User's image

If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and kindly upvote it. If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment".

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Natalie Soto 0 Reputation points

2023-11-20T19:53:51.7266667+00:00

I have completed this step, but I still run into the same issue. The permission is set as "Edit without Download" for both site visitors and site members.
Xyza Xue_MSFT 30,176 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff

2023-11-21T02:04:26.36+00:00

Hi,

I understand what you're saying. Let's confirm the information in full.

1.Can all files in this document library be downloaded?

2.Ensure that site visitors and members only have "Edit without download " permission, for library-level permissions, and file-level permissions. Individual user permissions can be verified by “check permission”option.

3.Are other users with permissions facing the same problem? View through another computer or account.
Xyza Xue_MSFT 30,176 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff

2023-11-27T08:20:35.2866667+00:00

Hi @Natalie Soto ,

I am kindly following up to see if you have any remaining questions or concerns for this issue. Please feel free to reach us if any questions or concerns you may have. If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and kindly upvote it. By doing so, it will benefit all community members who are having this similar issue. Your contribution is highly appreciated.
Xyza Xue_MSFT 30,176 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff

2023-12-01T06:35:03.17+00:00

Hi @Natalie Soto ,

It's been a while since I've heard back from you.

Has my method helped you? If you have any questions, you can contact me at any time, and I will help you solve it.

If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and kindly upvote it.
Natalie Soto 0 Reputation points

2023-12-01T14:11:58.8333333+00:00

Hello,

All files can be downloaded.

All users have edit without permission in the designated group. I did notice those who save the URL link and log in become users with contribute permissions. How can I change that?

Other users face the same issue.
Xyza Xue_MSFT 30,176 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff

2023-12-04T02:56:07.9633333+00:00

Hi,

You need to remove contribute permissions from site visitors and members. Enables users to have only "Edit without download " permission.

If the problem still occurs, it is recommended to create a new group with only "Edit without download " permission and and remove all other permissions from these users. Then store users in this group.
Natalie Soto 0 Reputation points

2023-12-04T17:08:02.67+00:00

Hi,

I have done this step, and am still having issues.
Xyza Xue_MSFT 30,176 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff

2023-12-05T01:19:36.1833333+00:00

I know what you mean.This is really weird, I could not reproduce it. So far this seems to be beyond what the forum can address.

I suggest you can create a new service request in M365 admin center as an admin, and more professional will help you.

(Microsoft 365 admin center ->> Support ->> Help & support)

Thanks for your understanding.

Answer 2

Hi @Natalie Soto ,

It seems this is not a common issue per my test. However, we can work together to narrow down and resolve the situation. So, Please kindly provide more information below to let us work further.

1.Check if the user has only upload but not download permission in site level permission and document library permission.Because permissions are enforced at a higher level, if a user has both EDIT and READ permissions, then the system assumes he has EDIT permissions.

User's image

2.If you confirm that there is no problem with the permissions, try to remove all permissions from the user and re-add them for a new attempt.

Hope the information can help you. And if there have any unclear or misunderstanding, please feel free to post back and we’ll continue to help you all the time!

Your understanding and patience will be highly appreciated! Hope you have a good day and keep safe!

If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and kindly upvote it. If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment".

Note: Please follow the steps in our documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread.

Natalie Soto 0 Reputation points

2023-11-16T14:40:29.2366667+00:00

Hello,

I have reset the permissions. I'm including screenshots of what my permission level settings look like. Are my settings correct to allow upload, but not download? Screenshot 2023-11-16 at 9.35.15 AM.png Screenshot 2023-11-16 at 9.34.49 AM.png Screenshot 2023-11-16 at 9.35.50 AM.png

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How can I allowed site visitors to upload files, but not download?

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