Replace a File without Breaking the SharePoint link

Question

Files are often shared with many people using a single link, ensuring that everyone can access the file. In the past, it was possible to replace an existing file with an updated version by keeping the same file name, which preserved the link and allowed continuous access.

The version history feature that helps with this seems to be malfunctioning or recently, it hasn’t worked as expected. Updating the file now breaks the shared link, which creates issues when it has already been shared with hundreds of people.

How can this issue be resolved so that replacing or updating a file doesn't disrupt the shared link?

Answer 1

Dear respected Boris Chu,

Thank you for posting in the Microsoft Community.

I am sorry that you faced such a problem, and from the situation you encountered, we deeply understand the inconvenience caused and apologize for it.

According to your description, I understand your concern and need to collect more detailed information for further investigation, and to protect your privacy, I just sent you a private message, please access the private message by clicking this icon.

I appreciate your patience and understanding, and I appreciate your time and cooperation.

Sincerely

Mia

Answer 2

Dear respected Boris,

Thank you for sharing the very detailed and clear reference and recordings in our PM chat. I truly appreciate the time you've taken to perform tests and share the complete details with me. 

I made a brief summary after collecting some related information in PM and shared here with other users in case they are also experiencing the same scenario and find the related information.

Issue description

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When replace a file in OneDrive, it will break the existing sharing links with the file.

Environment:

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• OneDrive Online
• OneDrive desktop sync app

Steps to repro

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• When upload an updated version of the same file directly into OneDrive Online, the file sharing link and version history will be kept.
• When upload from OneDrive local sync folder in File Explorer, the replacement will reset the file information for both the version history as well as the connected sharing links.

Suggestion:

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• Seems like a feature limitation and it's suggested to report this situation directly to the OneDrive product development via Send OneDrive Feedback - Microsoft Support it will go to the OneDrive engineers directly and improve this in coming updates.
• Temporarily make sure to replace an updated version of file in OneDrive Online as a workaround.

If you find this summary helpful, you can also use the feedback tool under this reply to give us your feedback. This will assist other community members with similar questions can easily find your threadfor their reference andefficiently understand this current feature limitation in OneDrive to avoid any accidental link missing issue.

Thank you for your cooperation. We hope you have a wonderful day and stay safe and healthy! 😊

Sincerely,

Mia | Microsoft Community Moderator

Answer 3

Hi Mia,

Thanks, I'll go ahead and link to this post for the feedback.

Answer 4

I am seeing a similar issue when copying a file form one Sharepoint library to another. Although both files have the same name, the original file gets deleted and the copied file is saved, creating a new link and losing version history.

This affects continuity for example for reports that need to be updated frequently, yet remain accessible through the same link. Please advise. Thank you.