Unable to access sharepoint files

Question

I am unable to access files that are sent to me from organizations via sharepoint. I have the required account, and when I click on the link to open the file a screen pops up that says I don't have the require access and a button to click to request access.

Answer 1

Dear @Meryl Kukura,

Good day, and thank you for the detailed description of your issue.

As a forum moderator, I genuinely wish I could directly access your account or review backend systems to diagnose and resolve this for you. However, my role here is limited to providing general guidance that users can apply themselves.

Based on your description, this is a very common issue when accessing SharePoint files or folders shared from organization, especially when using an external or guest account.

The “You don’t have the required access” screen, along with a Request Access button, usually indicates that:

• You are successfully signed in (authentication is working correctly).
• SharePoint recognizes your account but does not currently have permission assigned to the specific site, folder, or file.
• The sharing link was sent, but access was not automatically granted to your account (which can happen with certain external sharing settings).

The good news is that this type of issue is usually straightforward to resolve.

 1. Test using an Incognito or Private browser window (quickest check)

This helps rule out cached credential issues.

• Open an Incognito/Private browser window.
• Sign in using your work email account.
• Open the shared link again.

If the file opens successfully, the issue is likely related to cached credentials in your primary browser. In that case, please clear your browser cookies for:

• *.sharepoint.com
• login.microsoftonline.com

2.Click the "Request Access" button:

• Do this every time you see it (even if you've done it before).
• Add a short note like: "Please grant me access to view the shared file. Thank you."
• The request goes to the site owner(s) or the person who shared it. They should get an email notification.

3.Ask the sender to share differently (most reliable fix):

• Tell them to open the file/folder in SharePoint > click Share > enter your full email address directly (instead of using "Anyone with the link").
• They should choose "Specific people" and set Can view (or edit if needed).
• This usually grants immediate access without needing another request.

If the "Request Access" loops or does nothing, the best resolution is usually:

Ask the site owner (or a SharePoint admin in the sending organization) should:

• Go to the site > Site permissions > check if your account appears.
• Remove your account completely from the site (including from any hidden "Site Collection Users" list if needed).

I hope this information is helpful. Please follow these steps and let me know if it works for you. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please feel free to share them in the comments so I can continue to support you. Thank you for your patience and understanding. I'm looking forward to your reply.

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