How to prevent from downloading files from folders that is being shared with anyone in sharepoint online ?

Bikendra limbu 1 Reputation point
2022-01-20T12:15:43.613+00:00

I have a shared folder within SharePoint online . It's being shared with Anyone. Technically anyone with the link can access the folders and files within the folder.

I want to give all users with the link to read only and remove the option to download.

SharePoint
SharePoint
A group of Microsoft Products and technologies used for sharing and managing content, knowledge, and applications.
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SharePoint Server Management
SharePoint Server Management
SharePoint Server: A family of Microsoft on-premises document management and storage systems.Management: The act or process of organizing, handling, directing or controlling something.
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  1. Allen Xu_MSFT 13,776 Reputation points
    2022-01-21T06:34:41.287+00:00

    Hi @Bikendra limbu ,

    When you share items with others in OneDrive or SharePoint, you can give them access to view, but not download. Block download is available for view-only sharing links to Office documents and other file types, such as PDFs, images, audio, and other non-text and non-video file formats.

    When you select Block download, people who access the file you shared won't see options to download, print, or copy the file. They can only view the files on the web, and won't be able to open them in desktop or mobile apps.

    • Find the file you want to share in OneDrive or SharePoint, and select the circle in the upper corner.
    • Select Share at the top of the page.
    • Select Anyone with the link can edit to open Link settings.
    • Uncheck Allow editing, and then turn on Block download.
    • Add your message and send the invite.

    Recipients will see a message indicating they can view, but not download the file.
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  2. Antony Parisi 1 Reputation point Microsoft Employee
    2022-04-19T15:31:07.08+00:00

    Hi @Allen Xu_MSFT ,

    really thanks for your post and information.
    Only a question, is this behaviour result only for files sharing or it should also for folders sharing?

    I'm trying to share a folder and I don't see the "block download" toggle.

    194269-image.png

    Is there a way to block the download of the contents inside the folder?
    Many thanks.

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