SharePoint invitation sent to a distribution list works for only one user
Symptoms
When you send a guest invitation to a shared Microsoft SharePoint resource, and a user accepts and accesses the resource, the others in the group are unable to access the resource. Instead, they receive one of the following messages:
- Access Denied
- You need permission to access this site.
- Let us know why you need access to this site.
- User is not found in the directory
Cause
This issue occurs because distribution lists aren't supported methods for assigning SharePoint permissions. When you share with a distribution list, the first user who accepts the invitation receives access to the resource as a guest.
Resolution
To resolve this issue, use one of the following methods, depending on your specific scenario:
- If you're using directory synchronization, share the resource with security groups and not with a distribution list.
- Use SharePoint groups. For more information, see Customize SharePoint site permissions.
- Use Microsoft 365 groups. For more information, see Learn about Microsoft 365 Groups.
More information
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