Prevent shared files from being downloaded

I think it would be great if there was some setting to turn download's of a shared file or folder ON\OFF... what I mean is suppose I want to share a File\Folder with someone, I would only want them to be able to view\edit it online and not be able to download it onto their computer.. to take this idea further, it could also be helpful if you could prevent copying content from shared files... the download permission could probably be visible once a user decides to share a particular file with someone

3,390 votes

elwin shared this idea · Feb 17, 2015 · Flag idea as inappropriate… · Admin →

working on it ·

AdminStephen Rice (Product Manager, Microsoft) responded · Jun 8, 2020

We’ve rolled out an update which includes support for PDF files, images, audio and other file formats. This update doesn’t yet include support for video files but we’re working on it and will have more to share soon!

Show previous admin responses (7)

working on it ·

AdminStephen Rice (Product Manager, Microsoft) responded · Apr 9, 2020

We are working on releasing the ability to Block Download for other file types now! You can currently block download for office file types!

boom! it's done ·

AdminRandy Wong (OneDrive Program Manager, Microsoft) responded · Nov 11, 2019

Earlier this year, across the various options of sharing links, we introduced the capability of “block download” enabling you to keep your content in the cloud by not allowing users to download Office files. This capability helps you avoid out of date copies and maintain access control. Today, we are glad to announce that shortly, you will be able to apply the same functionality to images, 3D, PDF files and more.

https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/Microsoft-OneDrive-Blog/Celebrating-top-OneDrive-moments-at-Ignite-2019/ba-p/963182

working on it ·

Eugene Lin responded · Feb 4, 2019

OneDrive for Business users are now able to share a link to Office documents that blocks recipients from downloading copies but still allows them to view the document in Office Online.

Users can create links that block download by using the common Sharing experience that exists across Office 365. By going into Link Settings they’ll be able to toggle the “block download” option for view-only links.

We’ve completed rollout for “anyone” and “people in my organization” links, and are working on enabling it for the remaining link types. “Specific people” links are enabled on web endpoints and we’re working on native clients.

We are working on bringing this same capability to other file types.

working on it ·

Eugene Lin responded · Nov 27, 2018

Users will be able to share a link to Office documents that blocks recipients from downloading copies but still allows them to view the document in Office Online.

We’ll be gradually rolling this out to customers in late November, and the roll out will be completed worldwide by the end of January.

working on it ·

Eugene Lin responded · Jul 9, 2018

At SharePoint Conference North America this past May, we demonstrated the ability to create and send sharing links that blocks recipients from downloading the file. In this first iteration, this feature will be supported for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents.

We will be shipping this to OneDrive for Business and SharePoint users later this year.

thinking about it ·

Ryan Hoge responded · Jan 4, 2018

We’re still interested in this feature. No other updates to share right now.

thinking about it ·

Douglas Pearce responded · Jul 15, 2015

Thanks for the suggestion!

339 comments

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Anonymous commented · December 15, 2015 8:31 AM · Flag as inappropriate

Really a CRITICAL feature for our Use Case!! Hope will be ready ASAP.

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VAP commented · December 11, 2015 2:17 PM · Flag as inappropriate

No doubt, it'd be an excellent addition. Great suggestion.

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feces commented · November 20, 2015 2:17 PM · Flag as inappropriate

yuk

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bummer commented · November 20, 2015 2:15 PM · Flag as inappropriate

yes, and how doiallow someone toview audio files online?

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Keisha McKenzie commented · November 14, 2015 6:59 PM · Flag as inappropriate

How is this not yet done? It is now November 14, 2015 and persons are still able to download what I shared with them! Not good!!

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James commented · November 1, 2015 8:38 AM · Flag as inappropriate

agree, This feature is needed for business. It would/could prevent employees down load data with PHI/PII content to there personal computer or a kiosks.

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Anonymous commented · October 31, 2015 4:42 PM · Flag as inappropriate

How is this not a feature?

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Anonymous commented · October 28, 2015 4:33 AM · Flag as inappropriate

I stopped using OneDrive when I realized that my photos could be downloaded. Very misleading.

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Anonymous commented · October 27, 2015 11:01 AM · Flag as inappropriate

Got my vote for this feature too! Thanks.

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Kent commented · October 16, 2015 8:30 AM · Flag as inappropriate

Got my vote! Being able to download sucks!

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Parkersspace commented · September 18, 2015 10:46 AM · Flag as inappropriate

I was trying set my files to view only not be downloadable as I a photographer/write and I didn't want to give the people the files to download for free but allow them to view what I will be using. not possible?

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Anonymous commented · September 18, 2015 3:47 AM · Flag as inappropriate

How about the opposite? I want to allow someone to download my photos but not to edit my OneDrive originals. Is that possible? View only doesn't seem to allow downloads.

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Prashant Gohil commented · September 13, 2015 12:22 AM · Flag as inappropriate

Take my vote for this feature too.

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Anonymous commented · September 11, 2015 8:14 PM · Flag as inappropriate

Same, hope that feature would be available soon. Very critical feature.

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Anonymous commented · September 4, 2015 11:42 AM · Flag as inappropriate

It certainly cannot be construed as secure or view only when you can download the file edit it and then share it with any one you want - when you have set the file permissions for view only. Does not compute.

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Suzy Betancourt commented · September 2, 2015 3:38 PM · Flag as inappropriate

That should be an available option.

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Anonymous commented · August 26, 2015 9:58 AM · Flag as inappropriate

Definitely would love to have this feature.

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Andre commented · August 24, 2015 4:21 PM · Flag as inappropriate

Yes I agree

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Paul W commented · August 20, 2015 7:00 AM · Flag as inappropriate

Yes this would be awesome. like google drive, and Dropbox for business. We have the option to share files in time frame and only for viewing- no downloading or printing- the function to simply look at it - approve or capture the idea. Please consider Thanks

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Anonymous commented · August 4, 2015 11:18 AM · Flag as inappropriate

would like to have users listen to audio and view video without the option to download.

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