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

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

boom! it's done ·

AdminRandy Wong (OneDrive Program Manager, Microsoft) responded · November 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 This capability helps you avoid out of date copies and maintain access control.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

Show previous admin responses (5)

working on it ·

AdminEugene Lin (Principal Program Manager, Microsoft) responded · February 04, 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 ·

AdminEugene Lin (Principal Program Manager, Microsoft) responded · November 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 ·

AdminEugene Lin (Principal Program Manager, Microsoft) responded · July 09, 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 ·

AdminRyan Hoge (Group Program Manager, Microsoft) responded · January 04, 2018

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

thinking about it ·

Douglas Pearce responded · July 15, 2015

Thanks for the suggestion!

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Anonymous commented · March 03, 2019 08:12 · Flag as inappropriate

This is pain for as well. We have very sophisticated EXCEL files, and we don't want users to download and keep a copy.

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Rob commented · March 02, 2019 16:21 · Flag as inappropriate

This Feature will be amazing!! it must come soon. Google Drive has already got the ability ;p

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Philipp commented · March 02, 2019 09:13 · Flag as inappropriate

Please hurry, this feature is really missing!

Thanks! :)

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Anonymous commented · February 25, 2019 15:58 · Flag as inappropriate

What about blocking Non-Office files such as .jpg or PDF's?

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Steve commented · February 25, 2019 06:35 · Flag as inappropriate

Still can’t see any of these options in OneDrive but, as with others who have posted here, this feature needs to be implemented with PDF and media files, not simply restricted to Microsoft’s proprietary formats if OneDrive is to be more widely adopted.
PS Leaving messages on this forum via a smart phone is very difficult as scrawling through your message is nigh-on impossible!

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Anonymous commented · February 25, 2019 06:04 · Flag as inappropriate

Need to allow editing and the same time block downloading

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Mark commented · February 19, 2019 17:37 · Flag as inappropriate

the option to view online only (no download) must include PDF and other files types, not just Office docs. We STILL have to rely on services like Box, come on Microsoft we have been waiting so long and we still only have a partial solution?

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Kevin Schilling commented · February 18, 2019 06:55 · Flag as inappropriate

This needs to work on PDF's or it is pointless.

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Anonymous commented · February 14, 2019 10:59 · Flag as inappropriate

We are looking for a solution to allow those with 365 access to Edit the PowerPoint within PowerPoint Online but Block download and print. Is this the feature that will be available. Currently you can block download only if you disable editing.... Can you give us a timeline for when it will be in Beta or GA?

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Michael Dandl commented · February 13, 2019 22:59 · Flag as inappropriate

This is missing on this great Feature !

The option does not work on pdf files, the download checkbox is not available for these file type. Are you working on compatibility for the same?

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Anonymous commented · February 11, 2019 17:43 · Flag as inappropriate

looking forward to seeing an option that prevents downloading of an online Excel workbook

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Dimitar Mitev commented · February 11, 2019 04:11 · Flag as inappropriate

The option does not work on pdf files, the download checkbox is not available for these file type. Are you working on compatibility for the same?

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Anonymous commented · February 05, 2019 16:05 · Flag as inappropriate

@EugeneLin - you said "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."

Has this been fully implemented yet?

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Skill Plan commented · January 30, 2019 11:15 · Flag as inappropriate

It's end of January 2019 and don't see this feature :(

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James Erasmus commented · January 26, 2019 01:12 · Flag as inappropriate

Great feature, really important for small business and others ofcourse...still waiting though, please MS crew get this done asap :)

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Anonymous commented · January 25, 2019 10:02 · Flag as inappropriate

I would like to see this feature with videos, photos, etc. also.

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Anonymous commented · January 24, 2019 12:58 · Flag as inappropriate

Hello,

Is there any update on this feature and if so, will it be for videos as well?

Thank you

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Steve commented · January 24, 2019 10:47 · Flag as inappropriate

Is this 'Working On It' comment still accurate:

"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."

Thanks.

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Ryan commented · January 23, 2019 23:25 · Flag as inappropriate

I am in Australia and I am looking forward to see the tool to prevent files being downloaded.

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martins commented · January 23, 2019 02:20 · Flag as inappropriate

Is this feature available for use now? If yes, how do we enable this feature?

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