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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  ·   ·  Flag idea as inappropriate…  ·  Admin →
working on it  ·  AdminEugene Lin (Principal Program Manager, Microsoft) responded  · 

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.

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.

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261 comments

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  • Gene Oddside commented  ·   ·  Flag as inappropriate

    I urgently need this. Currently setting up an S3 insurance just because it's missing on SharePoint Online.
    There's no way I will implement Azure Information Rights Management and pay AAD Premium licenses. Besides, that's not working for Mac clients.

  • Anonymous commented  ·   ·  Flag as inappropriate

    Any updates regarding this feature request ??
    We now have password protected links, automatic link expirations - ensuring what actions can be done on a shared link - is the missing thing in completing a fully managed sharing of folders.

    When will you guys support that scenario?

  • Errol commented  ·   ·  Flag as inappropriate

    I would like this feature to be implemented as well. I am slowly moving from Gsuite to Microsoft 365 but this one limitation is holding me up.

    Please let this be a feature soon.

  • Anonymous commented  ·   ·  Flag as inappropriate

    I want my contacts to be able to fill in an Excel-sheet, without beeng able to steel the Whole workbook.

  • Firdaush commented  ·   ·  Flag as inappropriate

    Not sure what there is to think about? Maybe just a new subscription add-on? Price? Less load on the severs should cost money.....

  • Pete commented  ·   ·  Flag as inappropriate

    got to have it - this is basic 101 file sharing capabilities.

  • Zach commented  ·   ·  Flag as inappropriate

    Yes, this would be an extremely useful feature for our business

  • Bryan commented  ·   ·  Flag as inappropriate

    When we will get this disable function? It has been discussed for 3 years long.

  • Anonymous commented  ·   ·  Flag as inappropriate

    Please Ryan, the feature to let someone view a file without being able to edit or download said file is as plain as the nose on your face. To make things even more confusing, if you choose “view only” you’re allowing the recipient the power to edit, share & download. This flies in the face of basic logic. “View only” should mean exactly that! Were the programmers all hung over that day
    Google has no problem with this feature, what’s your excuse.
    WE THE PEOPLE, YOUR CUSTOMERS WANT...
    VIEW ONLY. recipient cannot edit or download. This applies to folders or individual files.
    SHARE. recipient can can view & edit.
    SHARE ALL recipient can view, edit & download.

    I guess I should have been a programmer.

  • HateApple commented  ·   ·  Flag as inappropriate

    Simple answer is don't use Microsoft , There are many cheaper options. Do your homework.

  • Shawn Chong commented  ·   ·  Flag as inappropriate

    microsoft never does the features that are necessary, but want to charge ppl for it. I love microsoft, but I hate it because their corporate structure is so BS. I've been to seattle so many times, met engineers and managers, all dumb because of the corporate structure and upper lvl mgmt. This feature would have defeated google docs. What the **** are they thinking.

  • TC commented  ·   ·  Flag as inappropriate

    I'm in agreement. This is a major security flaw in the service

  • Tejas Parmar commented  ·   ·  Flag as inappropriate

    Microsoft is always late in feature introduction!

    I am still waiting for Offline Sync / LAN Sync since last 3 years.

    Now this view only may take up to decade ... lol

  • Anonymous commented  ·   ·  Flag as inappropriate

    This option would also be useful in Sharepoint as well, a "DOWNLOAD" permission which can be unticked to stop users downloading files would be great.

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