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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  · 

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.

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  • Linda commented  ·   ·  Flag as inappropriate

    Hi, I believe there should be a feature to disable the download function.

  • William Garry commented  ·   ·  Flag as inappropriate

    I confirm the need for this modification. It should also prevent a non-authorized user from sending a copy by email or other means.

  • Anonymous commented  ·   ·  Flag as inappropriate

    Hello. Looking forward to this feature preventing file from being downloaded. Is there an ETA on deployment? Thanks!

  • Anonymous commented  ·   ·  Flag as inappropriate

    As a teacher I found that if I create a folder to share with one specified student they, in turn, can share it with others... isn't that a direct violation of file security 101?? I can't believe MS can't give me a way to turn that off.

  • E.D. commented  ·   ·  Flag as inappropriate

    In addition to be able to prevent shared files from being downloaded, it should also be possible for folder owners to prevent that ther folder (and documents included) are shared further by the participants without the owner's permission!

    I am really looking forward to a quick implementation of both absolutely necessary features in OneDrive for Business! The sooner, the better...

  • Dan C. commented  ·   ·  Flag as inappropriate

    Any update on this? Can we get some clarity (date) for when this feature (even if for just Word/Excel/PopwerPoint) will be available?

  • Taha commented  ·   ·  Flag as inappropriate

    Prevent editors from changing access and adding new people, similar to Google Drive.

  • Anonymous commented  ·   ·  Flag as inappropriate

    @elv will the release of this feature be only for word, excel, and powerpoint or all file types? I need to protect video files (MP4s).

  • Anonymous commented  ·   ·  Flag as inappropriate

    I want to be able to share videos, but prevent downloading. When will that functionality be available?

  • 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.

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