How to Enable File Requests in SharePoint or OneDrive

• Enable File Requests in SharePoint or OneDrive [Official Methods]
• Enable File Requests in SharePoint or OneDrive on MultCloud [Password Protection]
• Conclusion
• FAQs

Enable File Requests in SharePoint or OneDrive [Official Methods]

Both OneDrive and SharePoint have the file requesting feature and you can use it to easily collect files from others even if they do not have a Microsoft 365 account. However, the methods for using file requests on OneDrive and SharePoint are different. In the remaining part, you can see the methods respectively.

How to Enable SharePoint File Request

Step 1. Go to the SharePoint admin center.

Step 2. Choose the site where your desired folder is located and click “Sharing” in the upper bar.

Step 3. Change the permission to “Anyone” under “External sharing” and save the change.

Step 4. Go to the SharePoint site and refresh the webpage.

Step 5. Choose the folder you want to use to request files and right-click on it. Then, choose “Request files” in the dropdown menu.

Step 6. Give a brief description of this request and copy the SharePoint sharing link. Then, share the link with people who you want to upload files to this SharePoint folder.

When others get the sharing link and open it, they can upload files to your SharePoint. To let you know who submitted which files, they need to enter their names before uploading.

How to Enable OneDrive File Request

Step 1. Go to OneDrive.

Step 2. Select the folder you want to share and click “Request files” in the upper bar.

Step 3. Name your request and copy the link to share with others. It is easier to create a file request on OneDrive than SharePoint because of different security considerations.

Enable File Requests in SharePoint or OneDrive on MultCloud [Password Protection]

If you are concerned about the security of changing the sharing permission to anyone or want to add a password to the sharing link, you can use MultCloud to request files to SharePoint or OneDrive without effort.

MultCloud is a reliable cloud management service that can help you manage multiple cloud storage services in one place, including SharePoint Online, OneDrive, OneDrive for Business, Google Drive, Dropbox, and iCloud Drive. Whether you want to request files to which cloud, there is only one method you need to master since you share the cloud files through MultCloud. Besides, you can add a password to the sharing so others have to enter the password before uploading files to your folder.

Let’s take requesting files to SharePoint Online as an example.

Step 1. Create a MultCloud account.

Go to the MultCloud website (it is a web-based app) and click “Get started for free” to enter the signup page. You can enter the email address and password to create an account. Otherwise, you can quickly register with your Google, Facebook, or Apple account.

Step 2. Add SharePoint Online to MultCloud.

Click “Add Cloud” in the left sidebar and the SharePoint logo. Then, log in to your SharePoint account in the pop-up window and allow MultCloud to access your SharePoint.

Step 3. Create a sharing link.

Open SharePoint Online on MultCloud and select the folder you want to share. Then, click the “Share” button in the upper bar and choose “Share with MultCloud”. Then, choose a share method. If you want to add a password to the sharing link, select “Private Share” and copy the link and password.

Step 4. Enable file requests in SharePoint on MultCloud.

Go to the “Shares” page and find the shared folder. Then, switch on the button next to it under “Allow to Upload”.

When others open your sharing link, they can add new sub-folders in your SharePoint folder, upload files to it, save the files to their cloud, or download the files to the local. The drawback of this way is that you cannot know who submitted which files.

Conclusion

There are 3 ways to enable file requests in SharePoint or OneDrive in this post. Traditionally, you can use the “Request files” feature on OneDrive and SharePoint to reach your goal. However, you may have your worries about the security. Therefore, you can use MultCloud to request files from others to your OneDrive or SharePoint folder.

Moreover, MultCloud has more functions to deal with the cloud-to-cloud file transfer/sync/backup problem. For example, if you want to directly transfer files from Google Drive to SharePoint Online, you can try the “Cloud Transfer” function to realize it with various transfer options like scheduling and file filter.

FAQs

Why is the OneDrive Request Files Option Missing?

The "Request Files" option in OneDrive may be missing due to permission restrictions, using a personal account instead of a business or school account, insufficient admin settings, or outdated software. Ensure you're using OneDrive for Business, check admin policies, and update OneDrive to restore the feature.

Why are SharePoint Request Files Not Showing?

The "Request Files" option in SharePoint may not be showing due to limited permissions, being disabled by an admin, using a personal Microsoft account instead of a business one, or being in a restricted site type. Ensure proper permissions, enable the feature in admin settings, and check site configurations.

When Should I Use SharePoint Instead of OneDrive?

SharePoint vs OneDrive: Use SharePoint for team collaboration, company-wide document management, intranet sites, and advanced security needs. It enables shared access, workflows, and compliance controls. OneDrive is better for personal storage, individual work, and simple file sharing. Choose SharePoint when multiple users need structured collaboration and OneDrive for private or limited sharing.