Block Download from Site, Allow Copy To

Hi hbarter22,

It's a bit challenging to block downloads while still allowing the "Copy To" function in SharePoint. This is because "Copy To" usually involves temporarily downloading the document to copy it.

However, you can try this PowerShell script that might help you get close to what you want. This script essentially restricts downloading while permitting the "Copy To" function:

# Define the SharePoint Online site and library URLs
$siteUrl = "https://your-sharepoint-site-url"
$libraryName = "Your Document Library"

# Connect to SharePoint Online
Connect-SPOService -url $siteUrl

# Define the user or group you want to restrict download for
$userOrGroupToRestrict = "email address removed for privacy reasons"

# Allow the user or group to view items
Set-SPOSite -Identity $siteUrl -Owner $userOrGroupToRestrict

# Remove permissions to download files from the library
Set-SPOList -Identity $libraryName -AnonymousAccess None

# Add a specific permission that allows "View Only" access
# This will allow users to view, but not download files
Set-SPOList -Identity $libraryName -AnonymousAccess ViewOnly

# Grant "Edit" or "Contribute" permissions to the user or group in another library or folder
# This allows them to perform "Copy To" operations in that specific location
# Replace 'Your Other Library' and 'Contribute' with the appropriate library and permission level
Add-SPOListItem -ListName "Your Other Library" -ListItems $libraryName -PermissionKind "Contribute"

# Disconnect from SharePoint Online
Disconnect-SPOService