Forum Discussion
Do "External" users need a MS Account to access a SharePoint Site to which they've been invited?
I have a site in SharePoint Online that I want to invite external users to access. I don't want to share specific files or folders, rather, I want them to be Members of the site. This is a standalone...
You’ve always had to have some kind of authentication for access SharePoint sites so yes they do need an account. Last time I checked on the sign in screen is a link under the login to create a new one.
Your only non link option would be sharing files and using anyone links and you can now password them but this would only work for files and folders.
Your only non link option would be sharing files and using anyone links and you can now password them but this would only work for files and folders.
- This is going to be solved with the Azure B2B integration when sharing any kind of SPO resource, also SPO sites...Azure B2B is currently in preview, so I recommend you to try it: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/Microsoft-OneDrive-Blog/OneDrive-Roadmap-Roundup-June-2019/ba-p/732018
- It seems with B2B you still need to have a guest. Not very user friendly when you've gor a lot of external partners.
- All, your right I didn't notice the whole "One time passcode" for sites part that this will enable.
- StephenRice
Microsoft
As usual, ChrisWebbTech & jcgonzalezmartin are correct :)
If you share only the site with an external user, it should go through a legacy invitation flow where the recipient is asked to either pick a sign-in with either an AAD/M365 account or an MSA account. Or, if they don't have either, they can create a new MSA account.
All that being said, the flow is definitely a little on the tough side for many end users which is why it is being replaced by the new Azure B2B integration flow which you can try out now via the preview (which Juan linked). Let me know if you have other questions!
Stephen Rice
OneDrive Program Manager II
