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Tamras1972's avatar
Tamras1972
Iron Contributor
Mar 01, 2024

SharePoint Direct Access vs. Link Giving Access

Are there any differences between granting direct access vs. link giving access?  Microsoft recently changed the sharing interface.

A - the [Copy Link] option grants a link giving access
B - the [Invite] option grants direct access

I always thought that people with link giving access can only access the files/folders through that link.  Like if you sent them the link to the library, they'll get access denied.  And, read somewhere that only people with direct access can search the site. 

After trying the new sharing UI -- it didn't seem to make a difference anymore.  The people with link giving access was able to access the folder though the library path (https://xxx.sharepoint.com/sites/xxx/libraryname), they were also able to search for the documents. 

2 Replies

  • KotiReddy's avatar
    KotiReddy
    Brass Contributor

    Tamras1972 Copy link is just provide a link to you and you can share in chat or Email.

    Send will auto trigger mail. Both functionjalities same with respect to sharing. both create sharing links.

    • Tamras1972's avatar
      Tamras1972
      Iron Contributor

      KotiReddy 
      Thanks but Im confused because when I clicked [Copy Link], the person I specified is listed under and given link access:
      Copy link

      But when I clicked the [Invite] button, the person is granted direct access. 
      Invite


      In the previous UI, we can specify if we want to grant a link access or direct access.

      https://sharepointmaven.com/direct-access-vs-sharing-link-in-sharepoint-online/

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