OneDrive: How to Request Files from Others

✅ How I Use OneDrive to Collect Files Securely If you’ve ever needed to gather files from multiple people—headshots, Word documents, PowerPoint presentations, bios, forms—you know how messy it can get. Email attachments pile up, permissions get complicated, and privacy can be a real concern. That’s why I love the OneDrive Request Files feature. Here’s why it’s a game-changer: 🔒 Privacy First Contributors upload files directly into a folder I control, but they can’t see anyone else’s submissions. This prevents accidental data exposure—especially important when working with external partners. 👌 Simple for Everyone No sign-in required. No permission headaches. Just click the link and upload. 📂 Organized by Default Each file is automatically tagged with the submitter’s name, making it easy to track and sort. I even created a short tutorial showing how to set this up. If you need a quick, secure way to collect files from people inside or outside your organization, OneDrive Request Files is one of the easiest and most privacy-friendly options out there. 👉 Have you tried this feature yet? How do you collect files securely? #OneDrive #Microsoft365 #Productivity #DataPrivacy #chrismenardtraining #microsoftonedrive ➡️Note that this feature is available for OneDrive for Work and may not be applicable to personal or family accounts. ✅Why use OneDrive Request Files? The biggest benefit of the OneDrive Request Files feature is privacy and simplicity. When I request files using this method, contributors can upload directly into a folder I control, but they never see the submissions from other people. That solves a couple of practical problems: ➡️It prevents accidental disclosure of other people’s data (especially important for external contributors). ➡️It simplifies the collection process — contributors don’t need to sign in or manage folder permissions. ➡️Uploads are organized in the target folder with the submitter’s name prefixed to each file so I can sort and track submissions quickly. ✅What I set up (overview) Here’s the simple flow I follow every time I use the OneDrive Request Files feature: 1. Create a dedicated folder in OneDrive for the request. 2. Use the folder’s "Request files" option to generate a secure upload link and provide an optional message. 3. Send the link to contributors (internal or external). 4. Contributors upload files without seeing others’ uploads. 5. I review and organize submitted files in the target folder — file names include the submitter’s name. More training on Excel, Teams, OneNote, and Copilot: https://courses.chrismenardtraining.com Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 00:31 Setting Up a New Folder in OneDrive 01:12 Requesting Files from Others 01:35 Testing the File Request Feature 02:28 Reviewing Uploaded Files 02:49 Final Thoughts And make sure you subscribe to my channel! - EQUIPMENT USED -------------------------------- ○ My camera – https://amzn.to/3vdgF5E ○ Microphone - https://amzn.to/3gphDXh ○ Camera tripod – https://amzn.to/3veN6Rg ○ Studio lights - https://amzn.to/3vaxyy5 ○ Dual monitor mount stand - https://amzn.to/3vbZSjJ ○ Web camera – https://amzn.to/2Tg75Sn ○ Shock mount - https://amzn.to/3g96FGj ○ Boom Arm - https://amzn.to/3g8cNi6 - SOFTWARE USED -------------------------------- ○ Screen recording – Camtasia – https://chrismenardtraining.com/camtasia ○ Screenshots – Snagit – https://chrismenardtraining.com/snagit ○ YouTube keyword search – TubeBuddy – https://www.tubebuddy.com/chrismenard DISCLAIMER: Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links I provide, I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you! Thank you for supporting my channel, so I can continue to provide you with free content each week!