SharePoint: The Next Generation of File & Folder Sharing

Microsoft 365 introduces a single “hero link” for file and folder sharing, simplifying access control and allowing link updates without resending. Rolling out globally from August to October 2026, it affects SharePoint, OneDrive, and Microsoft 365 users, with admin controls for default link audiences and no compliance issues identified. What and why: We’re introducing the third-generation Microsoft 365 sharing experience to make collaboration simpler, smarter, and more secure by default. At the center of this update is a new hero link—a single sharing link that controls access to a file or folder. Users will see one consistent sharing experience whether they copy a link, share through email, or use the browser URL. The hero link consolidates sharing controls into a single link that can be updated after it has been shared, reducing the need to create and resend new links when access requirements change. Rollout schedule: General Availability (Worldwide): Rolling out late August 2026 through late October 2026 GCC: Rolling out late August 2026 through late October 2026 GCC High: Rolling out late August 2026 through late October 2026 DoD: Rolling out late August 2026 through late October 2026 Impact on your organization: Who is affected: All users who share or manage files and folders in Microsoft 365. Platforms and services: SharePoint, OneDrive, and Microsoft 365 file-sharing experiences. What will happen: Every file and folder will have a single primary sharing link, called the hero link, displayed in the sharing dialog. The hero link settings determine who can access the item beyond people who are explicitly granted access. Adding people directly to a file or folder remains unchanged and continues to be the simplest way to share content. By default, the hero link is set to Only people added to the file, meaning the link itself does not grant access to anyone. Users can broaden access to people in the organization with the link or, where permitted by organizational policy, to anyone with the link. Users can choose whether recipients can view, edit, or view without downloading, depending on available permissions. Changing the audience for the hero link updates the […]

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