For example, let’s say that John and Mary are members of my team (part of the Members Group), but I only want to allow Mary into a given folder. Well, this is for situations when you want to create unique permissions for a file or folder for those who already have access to the item. So why then do we have the “ +” sign next to the Direct Access section? Site-Level Permissions (visible from Gear Icon > Site Permissions) Essentially it shows you site-level permissions that you get to see when you click on Gear Icon > Site Permissions.įolder-Level Permissions (visible from Manage Access) So it shows you that the Site Owner, Site Members, and Site Visitors have access to that folder (since they have access to the site). So when you click on Manage Access for a file or folder, under the Direct Access section, you get to see users who already have access to that file or folder by having access to the site itself. That means that the files and folders in a document library inherit permissions from the library itself, which in turn inherits permissions from the site the library is on.

So what exactly is the difference between Direct Access vs. It consists of the top area where you can share links or remove the links created so far and the bottom area where you can specify Direct access. If you try to create unique access for a given file or folder by clicking Manage Access… What is the difference between Direct access and Sharing link options for a file or folder? In today’s article, I would like to explain both and clarify how the two are unique (though they seem to be doing the same thing). As you set up unique permissions for the files and folders in SharePoint and OneDrive, I am sure you have encountered one of the mysteries that confuses the hell out of people.

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