SharePoint Libraries – Receive a link to a SharePoint library

Receive a link to a SharePoint library which someone has sent to you

This article will walk you, as an external user, through the process to obtain access to an entire SharePoint library based on a link you received by email. To verify your identity, and make sure that you are one of the authorized users to access the library (and not just someone who stumbled across the link), you will be required to enter a code sent to you in another email. This verification process proves that you not only have access to the SharePoint library link, but also access to the email account of an authorized user. You will need to prompt for, receive, and enter the code each time you access the SharePoint library.

You will be able to access the library through a browser and will not need to install any additional software.

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IMPORTANT!

To follow the steps in this article you must have received an email with a link (URL) to a SharePoint library. The email will look something like this:

Obtain access to the SharePoint library

NOTES: The steps for you to follow will depend on the type of email server you are using. If you are using a Microsoft 365 email account, you will likely be prompted immediately to review permissions (step 6 below). In this case, you just need to accept the permissions and be done. If you are using a non-Microsoft email account, then please follow the steps listed here.

These steps are shown to receive the document on a Windows computer, but you can follow the same steps on a Mac (though the screens will vary slightly).

Click the ``Go to SharePoint`` link
Once you receive the email, click the “Go to SharePoint” link.
Enter password prompt
Your default browser will open with a page similar to this. Note that your email address is displayed. If this email address is already associated with a Microsoft account, enter the password for your Microsoft account.

If your email address is not associated with a Microsoft account, or you are not sure, then click the “Email code to <your email address>” link.
Receive an email with code
By clicking the link in your browser in the previous step, an email is generated and sent to your email account. This email will contain a single-use code to verify your access. This prevents someone else who may get ahold of the original email from gaining access. In this example the single-use code is: 1085585
Enter the single-use code
Back in your browser, enter the single-use code, and then click the “Sign in” button
Stay signed in?
You may be prompted to stay signed in. This will save the code for you so you can access the SharePoint library again without having to generate and enter another code.
Review permissions
You are now prompted to review the permissions required to access the SharePoint library. If you agree with the requirements, please click the “Accept” button. Note: if you do not accept the requirements, you will not be able to access the SharePoint library.