Collecting files from customers, suppliers, or job applicants via email is a massive productivity drain. It’s cumbersome, your inbox becomes cluttered, and you spend half your day downloading attachments and renaming them just to keep track of who sent what.
In our latest video, we dive into a “hidden gem” feature: SharePoint File Requests.
What is a “Headless” Interface?
The beauty of this feature is the “headless” interface. When you send a file request link, the recipient sees a simple, clean upload window. They cannot see your SharePoint library, they cannot see other people’s uploads, and they don’t even need to sign in. They simply upload their files and they’re done.
How to Set It Up in 4 Steps:
- Create a Folder: In your SharePoint library, create a dedicated folder (e.g., “Job Applications”).
- Request Files: Click the three-dot menu on the folder and select Request files.
- Add a Description: Tell your recipients exactly what you need (e.g., “Please upload your job application form”).
- Share the Link: Copy the link provided or send it directly via email from the interface.
The Magic of Automatic Organisation
One of the best parts? SharePoint automatically prefixes every uploaded file with the name the user enters. If “James Kirk” uploads his CV, the file in your folder will automatically be named James Kirk. No more manual renaming!
A Note for Admins: Security Best Practices
If you don’t see this feature, it likely needs to be enabled in the SharePoint Admin Centre. However, there are some important considerations:
- Permissive Sharing: Tenant-level sharing must be set to the most permissive level (“Anyone”) for this to work.
- Use Specific Sites: Avoid enabling this on your main team sites where sensitive data lives. Instead, create a site specifically for these external requests.
- Cleanup: Once you have gathered your files, you can easily disable the link via the Manage Access menu to prevent further uploads and secure the folder.
Ready to Streamline Your SharePoint Workflow?
Stop fighting with your inbox and start letting SharePoint do the heavy lifting for you. If you found this tip helpful, there is plenty more where that came from:
- Watch the Full Video: See the step-by-step setup and the Admin “gotchas” in action below
- Level Up Your Library: Check out our other guide on the New SharePoint Library Interface or explore how Microsoft 365 AI Actions can save you even more time.
Is your Microsoft 365 environment working as hard as it should be? At Iglu, we help businesses optimise their digital workspace to eliminate manual tasks just like this one. If you need help securing your SharePoint tenant or training your team on M365 best practices, Click here to book a consultation with our team.