To share externally through OneDrive or SharePoint to users outside of MSU, they will need to use a One-Time-Password to authenticate and create a Guest account. You can find this process below.

NOTE: Due toabehind-the-scenesupdate from Microsoftcoming in October, 2026,there may be a slight interruption insharingtoexternalusersthrough OneDrive and SharePointvia the One-Time-Password process.If guests have issues viewing shared files, folders, etc.that they previously had access to, resharethe item(s)to reapplytotheir guest account.If issues persist, please contact the Service Desk.

Sharing a SharePoint file or folder with an external, (non-MSU) entity

  1. In the SharePoint folder, click on the three dots and select “Share”
    Screenshot of a SharePoint file's drop-down menu with the "Share" option circled in red.

  2. Click on the Gear Icon next to the “Copy Link” button
    Screenshot of the "Share" pop-up in SharePoint with the gear icon at the bottom circled in blue.
  3. Select “People you choose”
    Screenshot of the Link Settings page for the "Share" pop-up in Sharepoint. The "People you choose" option is selected.

  4. Change permissions as needed for “Can Edit”, “Can View”, or “Can’t Download” (which is view only also)

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      Set Expiration is recommended also to prevent stale permissions.

       

  5. Once set, click “Apply”
  6. Add the email address of the person(s) you would like to share the file or folder with
    Screenshot of the "share" pop-up where you input the email addresses of the recipients you want to receive the file(s). There are a couple fake email addresses in the box.
  7. Once you have all the email addresses listed, you can choose to either “Send”, or “Copy Link”. It works well to type a message in the box and click send directly from here
    Screenshot of the "share" pop-up where you input the email addresses of the recipients you want to receive the file(s). There are a couple fake email addresses in the box. In the "Notes" section, it tells the people receiving the invite that these are the requested files.
  8. You will see a confirmation
    Screenshot of a confirmation pop-up reading "You've invited 3 people to edit Test".
  9. On the recipient's end, they will see the following message:
    Screenshot of a the message people receive when a file is shared with them. It reads "(name blocked out) invited you to edit a folder". Underneath, in smaller lettering, it reads "Here is a link to the folder that has the information I need to share with you", which is the note input when sending the shared file. There is a blue button with "Open" on it and a note reading "This invite will only work for you and people with existing access.
  10. The recipient should select the "Open" button. They will be redirected to a sign in page.
    MSU's standard login page. The username line is filled in with an email.
    • IMPORTANT: the recipients needs to enter the same email address that received the invitation
  11. The recipient will get an email containing an account verification code (thei One-Time-Password)
    Screenshot of an email from MSU providing an "Account verification code".
  12. The recipient enters their verification code
    Screenshot of a pop-up from MSU requesting the user input their verification code. There is a blue "Sign in" button at the botton righthand corner.
  13. They now have access to the shared files