**Note: Sharing with external users has recently changed. Please see the information below regarding the future of sharing OneDrive and SharePoint files with external users.**
Sharing OneDrive files and folders with Eastern account holders:
Changes to OneDrive & SharePoint External File Sharing
Microsoft has recently changed how external collaborators access shared SharePoint and OneDrive files. Existing external collaborators will retain access until July, but all new external sharing invitations will follow the new process outlined below.
What is changing?
Microsoft has retired the one-time passcode method for external users (e.g. gmail, yahoo, etc). Going forward, anyone outside our organization must have a guest account in our system to access files or folders shared with them.
How does this affect existing shared files?
External collaborators who currently have access to files and folders through older sharing links will retain access until July. After that point, those links will no longer work.
If an external collaborator reports losing access, simply re-share the file or folder with them. This will trigger an invitation to create a guest account and restore access.
How does this affect future sharing?
The sharing process on your end remains unchanged. However, external collaborators will now be prompted to create a guest account instead of using a temporary passcode.
What do I need to do?
No immediate action is required. Please be aware that some external collaborators may need files or folders re-shared after July if they lose access through older sharing links.
Next steps:
The DTS team is implementing the backend controls needed to properly manage these guest accounts while maintaining the security of our systems. We expect Guest Inviter privileges to be available to all employees early next week. We are also preparing detailed guidance and will send a follow-up communication shortly.
Thank you for your patience as we work through this change. If you encounter any immediate issues, please contact the DTS Help Desk at helpdesk@easternct.edu or (860) 465-4346.
