SharePoint Anyone Links vs Specific People Links
Anyone and Specific people links solve different collaboration problems. Their main difference is not the color of the sharing dialog—it is how access is associated with identity.
Anyone links
An Anyone link does not require the recipient to authenticate. Anyone who obtains the URL can use it within the link’s role and expiration. It can be forwarded, and administrators cannot reliably enumerate every person who possesses it.
Specific people links
A Specific people link is intended for named recipients selected by the sharer. Recipients generally must verify the identity or invitation context expected by Microsoft 365. The link does not grant the same anonymous possession-based access as an Anyone link.
| Question | Anyone | Specific people |
|---|---|---|
| Authentication required | No | Yes, for specified recipients |
| Can a forwarded URL grant access? | Potentially yes | Only if the user matches an allowed recipient |
| Recipient identity visibility | Limited | Stronger, subject to coverage |
| Expiration control | Tenant/site maximum can be required | Behavior depends on the supported sharing flow |
| Best fit | Low-friction, low-sensitivity scenarios | Accountable collaboration with known recipients |
Neither link type removes the need for governance
Specific people links can remain unnecessary after a project ends, and recipient data may be partial in some inventory methods. Anyone links may be valid for public distribution. Review role, target, expiration, ownership, age, site context, and business need.
Choose the least broad option that works
When named collaboration is practical, prefer authenticated access. When Anyone links are necessary, consider view-only permission, expiration, restricted site scope, and a recurring review.
What is the difference between Anyone and Specific people links?
Anyone links can be forwarded and used without recipient authentication; access is controlled by possession of the link. Specific people links work only for the named recipients, who must authenticate as the specified identities. Both are revocable, and either can be inappropriate if its scope or business purpose is no longer valid.
The choice affects accountability, but it does not replace inventory and review. Read how to find Anyone links and how to evaluate sharing links without expiration.
Reviewed by the SharedLinks365 Technical Team — AGORA TECH S.r.l.