OneDrive has a built-in "Request files" feature that lets people upload files to your folder without a Microsoft account. On paper, this solves the file collection problem. In practice, there are catches.
How OneDrive File Request works
- Open OneDrive for Business
- Navigate to a folder
- Click "Request files"
- Get a link to share
- People upload files to that folder
Uploaders don't need a Microsoft account. Files go directly to your OneDrive. Simple enough.
The catches
Business account only. OneDrive Personal doesn't have this feature. You need OneDrive for Business through a Microsoft 365 subscription.
Admin must enable it. Your organization's IT admin needs to enable "Anyone links" in the SharePoint admin center. If they've disabled this (common in security-conscious orgs), the button simply doesn't appear — and you may not know why.
Your storage, your problem. Every uploaded file counts against your OneDrive storage quota. Collect a few hundred photos from event attendees and you may hit your limit.
No structure or tracking. All files dump into one folder. You can't see who uploaded what without checking file metadata. No dashboard, no completion status, no "Anna uploaded, Boris didn't."
No file checklist. You can't specify "I need these 5 files." People upload whatever they want.
No password protection. The link is open to anyone who has it. If it gets forwarded or leaked, anyone can upload files to your OneDrive.
No resumable uploads. Large files on unstable connections must restart from zero if the upload fails.
No branding. The upload page says "OneDrive." No option to show your company logo or colors.
When OneDrive File Request is enough
It works well when: - You already have OneDrive for Business - Your admin has enabled the feature - You're collecting from a small group (under 10 people) - Files are small (documents, not media) - You don't need to track who sent what - Security of the upload link isn't a concern
When to use a dedicated upload tool
Use something built for file collection when: - You need files from external people who may not have Microsoft accounts - You want a file checklist showing exactly what's needed and what's missing - You need password protection for sensitive documents - Files are large and need resumable uploads - You want to know who uploaded what, when - You need it to work without IT admin involvement
getfiles.app handles all of these. Create an upload page in 10 seconds, share the link, download everything as ZIP. Free, no account needed for anyone.
Quick comparison
| Feature | OneDrive Request | getfiles.app |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Needs M365 subscription | Yes |
| Uploader needs account | No | No |
| Admin setup required | Yes | No |
| File checklist | No | Yes |
| Password protection | No | Yes |
| Resumable uploads | No | Yes |
| Custom branding | No | Yes |
| Real-time dashboard | No | Yes |
| Download as ZIP | No | Yes |
| Expiration control | No | Yes |
The bottom line
OneDrive File Request is a feature inside a bigger product. If you're already in the Microsoft ecosystem and the stars align (Business account, admin enabled, enough storage), it works for simple cases.
For anything involving external people, specific file requirements, or more than a handful of uploaders — a dedicated tool is faster to set up and more reliable.
→ getfiles.app — no admin setup, no Microsoft account, no storage limits. Free.