How To Send A Folder Link In Outlook : Folder Link Sending Technique

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Sharing a folder link in Outlook gives your team instant access to a collection of documents. If you’ve ever wondered how to send a folder link in Outlook, you’re in the right place—this guide walks you through every method, from OneDrive to SharePoint and even simple workarounds for local folders.

Instead of attaching dozens of files one by one, you can share a single link that updates automatically. That means no more outdated attachments or clogged inboxes. Let’s get straight into it.

How To Send A Folder Link In Outlook

This section covers the core methods. Whether you use Microsoft 365, Outlook desktop, or Outlook on the web, the steps are similar but have small differences. We’ll break it down by platform.

Using OneDrive To Share A Folder Link

OneDrive is the simplest way to share a folder from your cloud storage. Your recipients don’t need special permissions—just the link.

  1. Open OneDrive in your browser or file explorer.
  2. Right-click the folder you want to share.
  3. Select “Share” from the menu.
  4. Choose “Copy link” or set permissions first (view or edit).
  5. Open Outlook and compose a new email.
  6. Paste the link into the email body.
  7. Send it.

That’s it. The link works for anyone with access. You can also set expiration dates or passwords for extra security.

Sharing A SharePoint Folder Link

If your organization uses SharePoint, you can share folders directly from your team site. This method keeps permissions aligned with your existing setup.

  1. Navigate to your SharePoint document library.
  2. Click the folder to select it.
  3. Click the “Share” button at the top.
  4. Choose “Copy link” or send directly to specific people.
  5. Adjust permissions if needed (view or edit).
  6. Paste the link into your Outlook email.

SharePoint links are great for large teams because they sync permissions automatically. No one gets left out.

Sending A Link To A Local Folder (Workaround)

Outlook doesn’t natively support sending links to folders on your local hard drive. But you can use a simple trick: compress the folder and upload it to a cloud service, then share that link.

  1. Right-click the folder on your computer.
  2. Select “Compress” or “Send to > Compressed (zipped) folder.”
  3. Upload the zip file to OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox.
  4. Copy the shareable link from that service.
  5. Paste it into Outlook.

This method works for any folder, even if it’s not in the cloud. Just remember that large folders may take time to upload.

Step-By-Step Guide For Outlook Desktop

If you use the Outlook desktop app, the process is slightly different. Here’s how to send a folder link directly from within the app.

Inserting A OneDrive Link In Outlook Desktop

Outlook desktop integrates with OneDrive. You can insert a folder link without leaving the compose window.

  1. Open Outlook and click “New Email.”
  2. In the message window, go to the “Insert” tab.
  3. Click “Link” (or “Hyperlink” in older versions).
  4. Paste the OneDrive folder URL you copied earlier.
  5. Type display text if you want (e.g., “Project Files”).
  6. Click OK and send the email.

This method keeps your email clean and professional. Recipients see a clickable link, not a long URL.

Using The Share Button In Outlook Desktop

Some versions of Outlook have a “Share” button that connects directly to OneDrive.

  1. While composing an email, click “Attach File.”
  2. Select “Browse This PC” or “Browse Cloud Locations.”
  3. Find the folder in OneDrive (not local).
  4. Click the arrow next to “Attach” and choose “Share as a link.”
  5. Outlook inserts the link automatically.

This is the fastest method if your folder is already in OneDrive. No manual copying needed.

How To Send A Folder Link In Outlook Web

Outlook on the web (OWA) works similarly but has its own interface. Follow these steps for a smooth experience.

Copy And Paste Method In OWA

  1. Open OneDrive in a separate browser tab.
  2. Right-click the folder and select “Share.”
  3. Copy the link provided.
  4. Go back to your Outlook web email.
  5. Paste the link into the body of the email.
  6. Send it.

You can also use the “Insert link” button in the formatting toolbar to make it look neat.

Using The Attach Feature In OWA

  1. Click “New message” in Outlook web.
  2. Click the paperclip icon for attachments.
  3. Select “Browse cloud locations” and choose OneDrive.
  4. Find the folder and click it.
  5. Choose “Share as a link” from the dropdown.
  6. The link appears in your email.

This method is almost identical to the desktop version. It’s reliable and quick.

Common Issues And Fixes

Sometimes things go wrong. Here are the most frequent problems and how to solve them.

Link Not Working For Recipients

If recipients can’t access the folder, check permissions. Right-click the folder in OneDrive or SharePoint, go to “Manage access,” and ensure the link is set to “Anyone with the link” or specific people. Also verify that the link hasn’t expired.

Folder Link Shows As Attachment

If Outlook attaches the folder as a file instead of a link, you’re likely selecting the wrong option. Always choose “Share as a link” rather than “Attach as copy.” If you see a zip file, delete it and re-insert using the link method.

Cannot Find The Share Option

Some older Outlook versions don’t have a direct share button. In that case, manually copy the link from OneDrive or SharePoint and paste it into the email. This works every time.

Best Practices For Sending Folder Links

Follow these tips to make your folder links more effective and secure.

  • Set expiration dates for sensitive folders.
  • Use view-only permissions for read-only access.
  • Add a short description in the email so recipients know what’s inside.
  • Test the link before sending by clicking it yourself.
  • Keep folder names clear and organized.

These small steps prevent confusion and protect your data.

Alternatives To Sending A Folder Link

Sometimes a link isn’t the best option. Here are other ways to share folders with your team.

Emailing A Compressed Folder

If the folder is small (under 25 MB), you can zip it and attach it directly. Right-click the folder, choose “Compress,” and attach the zip file to your email. This works for quick, one-time shares.

Using A Shared Network Drive

For internal teams, a network drive path (e.g., \\server\shared\folder) can be shared via email. Recipients need access to the drive. This method is common in corporate environments.

Third-Party Cloud Services

Google Drive, Dropbox, and Box all allow folder sharing. Upload the folder, generate a link, and paste it into Outlook. These services often have more flexible permission settings.

Security Considerations

When sharing folder links, keep security in mind. Here’s what to check.

  • Never share links with sensitive data to unknown recipients.
  • Use password protection if available.
  • Set expiration dates for temporary access.
  • Review shared links regularly and revoke old ones.
  • Enable audit logs in SharePoint to track access.

These practices reduce the risk of data leaks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Send A Folder Link In Outlook Without OneDrive?

Yes, you can use SharePoint, Google Drive, Dropbox, or any cloud service. Just upload the folder, copy the link, and paste it into your email.

Why Does My Folder Link Show As An Attachment In Outlook?

You likely selected “Attach as copy” instead of “Share as a link.” Delete the attachment and re-insert using the link option from the cloud service.

How Do I Send A Folder Link In Outlook To Multiple People?

Use the “Anyone with the link” permission setting. Then paste the same link into the email. Each recipient can access it without individual invites.

What If The Folder Link Expires?

You can set expiration dates when creating the link. If it expires, generate a new link and resend it. Check your cloud service settings for expiration options.

Is There A Way To Send A Folder Link In Outlook Mobile?

Yes, the Outlook mobile app supports pasting links. Copy the folder link from your cloud service, open the app, compose an email, and paste the link.

Final Thoughts On Sharing Folder Links

Now you know how to send a folder link in Outlook using multiple methods. The key is to use a cloud service like OneDrive or SharePoint for the best experience. Local folders require a workaround, but it’s still simple.

Remember to check permissions, test links, and keep security in mind. With these steps, you can share entire collections of files in seconds. Your team will thank you for the organized, up-to-date access.

Try it out next time you need to send a folder. It’s faster than attachments and way more reliable. If you run into issues, refer back to this guide—it covers all the common pitfalls.