By default, SharePoint Online pages are accessible only to users within your organization. However, in some cases, you may want to make a SharePoint page public so that external users (people outside your organization) can view it without requiring login credentials.
This guide will walk you through:
✔ How SharePoint Online handles public access
✔ Alternative methods to make SharePoint content public
✔ Step-by-step instructions to share a page externally
✔ Security considerations and best practices
1. Can You Make a SharePoint Page Public?
Understanding SharePoint Online’s Default Settings
Microsoft does not allow fully public SharePoint pages (like a traditional website) for security reasons. However, you can still share a page with external users using controlled permissions.
Alternatives to Making a Page Public
Since SharePoint Online pages cannot be made truly public, here are some alternative solutions:
✔ Enable External Sharing – Share with specific people outside your organization.
✔ Use a Microsoft 365 Group – Allow guest access to a team site.
✔ Create a SharePoint Communication Site – Share read-only access with external users.
✔ Use a Public Website (Like Microsoft Power Pages) – If you need a public-facing site, Power Pages (formerly Power Apps Portals) is a better alternative.
2. Enabling External Sharing in SharePoint
Before sharing a page externally, you need to enable external sharing at the tenant and site levels.
Step 1: Enable External Sharing in the SharePoint Admin Center
- Sign in to the Microsoft 365 Admin Center.
- Click SharePoint Admin Center (under Admin Centers).
- Go to Policies > Sharing.
- Under External Sharing, choose:
- ✔ Anyone with the link (for open sharing).
- ✔ New and existing guests (for guest access).
- Click Save.
Tip: For tighter control, use “Only people you specify” instead of “Anyone with the link.”
Step 2: Enable External Sharing for a Specific SharePoint Site
- Go to the SharePoint Admin Center.
- Click Active Sites > Select your target site.
- Click Sharing (from the settings panel).
- Select “Anyone with the link” or “New and existing guests”.
- Click Save.
3. Sharing a SharePoint Page with External Users
Once external sharing is enabled, you can share the page link with outside users.
Step 1: Get the Shareable Link
- Navigate to your SharePoint page.
- Click the Share button (top-right).
- Choose Copy Link > Click People you specify can edit.
- Change permissions to:
- Anyone with the link (for a public-style link).
- Specific people (for restricted external access).
- Click Apply and Copy the link.
Step 2: Send the Link to External Users
- Paste the copied link into an email, chat, or website.
- External users will now be able to view the page without logging in (if using “Anyone with the link”).
Tip: If users can’t access the page, check the site’s external sharing settings.
4. Security Considerations for Public Pages
Making a SharePoint page public has security risks, so keep these best practices in mind:
✔ Avoid sharing sensitive content – Do not make pages public if they contain confidential data.
✔ Use expiration dates on links – Set a time limit for public access.
✔ Monitor shared links – Regularly review who has access.
✔ Use view-only permissions – Prevent users from editing content.
✔ Consider Microsoft Power Pages – For a fully public website, Power Pages is a better option.
Tip: If security is a concern, restrict external sharing to specific trusted individuals.
5. Alternative: Using Microsoft Power Pages for Public Content
If you need a true public website, consider using Microsoft Power Pages (formerly Power Apps Portals), which allows you to:
✔ Create public-facing pages without sign-in requirements.
✔ Integrate with Microsoft Dataverse for structured data.
✔ Customize layouts and branding.
Conclusion
While SharePoint Online does not offer fully public pages, you can still share pages externally using controlled permissions. By enabling external sharing and using the right settings, you can make SharePoint pages accessible without requiring Microsoft accounts.
Next Steps:
✔ Test the external sharing feature with a sample page.
✔ Review security settings to prevent unauthorized access.
✔ Explore Power Pages if you need a public website alternative.
By following these steps, you can effectively manage public access to SharePoint pages while maintaining security and compliance.