You do not have permission to download this file

YH 0 Reputation points
2026-08-05T08:22:54.6366667+00:00

Hi, I'm using Microsoft Teams under Business Basic 365 license in my company.

2 of my colleagues (A and B) are having issues with file sharing. Specifically if A share file in Teams chat to B, B cannot open it, but vice versa is fine. Below is the popup:

User's image

Steps we have tried to fix:

  1. Tried on Teams web, same error
  2. Checked the Manage Access page on the file, B's name is there User's image
  3. Updated setting to deactivate lockdown mode User's image Any suggestions on settings to change as these 2 actually have alot of overlap in documents needed?

thank you very much for your time in helping us

Microsoft Teams | Microsoft Teams for business | Chats | Share photos, files, and video
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  1. Helen Luu 2,045 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-08-05T08:58:33.9266667+00:00

    Hello @YH,

    Based on the information you provided, I understand that User B is unable to open a file shared by User A in a Teams chat and receives the error message: "You do not have permission to download this file."

    To help further investigate the issue, could you please check the following:

    1. Ask User A to right-click the file, select "Copy link", and then paste the link directly with User B. User B copy the link and paste in on the browser, is user B able to open the file?
    2. Upload a new test file directly from a local device to the Teams chat and check whether User B can open the newly uploaded file.
    3. Could you confirm whether the affected file is stored in OneDrive or SharePoint Online?
    4. Verify that the Limited-access user permission lockdown mode is not enabled. If the screenshot you shared reflects the current configuration, please click Deactivate to disable this setting.
    5. Let me know whether there have been any recent changes to User B's account, such as:
      • Email address changes
      • Account recreation
      • User profile or attribute modifications
      • Any other identity-related updates

    The information above will be very helpful in narrowing down the cause of the issue.

    I look forward to hearing from you.

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