Forbid users to delete files on shared OneDrive folder

Question

If I share a folder in OneDrive with other users, I want them to be allowed to add files, but I do not want the other users to be allowed to delete files. If possible, as owner of the the shared folder, I would like to still be able to delete files.

• If I give them only "Can View" permissions, they can not add the Folder to their OneDrive and can whether add nor delete files in the Folder, just download the folder.
• If I give them only "Can Edit" permissions, they can add the Folder to their OneDrive and add/delete files.

So I need the users I share the folder with, to be able to add the folder to their OneDrive, to add files, but not to be able to delete files.

Answer 1

Note: This answer is with regards to the permissions on the local file itself. When I answered the question it was not clear to be they were talking about the permissions on the cloud copy of the file.

Within the properties of the folder in question do the following:

1. Click Security
2. Click Advanced
3. Click on the Principal you wish to change the permissions for.

4. Click Edit

   

5. Click 'Show Advanced Permissions`

6. Remove the Delete permission

4. Click Ok
5. Within the Advanced Security Settings window hit Apply
6. Close all Windows.

As an Administrator user you might have to remove the inheritance on the folder in order for the View button to change to an Edit button. For the purposes of this answer I copied and pasted the Edit button into my screenshot.

This approach can still be used. If they cannot delete the local file, then the cloud copy, cannot be deleted (unless they go to the browser and delete it).

Answer 2

I didn't test, but I've heard Microsoft recently(?) restricted the edit permissions for people without a Microsoft account to only add objects or update existing ones. (source of my assumptions). People with a Microsoft account are still able to delete objects with the edit permissions.

Restrict permissions to not be able to delete objects

It's possible, although a bit complicated to achieve permissions for people to be able to add and update but not to delete, as described by Microsoft Agent in the Microsoft Community regarding OneDrive permissions:

1. Create a new Permission Level
   1. On OneDrive, click on the gear icon and OneDrive Settings
   2. On the left, select More Settings and Return to the old Site settings page under Can't find what you are looking for? on the bottom of the page
   3. Open Site permissions
   4. In the ribbon, open the Permission levels under Manage
   5. Open the Edit permissions and below the form, click on Copy Permission Level
   6. Give your new level an appropriate name and a helpful description
   7. Remove all the Delete permissions, as well as Manage Lists in List Permissions
   8. Click on Create
2. Apply the new Permission Level
   1. Back on the OneDrive page, click on the ellipse/three dots next to the folder you want to share
   2. Click on Manage Access and select Advanced
   3. In the ribbon, click on *Grant permissions
   4. Add the people/mail addresses in the popup (under Invite people) and optionally add some explaining text below.
   5. Click on SHOW OPTIONS at the bottom and select the Permission Level you just created
   6. Share your folder

This solution does not work with just creating a link to share, but it's not restricted to people having a Microsoft account. So, you're restricted to Microsoft sending the mails to the people you want to invite.

I didn't check whether it might be possible to add the people by Microsoft accounts, deselect the Send an email invitation and then create a View link to send to the people. I think that the people get also the add permission when signed in.