Prevent file download in SharePoint
Sometimes in SharePoint there will be a scenario where users shouldn’t download documents, but yet should be able to view the documents. In many of the sites it’s mentioned that this is not possible. But in reality as of March 2020, this is possible.
Generally the permission level “View Only: Can view pages, list items, and documents. Document types with server-side file handlers can be viewed in the browser but not downloaded.” is not available by default. But the site collection feature “SharePoint Server Enterprise Site Collection features” when activated will enable this permissions level.
Note that this will work only for Microsoft Office files like Word, Excel, PowerPoint etc. Still users will be able to download other file type. The reason is SharePoint uses handler for viewing and editing Microsoft Office files which can prevent download.
Perform the following steps to enable the permission level
- Launch “Site collection features” under “Site Settings”.
- Activate “SharePoint Server Enterprise Site Collection features”.
- Go to the library’s settings and launch “Permissions for this document library”.
- Enable unique permissions.
- Then select the specific “SharePoint group” and click “Edit User Permissions”.
- Now you should be able to see the permission level ” View Only: Can view pages, list items, and documents. Document types with server-side file handlers can be viewed in the browser but not downloaded.”
- Check that permission and uncheck all other permissions.
- Now all the users within that group will only be able to view the document in web-viewer and will not be able to download.
Before applying permission
After applying permissions
