Accessing a Shared SharePoint Online File or Folder as an External Collaborator

Overview

You have received a link to a file, folder, or site shared with you by a member of Eastern Connecticut State University (ECSU). This article walks you through signing in and setting up multifactor authentication (MFA), which is required to access shared content.

You will need access to your email inbox and a mobile device to complete this process.

Steps to Access Shared Content

1. Open the invitation. In the email you received, select the Open button to begin accessing the shared item.

2. Sign in with your email address. You will be presented with an Eastern-branded sign-in page. Enter the email address the invitation was sent to (for example, emailaddress@gmail.com) in the username field, then select Next.

3. Retrieve and enter your verification code. A one-time verification code will be sent to your email inbox. Retrieve the code, enter it in the field provided, and select Sign in.

4. Accept the permissions request. You will be prompted to review and accept the permissions requested to complete sign-in. Select Accept to continue.

5. Begin multifactor authentication setup. You will be prompted to set up multifactor authentication (MFA). This is a required security step. Select Next to begin.

6. Choose your MFA method. You will be prompted to choose how you would like to verify your identity going forward. You may configure a passkey or install the Microsoft Authenticator app on your mobile device. Documentation on setting up Microsoft Authenticator is available here.

7. Complete setup. Follow the on-screen instructions to finish setting up your chosen MFA method, then select Next. Once setup is complete, you will be directed to the shared file, folder, or site.

After Setup

Once your account and MFA method are configured, you will not need to repeat this setup process for future access. You will be asked to verify your identity using the method you selected every 90 days.

Need Help?

If you encounter an issue during this process - for example, you did not receive a verification code, or you are unable to complete MFA setup - contact the person at Eastern Connecticut State University who shared the content with you. They can submit a request to the ECSU IT help desk on your behalf.