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Copying a Google Drive link does not tell you who can open it.

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With a harmless fictional launch brief, we'll check the file's sharing

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panel, switch General access to Anyone with the link and Viewer,

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then return it to Restricted.

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You'll also test the same link while signed out, so you

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can see how each setting works for a visitor.

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Download the practice text file.

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It contains an invented workshop headline and checklist, with no

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customer names or secrets.

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Upload it to My Drive outside a folder that is already shared.

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That matters because a parent folder can grant access to files inside it.

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We want this exercise to isolate the file's own link setting.

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Open Share for that file.

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Read both People with access and General access.

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A named recipient or group may be listed even when the

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general setting is Restricted.

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Check the parent folder as well; inherited permission can matter.

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Do not test with a real customer document, and do not

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mistake a restricted general link for proof that nobody else has access.

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Under General access, choose Anyone with the link and set the role to Viewer.

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Save the change, then copy the link.

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Google's help says someone holding this kind of link can open

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the file without signing into a Google account.

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This is temporary for our harmless test; do not use it

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for a real private brief.

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The real owner preview opened, but this illustration does not show a signed-out visitor.

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We verified the sharing setting change, but could not run a

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signed-out test in that browser.

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In your own private window, sign out of Google and paste the link.

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Google's documented Anyone with the link Viewer setting predicts a read-only open.

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If it fails, inspect the saved setting and Workspace policy.

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Return to the signed-in Drive tab.

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Open Share again, change General access to Restricted, and save.

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Do not assume closing the public link also removes a person invited by name.

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That is a separate entry under People with access.

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The exercise only compares the general link setting; inspect other

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permissions before using the method with sensitive files.

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In your signed-out window, reload the same link after saving Restricted.

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You should no longer see the file contents; Google may ask

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you to sign in or request access.

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The exact message can vary.

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If the file still opens, confirm you are signed out, check

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that the change was saved, and inspect any other permission granting access.

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A link check covers only one route to a file.

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Review the People with access list for direct invitations and groups,

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then inspect the parent folder for inherited permissions.

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A colleague invited by name may still be able to open

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a file after you switch General access to Restricted.

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Use the guide's checklist and practice file before sharing a real document.