How to Change SharePoint Site From Private to Public? [Updated]

SharePoint sites are most commonly used in large organizations to manage employees day to day tasks. Although creating a SharePoint site is a bit easy. However, changing it from private to public becomes tough sometimes. Both SharePoint sites whether it is public or private have their pros and cons. But if you are in search of how to change SharePoint site from private to public, then you will find the complete solution here. In addition, the vice-versa process will also be discussed.

Table of Content

• Introduction to Private and Public SharePoint Site?
• SharePoint Site Public vs Private
• Change SharePoint From Private to Public Using Privacy Settings 
• Make Private SharePoint Site to Public Using PnP PowerShell Commands
• Conclusion and FAQ’s

So, let’s start the article. But before answering that, we will understand what a Public SharePoint site is and what a private SharePoint site is.

What is a Private and Public SharePoint Site?

• Private SharePoint Site: It is a collaborative environment within SharePoint that is only accessed by specific users who can access it. Only a person invited by the owner or added by the owner of the site can view the site’s contents. It is like a digital room where only authorized people can work and collaborate. It provides features like invitation access only and members management.
• Public SharePoint Site: Apart from the immense cooperation within the public sites, these are accessible to anyone in the organization. There is no need to invite anyone specifically all members are added to this automatically while you create the site. Additionally, It provides easy access, a larger view, and collaboration.

Hope that you have understood the above description. Let’s take a look at the detailed comparison between both SharePoint sites.

SharePoint Site Public vs Private

A comparison table is a good way to present a comparison and it also helps to understand the differences between something easily. We are also using a table for this comparison. 

After reading this table you can able to find the difference between public and private SharePoint.  However, users can choose privacy settings according to their needs. So, let’s understand how to convert your private SharePoint site to public.

How to Change SharePoint Site from Private to Public Using Privacy Settings?

The owner of the site can able to change the access from private to public easily, by following the below-mentioned simple steps.

Step 1. Log in to your SharePoint Site and verify your privacy settings- Look into the upper right corner you will find it “Private group”.

Step 2. Now, click the setting button in the upper right corner to open a new dialogue. Click on the site information link-

Step 3. A new dialogue will be opened – scroll to privacy setting

Step 4. Click on drop-down and select public option then hit on Save.

Woohoo! The privacy settings are changed you can verify from the upper left corner.

Note:- If you also want to know how to make a public SharePoint site private then in the step-4. You can choose the Private option to make public SharePoint site as private.

How to Make a Private SharePoint Site Public Using PnP PowerShell Commands?

Let’s see how we can change SharePoint Site from private to public using PowerShell.
Now Execute these commands into your PowerShell.

#initial parameter
$SiteURL = "Enter SharePoint site URL HERE!" 
Try {
    #code to connect PnP Online platform
    Connect-PnPOnline -Url $SiteURL -Interactive
    #code to list SharePoint site and groups
    $Site = Get-PnPSite -Includes GroupId 
    #command to change privacy settings
    Set-PnPMicrosoft365Group -Identity $Site.GroupID -IsPrivate:$False
    # Change “IsPrivate:$True”  if you are changing from public to private
    Write-host "privacy setting is updated to the public" -f Green   
}
Catch {
    write-host -f Red "`tError:" $_.Exception.Message
}

Woohoo! You have learned how to change SharePoint from private to public (vice and versa)

Conclusion

In this write-up, we have defined all methods to change SharePoint site from private to public using PowerShell and manual techniques. You can select any approach that suits you the best according to your technical expertise. But do not forget to verify the settings and permissions after making a private SharePoint site public.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Do I use SharePoint Public sites to store the crucial data?

A – No, because public SharePoint sites can be accessible from any of the members without the site owner’s permission.

Q2. Can I keep some sensitive data private on public SharePoint sites?

A – Yes, you can keep some files restricted from the members by applying security to the sensitive data.