Runtime Error 403 Forbidden occurs when Microsoft SharePoint fails or crashes while in use, as the name implies. It doesn’t necessarily imply that the code was corrupt in any manner; rather, it just means that it didn’t work during its execution. Unless addressed and repaired, this type of issue will display as an irritating message on your screen. Errors at the runtime occur without warning. When Microsoft Sharepoint is started, an error message may appear on the screen. In fact, if the error message or another dialogue box is not handled early enough, it may appear again and again. In this article, we will show you ways to prevent error 403 from happening and solutions to solve this issue. Follow the steps below to see how you can overcome SharePoint error code 403.
Step by step process – How to overcome SharePoint error code 403
- First, sign in to your Microsoft 365 account.
- Click the
app launcher icon.
- Then select “Admin” from the list of applications.
- Click the
menu icon in the Admin center.
- Click on “Show all” to reveal more Admin centers.
- Select “SharePoint” from the list of Admin centers.
- Go to “Sites” on the left menu of your SharePoint Admin center.
- Select “Active sites” from the revealed options.
- Select the site where the 403 error is occurring, then click on “Sharing.”
- If the 403 error is occurring for external users, set External sharing to “Anyone.”
- Uncheck the box next to “Limit sharing by domain.”
- Then click the “Save” button.
What this will do is give access to users who need it to access SharePoint. The site will not grant access until users of admin status have applied the correct permission to grant you access. Error 403 will be lifted once the correct sharing permissions are enabled for the correct users. You can also type out individual external mailboxes for access, if you only have a select few users that require access to SharePoint.
Symptoms of Code 403 Forbidden
Errors at the runtime occur without warning. When Microsoft Sharepoint is started, an error message may appear on the screen. In fact, if the error message or another dialogue box is not handled early enough, it may appear again and again.
It’s possible that files may be deleted or that new ones will arise. Though this symptom is mostly caused by a viral infection, it may also be ascribed to runtime error because virus infection is one of the reasons for runtime error. A sudden reduction in internet connection speed may also occur, however, this is not always the case.
Sharepoint Error Code 403 Forbidden Causes
During the development of software, programmers code to account for the possibility of mistakes. However, no design is flawless, and even the finest software design is certain to have mistakes. If a specific issue is not encountered and handled during design and testing, glitches might occur during runtime.
Incompatible programmes running at the same time are the most common source of runtime problems. It might also be due to a memory issue, a poor graphics driver, or a malware infection. Whatever the situation may be, the issue must be handled as soon as possible to avoid future complications. Here are several solutions to the problem.
SharePoint Error 403 – Alternate fixes
The solution will ensure that non-authenticated users or groups have to Execute and Read permissions, as well as the ability to list the contents of the folder. Follow the step-by-step process below to see how you can achieve this.
Step by step process:
- Open Windows Explorer and navigate to the /bin directory of the web application.
- Then, by right-clicking on the folder, go to the properties.
- Toggle to the safety tab and choose edit.
- Then go to the add button and add legitimate users from a local server group or even server name> users.
- Simply pick choices such as Read, List Contents, Execute, and so forth.
- Finally, press OK to apply the new settings.
- Refresh the page, and perhaps you will be able to browse as you like this time.
Administrative action
It’s conceivable that the file’s permissions haven’t been duplicated properly or fully. Request that the user waits 30 minutes before attempting to open the file again. If the issue persists after 30 minutes, attempt the actions provided under “When visiting a SharePoint site” or “When accessing a OneDrive site” in SharePoint Online and OneDrive for Business “Access Denied,” “You need permission to access this site,” or “User not found in the directory” difficulties.
It’s conceivable that the user’s OneDrive site has been set to “no access.” You may use PowerShell to unlock the site as a global or SharePoint admin in Microsoft 365. See Lock and unlock sites for additional details.
Go to the Microsoft 365 Admin Center’s Service Health page (Health > Service health) as an admin. Look for any cautions or events that may be taking place. If there are no warnings or incidents for SharePoint Online, you may either Report an issue or start a new service request with Microsoft 365 technical support if that option is accessible to you.
If the user is attempting to access the OneDrive data of another user, such as a former employee, you may grant the user authorization by following the instructions in Step 4 – Give another employee access to OneDrive and Outlook data.
In depth – Step by step process – How to overcome SharePoint error code 403
Step by step breakdown:
- First, sign in to your Microsoft 365 account.
- Click the
app launcher icon. (1)
- Then select “Admin” from the list of applications. (2)

- Click the
menu icon in the Admin center. (1)
- Click on “Show all” to reveal more Admin centers. (2)
- Select “SharePoint” from the list of Admin centers. (3)

- Go to “Sites” on the left menu of your SharePoint Admin center. (1)
- Select “Active sites” from the revealed options. (2)
- Select the site where the 403 error is occurring. (3)
- Then click on “Sharing.” (4)

Please be aware that there are security concerns when sharing files with external users. Ensure that the files being shared do not contain sensitive information before allowing all external users to share files and folders.
- If the 403 error is occurring for external users, set External sharing to “Anyone.” (1)
- Uncheck the box next to “Limit sharing by domain.” (2)
- Then click the “Save” button. (3)

That’s it for this Blog thank you for taking time out to read our content, please feel free to email our team about how it went if you followed the steps or if you need more help with the questions we answered in this Blog.