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Environment
U-M Google, My Drive, shared drives
Issue
When I view a list of files and folders in a shared drive or My Drive shared folder, some folders are grayed out with a "restricted" icon that I cannot access. It allows me to "Request access" even though I have access to the entire shared drive (as a member) or parent folder in My Drive. Why can't I access these folders?
Resolution
Google allows shared drive Managers and My Drive folder owners to limit/restrict access to folders for specific individuals (even if they have access to the parent folder or drive). Folders with limited access can only be opened by people who have been added to it directly. People with general access to the shared drive or parent My Drive shared folder can view the restricted folder but cannot open it.
If you would like access to the grayed-out folder, you will need to click Request access on it. The folder owner or shared drive Managers will receive an email with your request and can share it with you if desired.
Refer to the Google Help Center to learn more about limiting access to folders in My Drive and shared drives.
Additional Information
Refer to the attached screenshot for what this looks like for individuals who do not have access to a limited-access folder.
Need additional information or assistance? Contact the ITS Service Center.