An information processing apparatus includes a memory that includes a first storage area and a second storage area and a processor that generates link information to access the file stored in the first storage area, in the second storage area associated with the user identification information associated with the first storage area, requests a notification server that transmits a notification, with identification information that identifies a communication apparatus that corresponds to the user identification information associated with the first storage area, and transfers, in response to a request from the communication apparatus that receives the notification, the link information stored in the second storage area associated with the user identification information corresponding to the communication apparatus and that further transfers, in response to access of the file by the communication apparatus using the link information, the file obtained from the first area to the communication apparatus.