How to View and Stop Sharing OneDrive Files
Managing shared files in OneDrive (Microsoft’s cloud storage service that keeps documents synced across computers) lets you see active links and revoke permissions so only the right people access your data.
Stopping an active sharing link takes just a few clicks when someone no longer needs access or when you want to lock down private files. Keeping track of who can open your documents protects your personal information from unwanted eyes.
Access the OneDrive web portal, click “Shared” in the left menu, and then select “Shared by you” to view files. To stop sharing, select the file, click “Manage Access,” and then remove specific people or delete sharing links.
How to See Your Shared Files
You can easily check which documents you are sharing by opening the Microsoft OneDrive portal in your web browser. Sign in to your account, click the Shared link in the left sidebar, and choose Shared by you at the top of the page. This view gives you a complete list of all the files and folders currently open to other people.
- Go to your Microsoft OneDrive portal online and sign in.
- Click the Shared link in the menu on the left side of your screen.
- Click the Shared by you link at the top of the page. This shows only the files you have given others permission to see.
How to Stop Sharing Files
To stop sharing OneDrive files, open your account online and go to the Shared by you list to find the item you want to lock down. Select the file or folder, open the Manage Access menu, and remove the people or links you no longer want to have access. This immediately revokes their ability to view or edit your documents.
- Navigate to your Microsoft OneDrive portal and select Shared, then Shared by you.
- Find the file or folder you want to stop sharing.
- Select the item and click Manage Access in the top menu, or click the three dots and choose Manage access.
- In the window that pops up, click the People link. Click the Pencil icon to see who has access.
- Click Direct Access to see the list of people. Select Remove direct access for anyone you want to block.
- Click Remove to confirm your choice.
- Finally, click the Links tab in that same window and click the Delete button to kill the sharing link entirely.
Understanding Permission Inheritance and Subfolders
Permission inheritance (where security settings on a parent folder automatically apply to everything stored inside it) means that sharing a main folder also shares every file and subfolder inside it. Any new items you add to that directory automatically pick up those same sharing rules unless you change the permissions on the individual sub-items.
Managing Access on Mobile Devices
Stopping sharing for files is also possible using the OneDrive mobile app. Open the app, tap the Shared tab, find the target file, tap the three dots, and select Manage Access. From there, removing links or specific people mirrors the desktop workflow.
Summary
Managing shared OneDrive files remains vital for maintaining data privacy. Review active shares through the 'Shared by you' list in the online portal. Utilize the 'Manage Access' menu to revoke specific people or links, ensuring only authorized viewers retain access.
Related Topics
Can I stop sharing all files at once?
OneDrive does not currently offer a single button to stop sharing every file at once. You must review and revoke access on a per-file or per-folder basis to ensure you do not accidentally remove access to files you still need to collaborate on with your team.
What happens to the recipient when I stop sharing?
When you stop sharing, the recipient will no longer see the file in their "Shared" view. If they try to open a direct link to the file, they will receive an error message stating that the item no longer exists or they no longer have permission to view it.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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