How to View and Stop Sharing OneDrive Files
Stopping OneDrive file sharing and seeing who you’ve shared with is best done through the OneDrive website.
OneDrive is Microsoft’s cloud service that keeps your files in sync across all your computers and devices, and it works closely with Windows 11’s File Explorer.
Sharing files helps you work with others, but you need to know who can see your stuff. Checking your shared links and who has permission is important for keeping your information safe.
You can easily remove access for anyone you don’t want sharing your files with anymore, anytime.
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 see all the files you’ve shared from OneDrive by visiting the online portal. After signing in, click ‘Shared’ on the left menu, then select ‘Shared by you’ at the top. This list shows exactly which files you’ve given others permission to view or edit.
- 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
Stopping sharing for a OneDrive file is possible using the web portal. First, go to your OneDrive online and find the file in your ‘Shared by you’ list. Select the file or folder you want to stop sharing, then click ‘Manage Access’ to choose who can no longer see it.
- 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
When you share a folder in OneDrive, all the files and folders inside it are shared too. This is known as ‘permission inheritance,’ meaning the permissions applied to the parent folder automatically apply to its contents. Any new items added to that folder are also shared automatically unless you specifically change the settings for that sub-item.
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 file, tap the three dots, and select Manage Access. From there, you can remove links or specific people just like you do on a computer.
Summary
Managing your shared OneDrive files is key to keeping your data private. Review what you’ve shared by checking the ‘Shared by you’ list in the OneDrive portal. Use the ‘Manage Access’ option to remove specific people or links, ensuring only intended viewers have 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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