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How to Clear the Shared with Me Section in Microsoft Office
Question details
Users are looking for a way to purge or clear the 'Shared with me' section in Microsoft Office to prevent sensitive filenames from being visible on their dashboard.
- Product
- Microsoft Office
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Trying to clear document history and shortcuts in the Office application to maintain privacy and declutter the workspace.
- Observed behavior
- The 'Shared with me' list accumulates shortcuts to documents and email attachments, but unlike the Recent or Pinned lists, it does not currently provide a clear-all option.
Keep in mind that entries in the 'Shared with me' list are merely shortcuts to files hosted online, not physical copies taking up storage space on your device.
Revoke Access via OneDrive or SharePoint
Since Microsoft Office does not offer a direct 'clear all' button for this section, the most secure method to remove a file from the list is to revoke sharing permissions at the source.
By removing your access to the original file on the cloud, the shortcut will eventually become invalid and disappear from your Office dashboard. This is the best workaround for protecting sensitive filenames.
Log into the OneDrive or SharePoint account where the shared file is originally hosted.
Navigate to the 'Shared' section within OneDrive or SharePoint to find the specific document.
Right-click the file, select 'Manage Access', and remove your account from the permissions list or ask the file owner to stop sharing it with you.
Submit a Feature Request to Microsoft
Because permanently disabling or purging the 'Shared with me' list is currently unsupported, submitting direct feedback is the official way to request this privacy feature.
Try WPS Office for a Cleaner, More Private Workspace
Frustrated by cluttered file histories and a lack of privacy controls in Microsoft Office? WPS Office offers a streamlined, lightweight alternative with intuitive file management, complete format compatibility, and a clean interface that puts you in control of your recent files.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installation package for your device.
- 2. Install the Software: Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to set up WPS Office.
- 3. Open Your Files Seamlessly: Launch WPS Office and open your existing Microsoft Office documents without any formatting loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does clearing my Recent list also clear the Shared with Me section in Office?
No. The Recent and Pinned lists are managed separately. Clearing your Recent documents will not remove the shortcuts accumulated in the Shared with me section.
Are the files in 'Shared with Me' taking up storage space on my computer?
No, the entries in the Shared with me list are simply internal shortcuts or references to documents hosted online (like on OneDrive or SharePoint), not physical copies taking up your local storage.
Can others see my 'Shared with Me' list if I share my screen?
Yes. If you open the Office application dashboard while sharing your screen on a call, the filenames in the Shared with me list will be visible to viewers. This is why managing these files carefully is important for privacy.
How can I remove a single file from the Shared with Me list?
You cannot directly delete a shortcut from the list within the Office app. The best workaround is to ask the file owner to revoke your access, or manually remove your own account from the shared file's permissions in OneDrive or SharePoint.
