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How to Fix Cannot Remove a File from OneDrive Shared with Me
Question details
Users are unable to hide or remove files from the Shared with me view in OneDrive, as the context menu only displays Open, Open in location, and Add shortcut.
- Product
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to clean up or remove unwanted files shared by other users in the OneDrive interface.
- Observed behavior
- The options to hide or remove the file are completely missing from the toolbar and context menu for certain shared files.
Verify whether the file was shared by someone outside your organization, as external sharing permissions often restrict your ability to modify or hide files from your view.
Request the File Owner to Revoke Access
The most effective way to remove an externally shared file from your view is to have the original owner remove your permissions.
The 'Shared with me' section is a view of files owned by others, not a separate folder. If a file was shared by an external user, OneDrive may restrict your ability to hide or remove it from this list directly.
Check the file details or the original sharing email to find out who shared the file with you.
Reach out to the file owner and request them to stop sharing the file with your account.
Once the owner removes your access, refresh your OneDrive 'Shared with me' page, and the file will disappear.
Submit Feedback to Microsoft
If you frequently encounter unremovable external files, report the UI limitation to Microsoft.
Manage Shared Documents Easily with WPS Office
If you are tired of complex permission issues and restricted views in Microsoft OneDrive, try WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, intuitive cloud collaboration experience with seamless compatibility for all your daily tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the Shared with me view not have a delete button?
The 'Shared with me' section is only a view of files owned by other people. Since you do not own these files, you cannot delete them from the server; you can only hide them from your view or ask the owner to revoke your access.
Will the file owner be notified if I manage to hide a shared file?
No, hiding a file from your 'Shared with me' view only affects your own personal OneDrive display. The file owner will not receive any notification, and the file remains intact in their storage.
Why can't I see the shared file in my OneDrive Android app?
Sometimes files with highly restricted external permissions or limited access options (like files that only allow 'Open') may not sync or display correctly in the mobile app views. It is recommended to check and manage these files via the OneDrive web browser interface.
