How to Fix Shared with Us Folder Missing from SharePoint or OneDrive
Question details
The user is unable to find the 'Shared with Us' folder or tab across SharePoint websites or OneDrive, making it difficult to access shared files and directories.
- Product
- SharePoint and OneDrive
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to locate and access files shared by other users or teams within the Microsoft 365 environment.
- Observed behavior
- The 'Shared with Us' area is missing or permanently removed from the interface, although files are still accessible via their original sharing links.
Verify your Microsoft 365 subscription status and check your email inbox for the original file-sharing notification links, as these remain active even if the interface tab is hidden.
Access Shared Folders via Original Links and Bookmarks
Since Microsoft may have removed the 'Shared with Us' tab in recent updates, using the direct links sent to your email is the most reliable workaround.
While the navigational tab may be missing from your SharePoint or OneDrive dashboard, the actual files and permissions remain intact. You can bypass the missing UI by accessing the documents directly.
Open your email client and search for the original sharing notification sent when the file or folder was shared with you.
Click the link within the email to open the shared document or folder directly in your web browser.
Once opened, bookmark the URL in your web browser (e.g., press Ctrl+D or click the star icon in the address bar) for quick and reliable access in the future.
Sync Important Shared Folders to Your Local OneDrive
If you frequently access specific shared folders, synchronizing them directly to your local file explorer can bypass the missing online tab.
Contact Microsoft Support for Backend Investigation
If the feature disappeared unexpectedly across multiple sites and affects organizational workflow, it might be a tenant-level backend issue rather than a standard UI update.
Experience Seamless Document Collaboration with WPS Office
If you are frustrated by sudden UI changes or missing tabs in your current Office setup, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a highly compatible, lightweight, and user-friendly alternative with stable, built-in cloud sharing features that are easy to navigate and manage.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download and install the free office suite on your PC or Mac.
- 2. Sign In to WPS Cloud: Create or log in to your account to activate your built-in cloud storage and collaboration tools.
- 3. Manage Shared Files Easily: Navigate to the dedicated 'Share' section in the WPS workspace to view and manage all files shared with you in one convenient place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Microsoft remove the 'Shared with Us' tab?
Microsoft periodically updates the SharePoint and OneDrive interfaces. In some updates, the 'Shared with Us' tab is permanently removed or relocated to streamline the user experience, forcing users to rely on direct links, bookmarks, or the 'My files' view.
Are my shared files deleted if the tab is missing?
No, your shared files are completely safe. Only the navigational tab has been hidden or removed. You can still access the documents using the original sharing links sent to your email or by having the document owner re-share them.
How can I easily find shared files without the tab?
You can use the search bar at the top of your SharePoint or OneDrive portal to search for the specific file name. Alternatively, check your email inbox for the sharing notification which contains the direct link to the file.
Can a Microsoft 365 admin restore the missing shared folder view?
If the disappearance is due to a backend bug affecting multiple SharePoint sites, an admin can open a support ticket with Microsoft to have it investigated. However, if it was removed by a deliberate Microsoft feature update, it generally cannot be restored.
