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How to Handle Unsolicited Files in OneDrive Shared List
Question details
Users are unable to hide or remove unknown, unsolicited files appearing in their OneDrive Shared list and encounter errors when attempting to do so.
- Product
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Managing shared files in OneDrive online to maintain a clean and secure workspace.
- Observed behavior
- An error occurs when trying to hide an unsolicited shared file, usually because the item is already under review after being reported.
Ensure you are logged into OneDrive on the web, and absolutely do not open or download any unsolicited files to protect your device from potential security risks.
Report and Hide the File on OneDrive Web
The safest way to handle unknown shared files is to report them as abuse directly from the web interface.
When a stranger shares a file with you, it will appear in your Shared list. Instead of interacting with the file's contents, you should use the built-in reporting tools.
Launch your web browser and sign into your Microsoft OneDrive account.
Click on the 'Shared' tab located in the left-hand navigation sidebar.
Locate the unsolicited item. Right-click the file without opening it and select 'Report' from the context menu.
After reporting, right-click the file again and choose 'Hide'.
Submit Feedback for Persistent Items
If the reported file remains stuck in your Shared list indefinitely, you can escalate the issue to Microsoft.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do unsolicited files in the Shared list use my OneDrive storage?
No. Files shared with you remain hosted on the sender's OneDrive account and do not consume any of your personal storage quota.
Why does the 'Hide' option fail for some shared files?
The 'Hide' option may fail if the file has already been flagged or reported as abuse, meaning it is currently locked under review by Microsoft's security team.
Is it safe to click on unsolicited shared files to see what they are?
No, you should never open or download unsolicited files. They may contain malware or direct you to phishing sites. Always report them directly from the list view without opening them.
Can I permanently delete a file someone shared with me?
You cannot permanently delete the source file since you do not own it. You can only remove it from your own Shared view by utilizing the 'Hide' option.
