Permission & Access Issues

How to Hide SharePoint Document Library Activity from External Users

Amos Gikunda Oct 9, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to hide document activity details, modification history, and sharing information from external users in a SharePoint document library.

How to Hide SharePoint Document Library Activity from External Users

Product: SharePoint Online
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Managing external user permissions and viewing details in a SharePoint document library.
Observed behavior: SharePoint Online displays activity and modification history to external users in the details pane without a built-in option to hide it.

Before you start

Verify your site permission levels and ensure you have Site Administrator access before attempting to deploy custom scripts or modify advanced document library settings.

Solution 1Recommended

Use Custom JSON Formatting or SPFx Development

Since there is no standard setting, you must use customized development or formatting to restrict the activity pane's visibility.

SharePoint currently does not offer a simple toggle to disable the activity pane for specific external users. Advanced users or tenant administrators can use SharePoint Framework (SPFx) or custom JSON formatting to modify the view and restrict what information is rendered.

Consult a Developer

Work with a SharePoint developer to create a custom SPFx extension designed to hide or modify the details pane.

Apply JSON Formatting

Alternatively, navigate to the library view settings and apply custom JSON view formatting to restrict certain column visibilities, although this may not completely remove the activity feed.

Deploy the Script

Upload and deploy the custom script or formatting to your SharePoint tenant through the App Catalog.

Use Custom JSON Formatting or SPFx Development

Limitation: Custom scripts require tenant administrator approval and could potentially be affected by future SharePoint updates.

Solution 2

Submit a Feature Request via the SharePoint Feedback Portal

Request Microsoft to add this security control as a standard feature in future SharePoint updates.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hide the activity pane using standard SharePoint permissions?

No, standard SharePoint permission levels (such as Read, View Only, or Contribute) do not include granular controls to hide the activity details pane from external users.

Will disabling 'Sharing' hide the activity history?

Disabling sharing restricts users from sharing the file further, but it does not remove the modification history or activity feed that is already visible in the details pane.

Is there a PowerShell command to hide the details pane?

Currently, there is no built-in PowerShell cmdlet available that specifically disables the details pane or activity feed for external users on a per-library basis.

Document & File Issues