How to Remove a Broken Link from the Shared with Me List in Office 365
Question details
The user needs to clear broken links or inaccessible files from the Shared with me list across Microsoft Office applications.
- Product
- Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Managing shared cloud files and cleaning up the recent or shared documents view in Office apps.
- Observed behavior
- Deleted email attachments or inaccessible shared files continue to display as broken entries in the Shared with me list.
Verify whether the shared file is stored in your personal OneDrive or someone else's, as this determines whether you can permanently delete the file or simply remove it from your view.
Remove the File Entry from the Shared List
Use the built-in context menu option to clear inaccessible files from your shared view without needing permission to delete the actual file.
When files are shared with you via a link, they appear in the Shared with me view. If the file owner deletes the document or revokes your access, the shortcut may still linger as a broken link. You can manually clean up these entries.
Launch the Microsoft 365 application where the broken link appears, such as Word, Excel, or PowerPoint.
Click on the 'Open' menu from the left sidebar and select the 'Shared' or 'Shared with me' section to view your shared files.
Locate the inaccessible file or broken entry that you want to remove.
Right-click the file and select 'Remove from list' or 'Remove from shared list' from the context menu to hide it from your view.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why do deleted files still appear in my Shared with me list?
When a file owner deletes a shared document from their OneDrive, the link may remain cached in your shared view. You must manually remove the broken entry from your list to stop it from displaying.
Can I permanently delete a shared file from someone else's OneDrive?
No. Unless you have been granted specific edit and delete permissions by the file owner, you cannot delete the source file. You can only remove its shortcut from your own Shared with me list.
Are email attachments automatically added to the Shared with me list?
Generally, standard email attachments do not appear in the Shared with me view of Office applications. This list primarily displays files that were shared directly through a cloud link.
