Permission & Access Issues

How to Remove Confidential Files from Shared with Me in Microsoft 365

Anum Mushtaq Oct 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to permanently remove access to confidential documents in the Microsoft 365 Shared with Me view because hiding the files or deleting the sharing emails does not revoke access.

How to Remove Confidential Files from Shared with Me in Microsoft 365

Product: Microsoft 365
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to clean up the shared files view and ensure sensitive documents are no longer accessible or visible in the account.
Observed behavior: Files continue to appear in the Shared with me view across Microsoft 365 desktop and web applications even after deleting the email containing the shared link or choosing the hide option.

Before you start

Before attempting to remove permissions, check if the document was shared with you individually or via a generic organization-wide link, as removing a generic link could break access for other collaborators.

Solution 1Recommended

Remove Your Own Access via the Details Pane

Manually remove yourself from the file's permission list to permanently clear it from your Shared with Me view.

If you were granted direct access to a file, you can revoke your own permissions using the web interface for OneDrive for Business or SharePoint. This is the most effective way to ensure the file stops appearing in both web and desktop Office applications.

Open OneDrive or SharePoint

Navigate to the web version of OneDrive for Business or SharePoint and click on the 'Shared with me' tab.

Open the Details Pane

Locate the confidential file, right-click it, and select 'Details' to open the file properties pane on the right side of the screen.

Manage Access

Click on 'Manage access' to view the full list of users and links that currently have permission to view or edit the document.

Revoke Your Permission

Find your name in the Direct Access list, click the dropdown menu next to your name, and select 'Stop sharing' or 'Remove' to revoke your access.

Remove Your Own Access via the Details Pane

Shared Link Warning: If you are accessing the file through a generic shared link (e.g., 'Anyone with the link can view'), do not delete the link itself, as this will immediately revoke access for all other users relying on it.

Solution 2

Request the File Owner to Revoke Access

If you lack the permissions to remove yourself, you must ask the original owner to update the sharing settings.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do files still show up in 'Shared with me' after I delete the email link?

Deleting the email containing a shared link only removes the message from your Outlook inbox. It does not alter the underlying sharing permissions in OneDrive or SharePoint, meaning your account still has authorization to access the file.

Does hiding a file in OneDrive remove my access to it?

No. Hiding a file simply removes it from your current browser view to help reduce visual clutter. You still retain full access permissions, and the file may continue to appear in your desktop Office applications and search results.

How can I stop shared files from appearing in my Office desktop apps?

To completely remove a shared file from appearing in your desktop applications, your underlying access must be revoked. You can either remove your own permissions via the 'Manage access' menu online or ask the file owner to stop sharing the file with you.

Document & File Issues