How to Remove or Hide Shared Microsoft Whiteboards from the Home Screen
Question details
The user needs a way to hide, leave, sort, or organize shared Microsoft Whiteboards on the app's home screen without permanently deleting content owned by colleagues.
- Product
- Microsoft Whiteboard
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Organizing the Whiteboard dashboard and managing cluttered shared files.
- Observed behavior
- Shared boards remain on the home screen indefinitely, and there are no native options to hide, sort, or group them into folders without deleting the files completely.
Ensure your Microsoft Whiteboard application is updated to the latest version and verify your specific sharing permissions before attempting to modify or delete any boards.
Use the Whiteboard Web App and Verify Permissions
Check the web version of Microsoft Whiteboard to manage your recent activity view, as native desktop controls for hiding shared boards are currently limited.
Currently, the Microsoft Whiteboard home screen lists shared boards based on recent activity. There is no native feature to hide, organize into folders, or leave every shared board without removing access or risking deletion. Using the web app can help you manage your session and view the boards in chronological order.
Navigate to whiteboard.microsoft.com in your web browser and sign in with your Microsoft 365 credentials to check if your dashboard view updates differently.
Click the ellipses (...) on a board to verify who the owner is. Do not click 'Delete' if you are not the owner, as this may permanently remove the board for all collaborators.
If older boards are stubbornly stuck at the top despite no recent activity, clear your browser's cache and cookies, then reload the page to refresh the 'last opened' order.
Escalate to Microsoft 365 Support via Administrator
If shared boards are severely cluttering your workspace, ask your IT administrator to investigate tenant-level sharing behaviors.
Switch to WPS Office for Better Shared File Management
If interface limitations and cluttered dashboards are slowing down your productivity, try WPS Office. It provides a structured, intuitive workspace where you can easily organize, hide, and manage your shared documents in dedicated folders.
- 1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installer for your operating system.
- 2. Set Up Your Workspace: Log in to WPS Office and navigate to the 'Cloud' or 'Shared' tabs to view your collaborative files.
- 3. Organize Your Files: Right-click on any shared document to move it to a specific folder, sort by date, or manage your view preferences without affecting your colleagues' access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I group Microsoft Whiteboards into folders on the home screen?
No, currently Microsoft Whiteboard does not support sorting boards into folders or custom groups. Boards are displayed entirely based on the date they were last accessed.
What happens if I delete a shared Whiteboard?
If you delete a shared whiteboard that you do not own, you may inadvertently permanently delete the content for the owner and all other collaborators, depending on your assigned permissions. It is strongly advised not to delete shared boards you do not own.
Why do old shared boards still appear on my dashboard?
The home screen displays boards based on your account's access history. As long as you retain access permissions to a board, it will remain on your dashboard, simply moving down the list as newer boards are opened.
