Permission & Access Issues

How to Remove Unknown Guest Users in a Shared PowerPoint File

Aamir Naveed Akram Oct 10, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user is seeing unfamiliar names or anonymous guest users editing a PowerPoint presentation on OneDrive, despite initially sharing it with only one person.

How to Fix Unknown Guest Users Appearing in a Shared PowerPoint File

Product: Microsoft PowerPoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Collaborating on a PowerPoint presentation hosted in OneDrive and monitoring active document editors.
Observed behavior: Several unexpected names or anonymous participant icons appear as active editors inside the shared presentation.

Before you start

Ensure you are logged into the Microsoft or OneDrive account that originally created and owns the PowerPoint file, as only the file owner can fully manage access permissions.

Solution 1Recommended

Review and Update OneDrive Sharing Permissions

Check who has access to your PowerPoint file and remove any open links or unauthorized users.

Unfamiliar names usually appear because an 'Anyone with the link' sharing option was generated, allowing anonymous collaboration. Revoking these links will immediately kick out unknown users.

Locate the file in OneDrive

Open OneDrive in your web browser and navigate to the folder containing the affected PowerPoint presentation.

Open the Manage Access panel

Right-click the PowerPoint file and select 'Manage access' from the context menu, or click the three-dot icon next to the file name and choose 'Manage access'.

Review active links

In the Manage Access panel, look under the 'Links Giving Access' section. Identify any links that say 'Anyone with the link can edit'.

Remove unknown access

Click the trash can icon or the 'X' next to any broad sharing links or specific unfamiliar users to revoke their access immediately.

Review and Update OneDrive Sharing Permissions

Permissions Updated: Once the broad sharing links are deleted, anonymous users will lose access to the file and disappear from the active editors list.

Solution 2

Stop Sharing and Create a New Restricted Link

Reset the sharing status entirely to ensure no legacy links are being exploited by unauthorized users.

Solution 3

Secure Your Microsoft Account

If you suspect that your OneDrive account itself has been compromised, you should update your security credentials.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Secure and Easy File Sharing

If managing Microsoft Office sharing permissions feels overly complicated, WPS Office offers a lightweight, highly compatible alternative with straightforward, secure cloud-sharing controls.

1. Install WPS Office: Download and install WPS Office for free on your PC or mobile device.
2. Open your presentation: Open your .pptx file in WPS Presentation.
3. Share securely: Click the 'Share' button in the top right corner and set strict link permissions to ensure safe and restricted collaboration.

Free and lightweight alternative to Microsoft Office suites.Fully compatible with Microsoft PowerPoint (.pptx) formats.Built-in secure cloud sharing with easy-to-manage permission settings (view-only or edit access).Intuitive interface that makes setting up secure collaboration links effortless.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I see anonymous 'Guest' users in my PowerPoint?

This happens when the file is shared using an 'Anyone with the link' setting. Anyone who clicks the link without signing in to a Microsoft account will appear as an anonymous guest or animal avatar.

Can a guest user edit my presentation without my permission?

If your sharing link is set to 'Allow editing' and is accessible to the public, anyone who obtains the link can make changes. You must restrict editing privileges to specific people to prevent unauthorized edits.

How do I remove a specific person from a shared PowerPoint file?

Open the file's sharing settings in OneDrive, click 'Manage access', locate the specific person's name or email, click the dropdown menu next to their name, and select 'Stop sharing' to remove their access.

Document & File Issues