How to Stop OneDrive from Sending a Copy of Shared Files to Yourself
Question details
The user wants to prevent OneDrive from sending an email copy to their own inbox when they share a file with someone else.
- Product
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Sharing documents or folders directly through the OneDrive sharing interface.
- Observed behavior
- OneDrive automatically includes the sender's email address in the CC field when a file is shared, resulting in an unwanted notification email sent to the sender.
Understand that Microsoft currently does not offer a native toggle to turn off this automatic CC behavior in the standard OneDrive sharing dialog.
Use the 'Copy Link' Workaround
Since there is no built-in setting to remove your email address from the automated shared email, manually copying the link is the most effective workaround.
By generating a shareable link instead of using the native email invitation feature, you bypass OneDrive's automated email system entirely. This prevents the server from CCing your email address while still allowing you to share the file securely.
Navigate to your OneDrive, locate the file or folder you want to share, and select it by clicking the circle checkmark or right-clicking the item.
Click on the 'Share' icon located at the top toolbar or in the context menu.
Instead of typing the recipient's email address into the 'To' field, click on the 'Copy link' button at the bottom of the sharing dialog.
Open your preferred communication app, such as Microsoft Teams, Outlook, or another email client, paste the link, and send it directly to your recipient.
Submit a Feature Request to Microsoft
Request a permanent built-in setting by submitting feedback directly to the Microsoft development team.
Use WPS Office for Flexible File Sharing
Frustrated by rigid sharing settings and unwanted notification emails in Microsoft OneDrive? Switch to WPS Office, a free, lightweight, and highly compatible Office suite. With built-in WPS Cloud, you have total control over how your files are shared, avoiding cluttered inboxes and streamlining your collaboration.
- 1. Download and install: Download WPS Office for free and complete the quick installation.
- 2. Save to WPS Cloud: Open your document and seamlessly save it to your free WPS Cloud storage.
- 3. Share without clutter: Use the Share feature to generate a secure link and send it directly to colleagues without forced email copies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an administrator disable the OneDrive sharing CC feature globally?
No, currently there is no global setting in the Microsoft 365 or SharePoint Admin Center that allows administrators to turn off the automatic CC to the sender when using the native 'Send link' email feature.
Does SharePoint have the same issue when sharing files?
Yes, because SharePoint uses the same underlying sharing interface as OneDrive, sending an email invitation directly through SharePoint will also send a copy of the notification to your own inbox.
Will the recipient know I used a copied link instead of an email invite?
The recipient will simply receive the message and link through whatever application you use to send it (like Teams or a standard email). The link provides the exact same access permissions without generating automated system emails.
