File Sharing Problems

How to Unsend or Recall a OneNote Sharing Invitation

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to know how to cancel or recall a pending OneNote sharing invitation before the recipient accepts it.

Product: Microsoft OneNote
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Accidental sharing or changing access permissions before a recipient opens the invitation email.
Observed behavior: Microsoft OneNote does not offer a direct feature to recall or unsend a pending email invitation once it has been sent.

Before you start

Determine whether you shared the OneNote notebook by sending a direct email invitation or by generating a shareable link, as the method to revoke access differs for each.

Solution 1Recommended

Revoke User Access After They Accept the Invitation

Since direct email invitations cannot be recalled while pending, you must wait for the user to appear in the access list or manage it from the OneDrive file settings.

Once a direct invitation is sent from OneNote, the email itself cannot be unsent. However, you can manage the notebook's permissions to ensure the recipient cannot view or edit the file even if they click the link in the email.

Open sharing settings

Open your notebook in OneNote or locate it in your OneDrive. Click on the Share button in the top right corner and select Manage Access.

Locate the user

Look for the recipient's email address or name in the list of people who have access to the notebook.

Revoke access

Click the dropdown or settings icon next to their name and select Stop sharing. This will immediately revoke their access to the notebook.

Delay in access list updates: If you do not see the user's name immediately, they may need to click the invitation link first. Check back later to remove their permissions.

Solution 2

Disable or Delete the Shared Link in OneDrive

If you shared the notebook using a link rather than a direct invite, you can immediately delete the link so anyone who clicks it will no longer have access.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Secure and Easy Document Sharing

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1. Open your document: Launch WPS Office and open the document you wish to share.
2. Access sharing options: Click the Share button in the top right corner of the workspace.
3. Set permissions and share: Set your preferred link permissions and expiration dates, then generate the secure link to share with others.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does deleting a sharing link affect users who were given direct access?

No, deleting a sharing link only prevents access for those who use that specific link. Users invited via direct email access will still be able to open the notebook until you remove them through the Manage Access menu.

Will the recipient be notified when I stop sharing a OneNote notebook?

Microsoft OneNote does not automatically send a notification to users when their access is revoked. However, they will receive an error message stating they do not have permission the next time they try to open the notebook.

Can I set an expiration date for OneNote sharing links?

Yes, if you have a premium Microsoft 365 subscription, you can set expiration dates and passwords for sharing links directly within the Share settings when generating the link.

Why can't I see the 'Manage Access' option in OneNote?

If the notebook is stored locally on your device's hard drive rather than in a cloud service like OneDrive or SharePoint, the standard online sharing and access management options will not be available.

Document & File Issues