File Sharing Problems

Stop Malicious Shared PDF Spam in OneDrive

Amos Gikunda Sep 29, 2026 869 views

Question details

User is receiving malicious PDF files containing inappropriate spam via OneDrive sharing, and cannot delete or report the shared files directly.

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: The user's Hotmail/OneDrive account is being targeted by spammers who are sharing malicious PDF files.
Observed behavior: Unwanted messages appear in the inbox, and the linked PDF files cannot be permanently deleted, unlinked, or reported by the recipient because they do not own the files.

Before you start

Do not click on any suspicious links or attempt to open the unknown PDF files, as they could compromise your account security or expose you to phishing content.

Solution 1Recommended

Remove from Shared View and Block the Sender

Since you do not own the shared files, you cannot delete them permanently. However, you can remove them from your shared list and block the spammer's email address.

Shared files consume the sender's storage space, not yours. By removing the files from your shared view and blocking the sender in Outlook, you can stop seeing the spam.

Remove from shared list

Log into OneDrive on the web, click on the 'Shared' tab in the left navigation menu, select the malicious files, and click 'Remove from shared list' at the top.

Block the sender

Open your Outlook or Hotmail inbox, locate the sharing notification email, right-click the email message, select 'Block', and then choose 'Block sender'.

Report as phishing

In Outlook, select the spam email again, click 'Report' on the top toolbar, and select 'Report phishing' or 'Report junk' to notify Microsoft's security team.

Remove from Shared View and Block the Sender

Ownership Limitations: You cannot permanently delete files shared with you because they physically reside in the sender's OneDrive account, not yours.

Solution 2

Report Abuse to Microsoft Support or IT Admin

If the spam persists or you are using a managed organizational account, the issue needs to be escalated.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I delete a malicious file shared with me on OneDrive?

In OneDrive, you only have permission to delete files that you own. Files shared with you remain in the sender's cloud storage. You can only remove the shortcut from your 'Shared' view.

Can I get a virus from just receiving a shared PDF notification?

Simply receiving the email notification or having the file appear in your 'Shared' view will not infect your computer. However, opening the file or clicking links inside it can expose you to malware or phishing.

Is there a way to block all unknown users from sharing files with me?

Microsoft does not currently offer a one-click setting to block all incoming file shares from unknown senders for personal accounts. Your best defense is to block individual senders and rely on Outlook's junk filters.

Document & File Issues