What Happens When You Unshare a Document Before It Is Read?
Question details
The user wants to know if a recipient can still access or view a shared document if the sharing permissions are revoked before the recipient opens the file.
- Product
- WPS Docs
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Revoking document sharing access before the intended recipient clicks the link or opens the shared file.
- Observed behavior
- The user wants to confirm that the recipient immediately loses all access and the document no longer appears in their shared lists once access is unshared.
Ensure you are logged into the original account used to share the file and have an active internet connection so that your revoked permissions sync immediately with the cloud.
Revoke Document Access to Block the Recipient
By actively removing the sharing link or user permissions, you ensure the recipient cannot open the document even if they have the original link.
When you unshare a document, the system immediately invalidates the recipient's viewing and editing permissions. If they have not opened the file yet, clicking the original sharing link will result in an 'Access Denied' or 'File Not Found' error.
Keep in mind that if you shared the file directly to their account, it will also instantly disappear from their 'Shared with me' folders.
Open your file manager or cloud document list and find the specific file you want to unshare.
Right-click the document and select 'Share', or click the 'Share' button located on the right side of the file name.
Navigate to the 'Shared Links' or 'Who has access' section in the sharing panel to view all active permissions.
Click 'Stop Sharing', toggle off the active link, or click the 'X' next to the specific user's name to revoke their access instantly.
Manage Document Permissions Securely with WPS Office
WPS Office provides robust and granular file sharing controls. You can easily track who has access to your files, set link expiration dates, require passwords, or revoke access at any time to keep your data secure.
- 1. Open WPS Office: Launch WPS Office and click on 'Docs' to access your cloud files.
- 2. Access the Share Menu: Hover over the document you shared, click the 'Share' icon, and select 'Share Settings'.
- 3. Review Access: Check the list of invited collaborators or active links generated for the document.
- 4. Revoke Access: Select 'Cancel Sharing' or modify the permission level from 'Editor' to 'No Access' to immediately enforce the restriction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the recipient get a notification when I stop sharing the document?
No, the recipient does not receive an alert or email when you revoke access. They will only discover the revoked permission when they attempt to open the shared link and receive an 'Access Denied' prompt.
Can the recipient still view the file if they already had the browser tab open?
If the recipient loaded the document in their browser before you unshared it, they might still see the currently loaded page. However, they will be blocked from saving changes, editing, or viewing further updates. Once they refresh the page, their access will be completely cut off.
How can I temporarily restrict access without permanently deleting the sharing link?
Instead of clicking 'Stop Sharing', you can modify the link settings by adding a password requirement or changing the permission from 'Editor' to 'Viewer'. You can remove the password later to restore full access without needing to generate and send a new link.
