How to stop sharing files or folders in OneDrive

Microsoft's OneDrive service provides access to any file or folder stored in your account through a cloud-based drive. When the owner of the file or folder allows shared access via a link, it allows collaboration or easy access to large files.

But what happens when shared access is no longer required or the link falls into unauthorized hands? Fortunately, you can stop shared access as quickly as you authorize. In this article, we will show you how to stop access to your personal OneDrive files and folders across different devices.

How to stop OneDrive file or folder sharing from PC

Here's how to stop sharing a link to a OneDrive file or folder using your PC:

1. Sign in to your OneDrive account through the app or OneDrive online.
   
2. From the "Files" screen, choose the file or folder you want to stop sharing.
   
3. Click on the 'Information' icon (i) in the upper right corner to access 'Details'.
   
4. In the "Details" pane under "Has access from (file or folder)", click on "Manage access".
   
5. To remove a shared link, select the "X" next to the link.
   
6. Click "Remove Link" to confirm.
   

How to Stop Sharing OneDrive Files or Folders from iPhone

To stop sharing a shared link to a file or folder using your iPhone, follow these steps:

1. Launch the OneDrive app and sign in to your account.
   
2. In the "Files" tab, tap the three-dot menu icon next to the file or folder you want to stop sharing.
   
3. Tap on the “Details” option.
   
4. Under the "Has access from (file or folder)" section, tap the right-pointing chevron "Anyone with this edit link."
   
5. Tap "Remove Access" to immediately stop sharing the link.
   

How to stop OneDrive file or folder sharing from an Android

If you need to stop sharing a OneDrive file or folder, here's how through your Android device:

1. Log in to your OneDrive account through the app.
   
2. In "Files," tap the three-dot menu icon next to the file or folder you want to stop sharing.
   
3. Tap on the “Details” option.
   
4. Under the "Has access from (file or folder)" section, tap the right-pointing chevron "Anyone with this edit link."
   
5. To stop sharing the link instantly, tap "Stop Sharing".
   

How do I stop OneDrive file or folder sharing from an iPad?

Here's how to stop sharing a OneDrive file or folder using your iPad:

1. Log in to your OneDrive account.
   
2. In the "Files" tab, tap the three-dot menu icon next to the file or folder you want to stop sharing.
   
3. Choose "Details".
   
4. Under the "Has access from (file or folder)" section, tap the right-pointing chevron "Anyone with this edit link."
   
5. To stop sharing the link, tap "Remove access".
   

Additional FAQ

How do I stop OneDrive from syncing folders?

Follow these steps to stop syncing your OneDrive folders:

1. Sign in to your OneDrive account through the app or OneDrive online.

2. Open "Settings".

3. Go to the "Account" tab.

4. Find the folder you want to stop syncing, then choose "Stop Syncing".

How do I change OneDrive sharing permissions?

Here's how to change sharing permissions for a OneDrive file or folder using your mobile app:

1. Log in to your OneDrive account and select the "Shared" tab.

2. Choose the file or folder whose permissions you want to change, then select the Information (i) icon.

3. Choose how you want to change permissions:

· To share the file or folder with other people, select “Add people”.

· Select "Manage Access" for more options. Here you can choose "Can edit" or "Can view" from the drop-down list or "Stop sharing".

What is the OneDrive sharing limit?

The file sharing limit on OneDrive is 250 gigabytes.

How can I find out who has access to my OneDrive?

Follow these steps to see who your files or folders are shared with in OneDrive:

1. Log in to your OneDrive account.

2. In your document library, select a file or folder.

3. Select the Share icon at the top.

4. If this file or folder is currently shared, a "Shared with" list will appear at the bottom of the Send Link window.

Access to your OneDrive items denied

OneDrive makes shared access to your files and folders super easy. However, recipients can forward the link to others, and it's essentially accessible to anyone with the link. Fortunately, at any time you can see who has shared access and either change the permission or simply stop shared access. After that, anyone trying to access the item will be unsuccessful.

Was there a time when other people accessed your shared file or folder that you didn't send the link to? Tell us in the comments section below.