Find and revoke an old OneDrive sharing link

A file shared for a short project can stay reachable long afterward. OneDrive and SharePoint may have several links or direct permissions for one file, so deleting one email or changing its subject does not remove access.

Before you start​

Identify the exact file or folder and the people who still need it. If it belongs to a shared team site, check ownership and retention rules before changing permissions.

Do it step by step​

1. Open OneDrive directly and select the item. Use Details or Manage access to inspect its current links and named people.
2. For each link, read its audience and capabilities. An Anyone link and an edit-capable link carry different exposure from a named, view-only invitation.
3. Remove an unused link using Remove Link or Stop sharing in the current interface. If a person's direct access remains, remove that permission separately where you are authorized.
4. If access is still required, create a narrower link or direct invitation with the appropriate view or edit setting. Use expiration where the account and link type support it.
5. Reopen Manage access and confirm the old link is gone. Tell collaborators if they must switch to a new link; keep an owner-approved record for sensitive material.

Check the result​

The current Manage access list should show only intended people and links. A collaborator can test the new link in a separate account; avoid testing while signed in as the owner.

If something goes wrong​

Organization policies and account plans affect available link types and expiration. Revoking a link will not erase copies already downloaded or forwarded.

Know the limit​

A link can be removed while another direct permission remains. Microsoft documents Manage access and Remove Link as separate controls for reviewing and stopping sharing. Microsoft's OneDrive sharing guide Microsoft's external sharing guidance