Removing a share takes the file and the particular permission you want gone. A file commonly carries several: a link anybody can use, a link for named people, and direct access for individuals.

Removing one leaves the others in place. That is why listing the permissions first is not optional, and why removing the sharing often turns out to mean removing one of three.

Start from the file rather than the person, because sharing lives on the file.

Before you begin

Have the person whose files these are, and know which file. Browsing their folders is how you find it if you only have a name.

Decide whether you are removing one share or all of them. The answer changes how many requests you make.

Remove the share

1. Open chat and check the client.
2. Ask Avvi to list the permissions on that file.
3. Read what is there. Note each permission you want removed.
4. Ask Avvi to remove the ones you named.
5. Ask for the permissions again and confirm what remains.

Step five is the verification. A file with one remaining link is still shared.

Good to know

A link that has already been copied stops working when the permission behind it is removed. That is the point of removing it rather than renaming the file.

Removing sharing does not delete the file. Neither the owner nor whoever held the link is told by Microsoft, so somebody who relied on it discovers that when they next try.

Avvi records the removal and includes it in your organisation’s own notification mail.

Verify it worked

List the permissions again and confirm the ones you removed are gone.

If the file should not be reachable externally at all, confirm nothing anonymous remains.

If something doesn’t look right

If the file is still reachable, list the permissions again. Another share is the usual explanation rather than a failed removal.

If you cannot find the file, browse the person’s folders rather than guessing at names.

If the file belongs to a site rather than a person, the share is managed there and not from their account.

To escalate, open a support conversation from the Help drawer with the client, the person and the file.

FAQ

Q: Does removing a share delete the file?

A: No. It only removes access.

Q: Will the person be told?

A: Not by Microsoft. Your own organisation gets a record of the removal.

Q: A link is still working.

A: Another permission is probably still in place. List them again.