How to Restrict User Access to a Folder in SharePoint
- George Apostolov
How to Restrict User Access to a Folder in SharePoint: step-by-step guide
Inside the main dashboard of your SharePoint site, head over to the left-side panel and select a library.
After that, hover your mouse cursor over the folder with the access settings you wish to modify and then tap the 'More Actions' icon.
Select 'Manage Access' from the list of options.
Next, find the account you wish to restrict and then tap the access menu next to it.
Tap the 'Direct Access' option to proceed.
Subsequently, click the provided access menu.
Choose 'Remove Direct Access' from the list of options.
Finally, tap 'Remove' to confirm your request. The selected user will be restricted immediately from accessing your SharePoint folder.
Quick answer: To restrict user access in SharePoint, select a library from the left panel, open the folder's More Actions menu, and click Manage Access. Locate the account, open its access menu, select Direct Access, click the access menu again, choose Remove Direct Access, and confirm by tapping Remove.
About this SharePoint tutorial
Secure your SharePoint folders by removing direct user access. Follow these steps to manage permissions and restrict folder access instantly. This guide shows how to restrict User Access to a Folder in SharePoint in 8 steps, starting with "Inside the main dashboard of your SharePoint site, head over to the left-side panel and..." and finishing with "Finally, tap 'Remove' to confirm your request. The selected user will be restricted imm...". The interactive demo above is a click-through copy of the real SharePoint interface, so you can rehearse each step before doing it in your own account.
Frequently asked questions
How many steps does it take to restrict User Access to a Folder in SharePoint?
8 steps. Each one is listed in order above, and the demo highlights exactly where to click.
Can I try it without changing my own account?
Yes. Clicking through the demo doesn't touch your SharePoint data or settings. Once you know the flow, repeat it in your own workspace.
This tutorial is filed under SharePoint. Related guides: How to Save a SharePoint Site as a Template, How to Share Files in SharePoint and How to Share Files with External Users in SharePoint. Last reviewed 05 Oct 2026.
Create your first interactive demo in minutes
No credit card required • Start building today
