Fix error cannot delete OneDrive files or folders

OneDrive is popular among Windows 10 users because of its ability to connect multiple devices and keep files in sync between them. However, it can sometimes crash and prevent you from deleting files or folders.

If this happens to you, don't panic. Instead, explore all the solutions you can use to avoid filling up your cloud storage with outdated or unnecessary files and folders.

1. First, make sure the file is closed.

You may not be able to delete the file because a program is currently using it. Make sure you close the file on your device and ask other users on your network to close it. Also, check to see if you're sharing the file with others and stop sharing it if you need to.

2. Check file and folder permissions

If the folder is shared with you by someone else, you may not have the necessary permissions to delete it, if someone changes the link permissions in OneDrive. You can ask an admin to grant permissions or request that the file be deleted for you.

3. Try deleting the file from another device

If you're the administrator of the file or have the necessary permissions but still can't delete the file, you can try deleting it on another device. Since all OneDrive files and folders are synced everywhere, you may be able to delete a file from your phone or another laptop.

4. Rename or move files or folders

This is a weird trick, but renaming a file can sometimes allow you to delete a file that can't be deleted. Select the file and press F2 or click Rename on the toolbar to change the file name. Then try to delete it.

If that doesn't work, you can also try moving the file, which works for some people. Cut out the file you can't delete, paste it outside the OneDrive folder, then try deleting it again.

5. Pause OneDrive sync

If OneDrive is currently syncing a folder, it will prevent you from deleting the file while it's running. However, you can temporarily stop syncing and delete the file.

Follow these steps to stop OneDrive syncing and delete the folder:

B1: Open OneDrive from the taskbar.

B2: Click on the Help & Settings icon , from the top right corner

B3: Click Pause syncing and select the time period you want to pause.

Wait a moment after pausing OneDrive sync and try to delete the file. If you want to resume syncing after deleting the file, open OneDrive and click the Pause button. Or go to Help & Settings > Unpause sync .

6. Turn off Files on Demand

OneDrive's Files on Demand feature lets you keep your files or folders in the cloud and access them from your device without downloading them first. This is a great option if you want to free up space on your HDD or SSD : however, it can prevent you from deleting files. Here's how to turn off Files on Demand:

B1: Right-click the OneDrive icon from the taskbar.

B2: Click Help & Settings > Settings .

B3: Select the Settings tab.

B4: Uncheck Save space and download files as you use them . If the option is already disabled, turn it on and off again.

B5: Click OK to save the changes.

Once you have successfully deleted the file, go through the steps again and turn Files on Demand back on.

7. Reset OneDrive

If you still can’t delete files from your OneDrive, you may want to reset it. Fortunately, resetting OneDrive won’t delete any of your folders or files. However, it will break all current sync connections, so you’ll have to re-add the folders you want to sync.

Here's how to reset OneDrive:

Step 1: Open the OneDrive app.

B2: Click on the three dot menu from the top right corner.

B3: Select Settings.

B4: Click Reset now from the bottom of the menu.

If Windows displays the Windows cannot find error message, launch Command Prompt with admin rights and run the command C:\Program Files\Microsoft OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset.

Delete file permanently

If you're having trouble deleting a particular file from OneDrive, you want to make sure it's gone for good. Once you've successfully deleted your OneDrive files or folders, there's an additional step you need to take if you want to delete them permanently. Launch the OneDrive app and from the left menu, open the Recycle Bin.

There you will see your deleted files. You can click Empty recycle bin and delete all files or select them individually before deleting.

Managing your OneDrive files can be difficult, especially if you have a lot of files and folders that are shared with others.

If you have the proper permissions and still can't delete the file, you can try one of the unusual fixes and rename the file or cut and paste it outside of OneDrive. If that doesn't fix your problem, you can reset the app or reconfigure its settings.

If you use OneDrive regularly, it's worth taking some time and learning more about its features, so you can get the most out of your account.