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 Instead, explore all the solutions you can use to avoid filling up your cloud storage with outdated or unnecessary files and folders.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.

Fix error cannot delete OneDrive files or folders
Pause OneDrive sync

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.

Install OneDrive files

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.

Fix error cannot delete OneDrive files or folders
OneDrive in Windows 10

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.

Sign up and earn $1000 a day ⋙

Leave a Comment

Summary of the best free online data storage websites today

Summary of the best free online data storage websites today

Nowadays, many users and businesses tend to reduce the need to depend on expensive hardware and infrastructure by putting files and applications in the cloud.

Why OneDrive Cant Replace Google Photos on Your Phone

Why OneDrive Cant Replace Google Photos on Your Phone

Some people have considered switching to Microsoft's OneDrive, because it offers great storage for Microsoft 365 subscribers and integrates with Windows. But is it a wise choice?

5 Best Automatic Photo Backup Apps for Android

5 Best Automatic Photo Backup Apps for Android

Here are the 5 best automatic photo backup apps for Android that you can refer to and use.

The easiest way to fix data sync errors with OneDrive on Windows 10

The easiest way to fix data sync errors with OneDrive on Windows 10

Microsoft's OneDrive cloud storage service is built into Windows 10. Thanks to Office integration and free use, OneDrive has become the favorite backup option for many people.

Google Photos and OneDrive: Which is the best photo backup tool?

Google Photos and OneDrive: Which is the best photo backup tool?

This article will evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of Google Photos and OneDrive so that you can choose the best photo backup tool for yourself.

How to delete synced settings on Windows 10

How to delete synced settings on Windows 10

The following article will show you how to turn off data synchronization and delete data that is synchronized on devices that are signed in to a Microsoft account.

How to set up a OneDrive account and use OneDrive to save data

How to set up a OneDrive account and use OneDrive to save data

OneDrive - Microsoft's online storage service is becoming one of the top choices of users when they want to back up their data on the Internet.

How to change the OneDrive password

How to change the OneDrive password

Changing your OneDrive password will help you keep your account safe whenever you feel unsafe. Changing the OneDrive password is also quite simple, not as complicated as many people think.

How to find files saved on many cloud services

How to find files saved on many cloud services

These online tools will help you find files you don't remember on many of the most popular storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive.

How to use OneDrive storage on iPhone?

How to use OneDrive storage on iPhone?

OneDrive is a cloud storage service similar to the Dropbox service. Allows users to download, sync and manage multimedia files, documents easily.

Latest Code of the Main Character Clash Clash

Latest Code of the Main Character Clash Clash

The game code Chu Cong Xung Xung Xung allows players to receive support when they first enter the game. These rewards will help you get acquainted with the game faster and will definitely attract new players. Enter the game code Chu Cong Xung Xung Xung below to receive gifts.

9 Best Local/Offline LLMs You Can Try Right Now

9 Best Local/Offline LLMs You Can Try Right Now

With quantum LLMs now available on HuggingFace and AI ecosystems like H20, Text Gen, and GPT4All allowing you to load LLM weights on your computer, you now have an option for free, flexible, and secure AI.

Reasons to Switch from Native Android Voice Recorder App to Dolby On

Reasons to Switch from Native Android Voice Recorder App to Dolby On

The default voice recorder on Android phones is flawed, lacking essential features like effective noise cancellation and powerful editing tools.

How to set default volume level for each application

How to set default volume level for each application

Setting a default volume level for each application is useful in some cases, such as you are watching a video using the Youtube application and want to reduce the volume of the ringtone and message tone so as not to be disturbed.

Collection of beautiful nail designs for Valentines Day

Collection of beautiful nail designs for Valentines Day

Pink glitter and red nail polish are especially suitable for Valentine's Day nails. What could be better than that? This article will summarize for you beautiful nail designs for a sweet date on Valentine's Day.

Status to change yourself, caption to change yourself to create motivation in life

Status to change yourself, caption to change yourself to create motivation in life

Below are statuses about changing yourself and captions about changing yourself that will help you have more motivation to adapt to life's changes.

IOS 19 Leak Reveals All-New Design

IOS 19 Leak Reveals All-New Design

Late last June, Bloomberg reported that Apple had begun development on iOS 19, macOS 16, watchOS 12, and VisionOS 3 for next year.

Super slimmed down Windows 11 version is just over 100MB in size

Super slimmed down Windows 11 version is just over 100MB in size

Developer NTDEV has created a stripped down version of Windows 11 that's just 100MB.

Invisibility shield makes people or objects behind it invisible.

Invisibility shield makes people or objects behind it invisible.

British scientists have created an invisible shield that can make people or objects behind them almost completely "disappear".

There are 3 doors in the world that cannot be opened.

There are 3 doors in the world that cannot be opened.

In the world, there are 3 doors that are said to be unopenable. And in fact, later generations have not tried to discover the secrets inside them.

What are the shadows of people and objects on the sidewalk left by the Hiroshima atomic bomb?

What are the shadows of people and objects on the sidewalk left by the Hiroshima atomic bomb?

After the US dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, two of Japan's largest cities, on August 6 and 9, 1945 respectively, dark shadows of people and objects appeared, scattered on the sidewalks and buildings there.

How to Block In-App Purchases on iPhone

How to Block In-App Purchases on iPhone

It's easy for adults to manage their App Store purchases. But it can be risky for kids. To prevent this, you can disable in-app purchases on your iPhone.

How to Use Scribe Al to Troubleshoot Home Computers

How to Use Scribe Al to Troubleshoot Home Computers

Scribe AI is a game-changer for this problem. It allows you to create easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions so family members can solve problems themselves, even when you're away.

5 AI Tools to Help You Write Your First Song

5 AI Tools to Help You Write Your First Song

The following tools will create a quick sketch to inspire or even help you create a complete track.

Devil Fruits Now Available in Blox Fruit

Devil Fruits Now Available in Blox Fruit

Every few hours, players can purchase a random Blox Fruit with a chance to get a better fruit. Although without the Devil Fruit Changer, you may miss out.