How To Delete A Folder In Onedrive That Won’t Delete

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by

Vector Linux
in

One of the most common annoyances when using OneDrive is coming across a persistent folder that cannot be deleted. I have personally faced this problem and dedicated a significant amount of time towards finding a solution. In this article, I will provide you with the step-by-step method that successfully sorted out the issue of deleting a stubborn folder from OneDrive.

Before we dive into the solution, it’s important to note that deleting a folder in OneDrive permanently removes it from your cloud storage. Make sure to double-check the contents of the folder and ensure you have a backup if needed.

Step 1: Check Folder Permissions

The first thing to do is to verify that you have the necessary permissions to delete the folder. Sometimes, you may encounter an error because you don’t have the appropriate access rights. To check the permissions:

  1. Right-click on the folder you want to delete.
  2. Select “Properties” from the context menu.
  3. Go to the “Security” tab.
  4. Click on “Advanced” to view the advanced security settings.
  5. Make sure your user account has “Full control” or “Delete” permissions. If not, you may need to take ownership of the folder or contact your administrator.

Step 2: Rename the Folder

In some cases, renaming the folder can help resolve the issue. Follow these steps to rename the folder:

  1. Right-click on the stubborn folder.
  2. Select “Rename” from the context menu.
  3. Give the folder a new name and press Enter.

Step 3: Use the OneDrive Website

If the folder still won’t delete, try using the OneDrive website. Here’s how:

  1. Open your web browser and go to the OneDrive website.
  2. Sign in with your Microsoft account credentials.
  3. Navigate to the folder you want to delete.
  4. Click on the ellipsis (…) next to the folder name.
  5. Select “Delete” from the dropdown menu.

Step 4: Use the OneDrive Desktop App

If the previous steps didn’t work, you can try deleting the folder using the OneDrive desktop app. Here’s how:

  1. Open the OneDrive app on your computer.
  2. Find the folder you want to delete.
  3. Right-click on the folder and select “Delete” from the context menu.

After following these steps, the stubborn folder should finally be deleted from your OneDrive. If you’re still encountering issues, it may be worth reaching out to Microsoft support for further assistance.

Conclusion

Dealing with a folder in OneDrive that won’t delete can be frustrating, but with patience and persistence, it can be resolved. Checking folder permissions, renaming the folder, using the OneDrive website or desktop app are all potential solutions to tackle this issue. Remember to exercise caution when deleting folders and always have a backup of important files. Happy organizing!